Indigenous Campus Network

Join in on a virtual medicine walk with Michel Durand Nolett (Abénaki), who introduces and discusses some of the medicinal plants at the Gault Nature Reserve. Note that this video series is presented in French.

To watch all the videos, click here! 

On Friday September 24th at 12:30pm, Eldon Yellowhorn (Simon Fraser University) will be presenting “Finding Indigenous Children: Forensic Anthropology and Restorative Justice” for a speaker series hosted by the Department of Anthropology.

Dr. Yellowhorn is Piikani and has family and cultural ties to the Peigan Indian Reserve.His early career in archaeology began in southern Alberta where he studied the ancient cultures of the plains. He is especially interested in the mythology and folklore of his Piikani ancestors in both ancient and recent times.

He was appointed to faculty at Simon Fraser University in 2002 and established the Department of First Nations Studies in 2012. He is the past president of the Canadian Archaeological Association (2010–2012) and the first Aboriginal person to hold this title. He continues his involvement in the CAA and is now the co-chair of the Ethics Committee. He is also working on the Ethics Task Force with the Society for American Archaeology as it reviews its statement of ethics for its membership

Click here to register! 

On September 14th, McGill hosted a virtual roundtable on UNDRIP for Indigenous Awareness Weeks, moderated by Yann Allard-Tremblay and opened by Geraldine Standup.

The panel features Eddie Cubillo (Larrakia, Wadjigan and Central Arrente), Sheryl Lightfoot (Anishinaabe), Dr. Claire Charters (Ngati Whakaue, Tuwharetoa, Nga Puhi and Tainui), June L. Lorenzo (Laguna Pueblo/Navajo) and Romeo Saganash (Eeyou).

Watch the full panel here:

In honour of the 2021 Fall equinox and the Harvest Moon we would like to offer the McGill community a chance to gather and harvest from the two Museum Pollinator patches.

This year the Harvest Moon happens on Monday, September 20—just two days prior to the September equinox. The full Moon that occurs nearest to the autumnal equinox is always called the ”Harvest Moon” because around the fall equinox, the full Moon rises around sunset for several nights in a row, which traditionally provided farmers with just enough extra light for them to finish their harvests before the killing frosts of fall set in. Normally, the Moon rises about an hour later each night, but around the time of the fall equinox, the angle of the Moon’s orbit and the tilt of the Earth line up just right and cause the Moon to rise only about 20 to 30 minutes later each night for several nights in a row.

Please take advantage of these extra minutes of sunlight to harvest from the Redpath Museum’s two gardens. You will find the locations and lots of notes  pinned in this downloadable StoryMap about foraging at McGill University’s downtown campus.

For example, in the Pollinator patch located beside the Burnside building you will find culinary herbs such as winter savory, sage and thyme, as well as roots from the medicinal plant Valerian. In the Pollinator patch located beside the Museum’s Geological Rock garden (west side of main entrance) you can harvest seed pods from the Delphinium and the Columbine.

If you are interested in spreading seeds collected from our hardy pollinator species such as Calendula (Calendula officinale), Eastern red columbine (Aquilegia) or Mallow (Malva sp.) please directly contact Ingrid Birker: ingrid.birker@mcgill.ca

See a small update from Jade LaFontaine, a graduate student in the Faculty of Education who received funding from ISCEI for her research.

I have finished my data collection and data analysis for my project: Bridging the Distance; Online Teaching Tools for Indigenous Language Instruction. I am working alongside teachers from Kanawakhe to find which online tools they prefer for online language instruction, as well as what they feel are missing from existing tools.

I also gave a workshop presentation to demonstrate to the teachers some potential project ideas using the tool list I created, as well as 19 video tutorials! I’m currently writing my thesis for December deadline.

McGill’s Indigenous Awareness Weeks (IAW) celebration is always a special event. One of the first major events of the new academic year, IAW brings together members of the University community to talk, to share and to learn about Indigenous peoples’ cultures.

But this year’s edition of IAW is even more special. “It’s a milestone event because this is our 10th anniversary,” says Carole Brazeau, Program Manager, Indigenous Initiatives. “In addition, IAW will end with the 20th anniversary edition of the First Peoples’ House Pow Wow. And, to top it off, IAW is part of McGill’s Bicentennial year. We have a lot to celebrate.”

Read the full article here.

The School of Continuing Studies (SCS) is pleased to welcome announce that the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) is welcoming George R Kennedy a new Faculty Lecturer. George joined SCS this August and is currently making his journey from New Hamburg, Ontario to Montreal to join us on campus.

George Kennedy is from Oneida nation turtle clan family.  His academic background includes a BA in History from University of Waterloo, MA in history from Wilfrid Laurier University, and is a PhD candidate in History at the University of Western Ontario. His primary research interest is Haudenosaunee diplomacy from ancient times up the Great Peace of Montreal. He developed a wholistic methodology based on the mind, body, and spirit to examine history. This is a well-balanced culturally based approach, which acknowledges ethical issues when utilizing Indigenous knowledge.

George, taught diverse courses at First Nations University, Western University, Wilfrid University and Conestago College where he also served on various committees. His professional experience also includes developing multiple educational and support programs that fostered student academic success and partnered with multiple First Nations and Indigenous Communities. George also has over 20 years of volunteer experience with various Boards of Directors and organizations that work for the betterment of this generation and those yet to be born.

George’s experience and knowledge will provide valuable contribution to SCS and the rest of McGill University community.

Please join in welcoming George and say Shé:kon

Recently, the Kahnawà:ke Education Center (KEC) has published Education Research Policy and Code of Research Ethics as a way to provide guidance and leadership in conducting ethically responsible research within KEC schools.

This policy explains the principles, protocols and procedures for conducting education research in partnership with the KEC. The contents provide a clear and concise guide for the development of respectful and ethical community-based research that benefits all parties interested in engaging with educational research in Kahnawà:ke while also preventing unauthorized research to take place.

Read the full document here.

The Indigenous Studies Program is searching for an Administrative Student Affairs Coordinator. Please share with anyone you know who may be interested in this role.

Under the direction of the immediate supervisor, provides administrative and secretarial support for administrative and student affairs activities. Participates in ensuring the smooth functioning of the unit’s operations. Responsible for documents and files of unit. Acts as resource person for policies and procedures. Coordinates activities related to admission, examinations, registration and graduation. Advises students and resolves problems in relation to their files. Edits documents for grammar and accuracy. Administers unit accounts.

Proven experience working with Indigenous communities or organizations assisting as a community liaison. Ability to support increasing the presence of Indigenous faculty, staff, and students on campus in addition to expanding its Indigenous initiatives and student mentoring.

See the full job listing here.

Preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous identity in filling this position. Included in this category are First Nations (status or non-status), Inuit and Métis people, as well as Native Americans and Alaskan Natives from the USA. Candidates with existing relationships to local Indigenous communities are especially encouraged to apply.

The Tenth Annual Indigenous Awareness Weeks will take place between September 13th to 24th. 

On Monday September 13th, join Otsi’tsaken:ra (Charles) Patton Kanien’kehá:ka Elder
from Kahnawa:ke for the Opening, and Welcome Remarks by Christopher Manfredi (Provost &
Vice-Principal Academic). As well, listen in on artistic performances by Beatrice Deer and Craig Commanda

See the Full Agenda here! 

On Thursday August 19, Ionkwahronkha’onhátie’ hosted a panel, Kanónhskon tewatewennaweiénstha’ (language learning in the home) with the support of ISCEI. The panel was in an immersion setting with limited English and was part of the final week in the Speaker Series, Owén:na Tewahthá:rahkw.

In the panel, they discussed some of the experiences of teaching language in the home. Panelists discussed the rewards and challenges that come with language learning, raising their children as first language speakers and their experiences as being both parent and teacher, with a Q/A period at the end.

See recordings and videos of the speaker series on Ionkwahronkha’onhátie’s Facebook Page.

On August 17th, Ionkwahronkha’onhátie’ in collaboration with ISCEI is hosting a panel discussing the different ways in which second language speakers acquired proficiency in Kanien’kéha. Listen to the discussion about their language learning journeys, what they’ve done or are currently doing to become proficient L2 speakers. There will also be a Q/A period at the end of the panel.

Note, this panel will be in an immersive environment with limited English. If you are interested in listening in, you can register here.

Tsi niieioierà:ton aonsaiòn:ronke’ – 17 shískare ne Seskéha, 2 nitiohwistà:’e

*aóskon onkwehonwehnéha*

Enhontá:ti/Panelists: Ryan Decaire (moderator), Kaienkwinehtha Ransom, Wenhni’tí:io Will Gareau tánon’ Jock Hill  

Kenh nón:we entewarihwaka’én:ion tsi na’teiohtánion tsi ronahronkhà:’on ne tekeníhaton raotiwén:na. Sheiatahónhsatat tsi shatiia’tátshon enthonthró:ri’ tsi na’tehonatohétston tsi ronahronkhà:’on, tsi nihotiié:ren ne ohén:ton, tánon’ tsi nihatiiéhrha nòn:wa. Nó:nen enwateweiennénta’ne’, enwate’shennaién:take ne thé:nen nahò:ten ahsherihwanón:tonhse’.

Through ISCEI, McGill students, staff, and faculty members are invited to apply for seed funding to support meetings and visits with Indigenous community organizations; bringing community members to McGill; experiential learning opportunities for students on and off campus; and other creative partnership opportunities for Indigenous community support on and off campus.

The deadline to apply for Fall Funding is September 15th. Students, staff and faculty can submit an application through our website, or directly apply here. Funding can be used within 12 months of the review date.

Click here to apply!

“Don’t forget that you’re a goose!” is a photovoice exhibition; a result of sharing circles held in April 2021 with members of the Indigenous community of Montréal/Tiohtià:ke who are from different Nations. The photos and their captions were proposed by the participants to fuel the conversations about their relations with the city of Montréal and in the city’s public spaces.

The objective is to integrate different perspectives to understand how to foster both Indigenous resurgence and the (re)negotiation of relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. This exhibition will eventually be presented in a public space in the city of Montréal.

Click here to view the online exhibition. 

Credits:

Pictures and captions: Richard Budgell, Vicky Boldo, Carole Brazeau, Geneviève Buckell, Craig Commanda, Chloe Polson, Jennifer Buckell and Carling Sioui.

Storymap by: Marie-Eve Drouin-Gagné, Stéphane Guimont Marceau, Jennifer Buckell and Carling Sioui.

Geese drawing: Kelly Minh Quan Vu.

This project is funded by SSHRC.

The McGill Visual Arts Collection is committed to strengthening local, contemporary Indigenous art practices in Canada and is actively working to increase the diversity and visibility of Indigenous art – modern and contemporary – across all campuses.

The VAC has created an interactive map where you are able to navigate the various Indigenous art collections publicly displayed on campus.

Click here to access the map and learn more about VAC’s initiative. 

Terry Young will be joining ISCEI as Program Manager, starting full time in October.

The Project Manager supports and manages the research activities of the developing Institute by forging strong relationships and identifying opportunities for collaboration, both among McGill-based researchers, as well as in partnership with local Indigenous communities.

Terry will be facilitating research and relationship-building through regular event planning, supervision of ISCEI’s administrative coordinator, and development of initiatives, including the development of Indigenous Language Revitalization research and programming; Indigenous Elder-, Artist-, and Writer-in-Residence programs; and regular academic workshops and symposia.

Terry Young is Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) and hails from Kingsclear First Nation located in New Brunswick. For the last 15 years, he’s resided on the Kanienkehaka Territory of Tiotake (Montreal) with his husband Justin Mahoney.

Young holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Thomas University, with a double major in Native Studies and Anthropology. He’s also received formal training on Community Planning and Development from Dalhousie University.

Both a pipe carrier for his people and a carrier of traditional Wolastoqew songs, Young has participated for many years in ceremonies with various Nations from all over Turtle Island. He is also a traditional ash basket maker, a craft he’s honed for more than 20 years.

Congratulations Terry!

Pick Your Path is an online career exploration and mentorship program for Indigenous youth happening from August 2nd to the 13th. Pick Your Path is a program developed by BRANCHES, with the goal to pique the interest of Indigenous students in education by offering an opportunity that gives exposure to various areas of study.

Pick Your Path! (PYP) is an online learning experience for Indigenous summer students between the ages of 16-25. BRANCHES will be providing students the opportunity to have a paid professional development and education experience from a distance. PYP students will meet weekly with an Indigenous post-secondary student mentor, with the program coordinator, and in a group setting. Additionally, students will attend online workshops and seminars led by Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals and professors.

To learn more about BRANCHES, click here!

On Thursday August 5th at 2pm, Sandra-Lynn Leclaire will be presenting “Reclaiming Haudenosaunee Archival Language Sources” in the panel series, Owén:na Tweathá:rakw.

Owén:na Tweathá:rakw is a panel series co-organized by ISCEI and Ionkwahronkha’onhátie’ with the goal of furthering knowledge and awareness about tools for language learning, transmission, and documentation, and identifying topics and tools to help language learners gain knowledge and skills in areas of interest in their language-learning paths.

More on Sandra-Lynn’s talk:

An important aspect of language revitalization that is often overlooked is the use of primary sources due to a lack of collaborative efforts and sharing of knowledge between linguists, historians, archivists, and Indigenous communities. One goal of my research is to provide Haudenosaunee community members with information about what Haudenosaunee language archival sources exist and how they can gain access to them. A large focus of my work has been on the manuscripts that French Jesuit missionaries worked on in the 1600s and early 1700s. With their advanced linguistic knowledge, they created and compiled both dictionaries and grammatical sketches. The work of the Jesuits and other Europeans is often seen as controversial, but these language documents have played a formative role in language revitalization. Primary source dictionaries and grammatical sketches can help us to comprehend historical changes in both Kanien’keha history and the Kanien’keha language.

If you are a second language speaker of Kanien’keha and would like to attend this talk, please email vanessa.racine2@mcgill.ca for more information.

The registration for the 2021 National Building Reconciliation Forum is now open!

The National Building Reconciliation Forum seeks to rally and bring together the main actors in the world of Indigenous education and all post-secondary institutions in Quebec and across Canada. As well, it will serve as a springboard to ensure that the ideas discussed at the forum come to fruition and that they help support Indigenous people in the process of taking charge of education by and for First Peoples and transforming Québec and Canadian society.

You can register with the link below:

https://event.fourwaves.com/348eb277-a0b3-4acf-9388-a485e95dfe4e/pages

McGill’s Department of Family Medicine is happy to announce that students can now register for two upcoming Indigenous Health courses. Indigenous Perspectives Decolonizing Health Research (FMED 506), a one-credit course, will be offered in fall 2021 by Prof. Alex McComber, Kanien’keha:ka from Kahnawake Territory, QC. This graduate foundation course explores Indigenous-grounded health promotion in primary health care, with the goal to foster more meaningful patient and community engagement in research and practice. Inuit Health in the Canadian Context (FMED527), a one-credit course, will be offered in winter 2022 by Prof. Richard Budgell, Labrador Inuk. The course will explore the histories, perspectives and contemporary realities of Inuit health in the four regions of Inuit Nunangat (the Inuit homeland) with a particular focus on the Nunavik region of northern Quebec.

You can register for these courses on Minerva.

FMED 506: Indigenous Perspectives Decolonizing Health Research (1 credit) – Fall 2021 by Alex McComber

This graduate foundation course explores Indigenous-grounded health promotion in primary health care, with the goal to foster more meaningful patient and community engagement in research and practice. This course will explore the nature of Indigenous Peoples’ ways of understanding the world and cultural ways of knowing and doing, with focus on health and wellness. It will review the Canadian history of colonization and assimilation, and the outcomes and impacts through the lens of Indigenous Peoples. The course will review the powershift as Indigenous Peoples, scholars and communities participate, share and control the health and wellness clinical and research agenda.

FMED527: Inuit Health in the Canadian Context (1 credit) – Winter 2022 by Richard Budgell

The course will explore the histories, perspectives and contemporary realities of Inuit health in the four regions of Inuit Nunangat (the Inuit homeland) with a particular focus on the Nunavik region of northern Quebec. The Inuit of Nunavik are the second-largest Inuit community in Canada, with a population of 11,000 living in 14 communities. Nunavik is part of the McGill Réseau universitaire intégré de santé et services sociaux. That gives McGill’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences a unique rationale, and opportunity, to offer, under the sponsorship of Family Medicine, a course on Inuit health in the Canadian context.