From Sept. 19 to Oct. 2, McGill’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) will host Indigenous Awareness Weeks (IAW), an annual two-week celebration of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people and culture.
The theme of this year’s event – honouring trailblazers – celebrates the groundbreaking work done by Indigenous academics, activists and artists, especially in the realm of education and knowledge transfer.
“We are honouring the work of visionaries within Indigenous education who came before us. Their work was integral to establishing a foundation for Indigenous presence within post secondary educational institutes,” said Prof. Celeste Pedri-Spade, Associate Provost (Indigenous Initiatives).
“At the same time, we must look forward, so we also acknowledge the significance of contemporary Indigenous voices that continue to push institutions towards the kinds of transformations that are necessary to providing a respectful and inclusive space for our future leaders.”
Pedri-Spade highlighted several events that embrace this year’s theme, including:
- The Opening Ceremony on Sept. 19. The keynote address will be delivered by noted Indigenous scholar Laara Fitznor “Dr. Fitznor had dedicated her career to decolonizing institutions and bridging pedagogies in order for people learn to challenge past wrongs and develop relationships based on respect, reciprocity and responsibility,” said Pedri-Spade.
- Discussions on centering Ojibwe Anishinaabe art on Sept. 24, by Carmen Robertson, Professor at Carleton University, and Rob Spade, Assistant Professor at the Schulich School of Music. “They will be looking at visual art as a form of knowledge and how it relates to story telling and lived experiences,” said Pedri-Spade.
- A presentation on Sept. 25, by Candace Brunette-Debassige, Assistant Professor & Director of Indigenous Education at Western University, on Indigenous women’s experiences in academia. “Dr. Brunette-Debassige’s new book outlines the kinds of challenges that are still facing Indigenous folks who are trying to take the lead in the work of Indigenization and decolonization,” said Perdi-Spade.
- A lecture on Oct. 1, by Karla Williamson, Principal Investigator, University of Saskatchewan, on advancing Inuit knowledges in post-secondary education.
Pedri-Spade said the awareness weeks spotlight issues that are relevant to Indigenous peoples across the McGill community.
“IAW aligns with McGill’s commitments outlined in the 52 Calls to Action towards Truth and Reconciliation,” she said.
“Specifically, they address Calls 48 and 50, which call upon the University to include Indigenous education and programing as part of the University’s strategic plan.”
New look Pow Wow
Long one of the centrepieces of Indigenous Awareness Weeks, McGill’s 23rd annual Pow Wow, to be held Sept. 20, will have a new look and new location this year.
Due to construction on Lower Field, the Pow Wow will be held in the Tomlinson Fieldhouse. There will be a shuttle from the downtown campus to Tomlinson Fieldhouse, picking up members of the public at the corner of McGill College and Sherbrooke. It will run every half hour, starting at 10 a.m.
Programming has also been adjusted. This year, morning performances of Inuit throat singing and Métis jigging will take place before the Grand Entry at 11:30 a.m. and the Opening Words by Elder Kevin Ka’nahsohon Deer.
Also new to Pow Wow will be Specials – friendly dance competitions – that are provide incentive for dancers to travel from further distances. There will be a Jingle Special and a Men’s Traditional Special in which participants perform traditional dances from their nation.
There will also be a Ribbon Shirt and Ribbon Skirt Special to allow those who can’t come to campus in full regalia – for example, students who have class – will allow them to take part.
Vendors will be selling their arts and crafts and the Native Friendship Centre will be fundraising by selling traditional foods.
Inclusivity and community building
The new ideas for Pow Wow were generated by an expanded organizing committee that included McGill staff and faculty.
“Inclusivity and community building is very important to us when organizing events like this” said OII’s Associate Director of Indigenous Student Success, Thomasina Phillips.
“It takes months to plan an event of this scale,” added Phillips. “The staff at First Peoples’ House have done an amazing job and placed a lot of time and care into this event because it invites Indigenous students to connect with one another as well as the broader Indigenous community in and around Montreal.”
Added Pedri-Spade: “Our team has developed a wonderful program of events. We are very fortunate to be hosting many Indigenous trailblazers this year and I encourage everyone to come out in the spirit of learning and honouring their voices and perspectives.”
Members of the McGill community can view a complete listing of IAW events online.