Resurgence, Reconciliation, and Revitalization: Diverse Indigenous Perspectives
The 2016 First Peoples' House, ISA, and Cousins Conference
In 2016, First Peoples' House partnered with MISC and Indigenous Studies to support the Indigenous Student Alliance (ISA) at McGill and students of Cousins, our Indigenous peer mentorship program, in organizing the first academic conference at McGill directed and presented entirely by Indigenous students, staff, community leaders, and academics. The conference addressed themes of resurgence, reconciliation, and revitalization from diverse Indigenous perspectives. Through the various panel sessions and presentations, the conference addressed the topics of health, education, language, identity, art, Indigenous experiences within the institution, and Indigenous methodologies.
This one day event was effective at creating a platform within the academy to ensure Indigenous research and perspectives are shared and heard, and it served as a form of resurgence and reclamation, allowing students to establish academic and cultural assertion to McGill. In light of this event's success, First Peoples' House looks forward to continuing these partnerships in making the conference an annual occurence.
2016 Conference Participants:
KEYNOTE: Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
PRESENTERS AND PANELISTS:
Alex McComber
Allan Downey
Bill Shead
Ernest Webb
Paige Isaac
Kalvin Hartwig
Loretta Robinson
Toni House
Waneek Horn-Miller
STUDENT ORGANIZERS, PANELISTS, AND RESEARCHERS:
Alex Gray
Ashley Bach
Carlee Kawinehta Loft
Caroline Grady
Christian Quequish
Kalvin Hartwig
Larissa States
Leslie Anne St. Amour
Loretta Robinson
Meghan Eaker
Nicole Davies
Ray Aldred
Samuel Marticotte
Sandra Leclaire
Travis Wysote
Victoria Gagne
Yann Allard-Tremblay
Opening and Closing Prayers and Ceremony with Tewakierakwa Louise McDonald and Opening Song by Alex Gray
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: First Peoples' House at McGill Univeristy, McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, Indigenous Studies Department of McGill University, Indigenous Student Alliance (ISA), and Cousins Indigenous Student Peer Mentorship Program.