Chair on Truth and Reconciliation 2017 Annual Report
Community engagement The CTR hosTed oR pARTiCipATed in 20 CommuniTy engAgemenT evenTs. The CTR was invited to serve as a thought leader for the opening of the Near North Enviro Education Centre Grand Opening in Sundridge, south of North Bay, Ontario by Jocelyn Pam, owner and operator of the Glen Bernard Camp for kids. This event at the end of September was also attended by the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, the Hon. Carolyn Bennett on September 30, 2017
The CTR and the Hon. Carolyn Bennett, MD, MP., hosted an “Informal Discussion on Community Reconciliation, Research and Evaluative Frameworks” on August 17th 2017 with an attendance of 50 people from the Lakehead and Thunder Bay community. The CTR, Erin Dixon, and Ry Moran participated in a “Designing Reconciliation Frameworks for Allies” at the Banff Centre for Leadership and Creativity, Banff, Alberta, August 14-16th 2017 The CTR was invited by the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, the Hon. Carolyn Bennett to participate in the announcement of the opening of the new Commission on Truth and Reconciliation in Ottawa, on June 21st 2017
The CTR was invited by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada to a presentation ceremony honouring the recipients of “Imagine a Canada” for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s national art and essay competition, June 20th 2017 The CTR attended the “Girls Concert” hosted by James Wilkinson and Moffat Mukuto at the Prince Arthur Hotel and offered words of encouragement and reconciliation, along with Frank Pullia and a Thunder Bay Police Officer, to youth across the city of Thunder Bay on May 26th 2017
The CTR met with Frank Pullia and spoke to Norm Gale about the urgency of actioning the reconciliation proposals for Thunder Bay, the CTR has diligently followed up with INAC and the MIRR to follow the proposals filed with both governments and will keep the President appraised of developments, May 25th & 26th 2017 On May 26th the CTR met with the Red Sky Metis regarding their request for an MOU with Lakehead University and recognition of their long standing residency on this territory and as a signatory group of 84 “half breeds” to the Robinson Superior Treaty – will follow up with Red Sky and the President when Red Sky drafts and submits a proposal.
The CTR hosted and financed a “Run for Clean Water” by former Lakehead University nursing student Hasan Seyad, see www.A2cw.org for more information and connected him on his national run to First Nations people across Canada, April 1st The CTR attended the Lakehead Native Student Union Pow Wow, danced in the Grand Entry with Alvin Fiddler, Grand Chief of Nishawbe Aski Nation and participated in a local TV station interview about the value of the Pow wow in prompting and promoting reconciliation in Thunder Bay and the NW Region, March 11th The CTR met with the City of Thunder Bay on the Reconciliation Proposal and next steps for our reconciliation partnership on February 17th 2017
The CTR gave an inspiring oral presentation to Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School students at the Lakehead University Law School on why getting an education is important on February 17th 2017 The CTR met with Joe McGill, the community capacity development coordinator for Thunder Bay, to discuss working together in the spirit of reconciliation on January 4th 2017 CTR had 5 International students over on Christmas Eve for dinner and a rousing game of Canadian Trivia – building reconciliation through Canadian traditions, December 24th 2016
CTR met with the City of Thunder Bay to discuss Community Partners Student Orientation to the city with Ashley Nurmela and John Hannam on December 22nd 2016 The CTR was invited to mediate a reconciliation session for MNRF (Matthew Orok) on First Nations Hunting and Fishing at Lac Seul First Nation and Treaty 3 on December 13th 2016 In December 2016 the CTR and Historian John Steckley agreed to collaborate on the research and interview process for preparing his upcoming book, “Chippewa of Georgina Island: A People of Stories” by Dr. John Steckley and the Elders of Georgina Island First Nation. Cynthia will also review the manuscript for Siobhan McMenemy, Senior Editor, WLU Press, Wilfrid Laurier University.
The CTR has sat on the Teach for Canada Board for the past three years and through her efforts and support for their program Lakehead Thunder Bay annually hosts the TRC Summer Enrichment Program. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Chris Henderson and Judith Sayers served as contributors to the Open Access Energy: COP22 Brief, Waterloo Global Science Initiative by authors Mariano Arriaga, Michael Brooks, Nigel Moore in November 2016
The CTR continues to work with the Hon. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, the Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development Labour, and the Government of Canada on an informal advisory basis to create a strong foundation for research and inclusion of Lakehead students on a variety of issues and to begin the conversation at Lakehead on the establishment of a Collaborative Centre on Child Welfare Reform and Reconciliation research for both undergraduate and graduate students.
public lectures and presentations The CTR pResenTed 37 puBliC ConveRsATions on TRuTh And ReConCiliATion ACRoss CAnAdA. The CTR provided an overview on the President’s Council on Reconciliation at the Orillia Campus for staff and students, September 11th, 2017
The CTR did a presentation on “Reconciliation in Northwestern Ontario” to Rotary, Thunder Bay, Ontario, August 24th 2017 The CTR did a presentation on “What is Reconciliation?” to Rotary, Barrie, Ontario, August 2nd 2017 The CTR did a talk on “Reconciliation and Education in Northern First Nations” for the Teach for Canada Summer Enrichment Program on July 24th 2017 The CTR was called upon to testify on the long-standing effects of Historic Trauma at the Cat Lake First Nation, Wesley Inquest on July 6th 2017 The CTR was invited to participate in a “Canada 150 – Book Interview and was a thought leader and round table participant, along with Susan Murray and Joe Manget in Toronto on June 19th 2017 The CTR offered a conversation on “What Do We Need to Know About Domestic Violence?” for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit on June 16th 2017 The CTR was invited to Ottawa to the “Indigenous Controlled Technology Forum and MMIW” and presented on a panel with Jennifer Lord, Regional Chief Isadore Day, John Paul, Grand Chief Joe Norton and Chief Byron Louis at Wabano on June 7th The Hon. Carolyn Bennett, Peter O’Brian (TVO) and the CTR hosted a screening of the film “Survivors Rowe” in Ottawa for the Liberal Caucus on May 31st 2017 The CTR presented a conversation on “Sexual and Domestic Violence” for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, May 25th 2017
The CTR presented a keynote on “Truth and Reconciliation and Social Work Reform,” Social Workers Association of Northwestern Ontario on May 6th 2017
The CTR delivered a 1.5-hour key note address to St. Georges United Church in Toronto on ‘Now that we have reconciled, do we have reconciliation?” on April 23rd 2017 The CTR delivered a three-hour address to the Church of the Redeemer in Toronto, Church of the Redeemer’s website to give you some background on the community. http://www.theredeemer.ca/Page/AIWG.html, on April 22nd 2017
The CTR presented a keynote address on Ethical Leadership and Indigenous Peoples in Canada for Lakehead/YMCA Not-for-Profit Leadership Program, Phase III for Frank Cappadocia at Geneva Park, Orillia, during dinner on March 30th 2017 The CTR delivered a workshop on “What we need to know about Aboriginal Health” for the North West Local Health Integration Network, which was also attended by the Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario at the suggestion of the CTR so the LG could gain an understanding and share in a local conversation on Indigenous health on February 16th 2017
The CTR participated in a video presentation on Indigenous issues, success and hosted a Q & A with Jaylen Roswell and classmates from the Bishop Paul Francis Reding Secondary School, a coeducational Catholic high school in Milton, Ontario, Canada. This school offers grades nine through twelve and is part of the Halton Catholic District School Board, April 17th 2017
The CTR delivered a conversation on “The Chair on Truth and Reconciliation” for the LUNSA Speaker Series at Lakehead University in the Study on January12th 2017
The CTR delivered a workshop on Reconciliation through Indigenous History to the MNRF in Thunder Bay on April 11th 2017
The CTR was invited to host a “Mediation and Reconciliation session for First Nations Hunting and Fishing” at the Lac Seul First Nation and Treaty 3 territory, with MNRF, Matthew Orok on December 13th 2016
The CTR delivered a key note address to the 1st Ontario Great Lakes Management Unit Conference at Geneva Park, Orillia on April 5th 2017
The CTR delivered a keynote address on “Indigenous Health Indicators and the TRC” Porcupine Health Unit, Timmins, Ontario on December 9th 2016
The CTR delivered a workshop on Truth and Reconciliation through the Calls to Action to the MNRF Fire Fighters Association in Sudbury, Ontario on April 4th 2017
The CTR participated on a panel addressing “Education and Reconciliation in Canada” for the Conference Board of Canada, Marriott Centre, Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Heather McCaggNystrom, Vice-President, Community and Extensions Aurora College, Yellowknife North Slave Campus and Jennifer St. Germain, Director, Education and Training Métis Nation of Ontario, w/moderator JP Gladue Toronto on December 1st 2016
The CTR attended the joint committee on Anti-Racism and Diversity in Thunder Bay and delivered a key note address on Reconciliation and its importance to our city, April 3rd 2017
The CTR met with the Assembly of First Nations Youth Council on Reconciliation as a Pathway to Tomorrow, in Ottawa on February 5th 2017
The CTR discussed “The 94 Calls to Action and Indigenous Education” for the Aboriginal Education Council, by Skype from Thunder Bay to Toronto on November 19th 2016 The CTR spoke to “Healing and Reconciliation” Niagara Victim Services, and the Ontario Native Women’s Association, Mother Meera Centre, Niagara and Welland on November 17th 2016 The CTR and Tyson MacGillivray delivered a discussion on the “Verna J. Kirkness Report and AMP”, National Gathering for Indigenous Education on November 3-5th 2016
The CTR participated on a panel at the “Implementing Reconciliation Summit” with Melanie Goodchild, Cora Voyageur, Carol Anne Hilton, Erin Dixon, and Don McIntyre Banff Centre, Alberta, October 29th & 30th 2016
The CTR was invited to discuss “Healing Trauma and Addictions in Indigenous Community” at NNADAP in Sault Ste. Marie on October 25th 2016 The CTR was invited to be the Master of Ceremonies for “The Secret Path: Community Engagement Event” at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on October 23rd 2016 The CTR participated on a panel on the “Implementation of mandatory Indigenous studies education at Lakehead” with Kevin Settee and Jacqueline Romanow at the University of Albert on October 21st 2016 The CTR discussed “Indigenous History and 94 Calls to Action, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Branch (AFFES) in partnership with Paul Gamble Sudbury on October 17th & 18th 2016 The CTR participated on a panel discussing “Investing in Today, Building for Tomorrow: Indigenous Leadership and Relationship Building into the Future” for the Ministry of Natural Resources Senior Management with David Lindsay and Mike Dover at the Nottawasaga Inn, Alliston on October 7th 2016
The CTR delivered a workshop on “Truth and Reconciliation and the 94 Calls to Action, “Reconciling with Indigenous Canada at OPSEU with Senator Murray Sinclair in Cornwall, Ontario on October 1st 2016 The CTR offered a workshop on “Indigenous History and 94 Calls to Action for the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Branch (AFFES) in partnership with Paul Gamble in Thunder Bay on September 20th & 21st 2016 The CTR offered a workshop on “Indigenous Issues and Reconciliation” at Crown School in Barrie at the Kempenfelt Centre on September 12th 2016
Academic lectures CTR pResenTed 20 ACAdemiC leCTuRes ACRoss CAnAdA. The CTR presented “Reconciliation Thunder Bay and the Law” at the Bora Laskin Law School and welcomed the students to the new academic year on August 31st 2017 The CTR presented a keynote on “Reconciliation and Indigenization” for Georgian College in Barrie on June 29th 2017
The CTR was featured as the keynote speaker at the National Conference of the Canadian Association for the Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment in Higher Education (CAPDHHE), immediately preceding a panel discussion on “the role of academic institutions in responding to the TRC’s Call to Action” on June 9th 2017 The CTR taught a class on Reconciliation, Social Justice and NGO’s at Lakehead University, Orillia, for Gary Pluim, Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies on March 30th 2017
The CTR delivered a keynote address and panel presentation on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Centre for Aboriginal Student Services at York University as part of their 8th Annual Inclusion Day Conference and reflecting upon the theme – Canada and Human Rights at 150 years on January 27th 2017 The CTR attended a meeting of like-minded regional universities at the Vancouver Island University: Shq’ apthut/Gathering Place with Moira McPherson and Lakehead Faculty on January 8-10th 2017 The CTR provided a background on Truth and Reconciliation at a Student Affairs Retreat for Lakehead Thunder Bay and Orillia on December 7th 2016 The CTR hosted Lakehead University’s Fall 2016 Senior Management Team meeting in order to educate it on Truth and Reconciliation on November 18th 2016
The CTR taught a class for medical students at the University of Toronto on Reconciliation and Rural and Remote Child Welfare on March 29th 2017
The CTR presented on the “Chair on Truth and Reconciliation” for Indigenous Feminism Class, for Dr. Jan Oakley at Lakehead Thunder Bay on November 11th 2016
The CTR taught a class at Oshki Pimache O Win for students in Social Justice, Thunder Bay on March 28th 2017
The CTR facilitated a discussion on “Truth and Reconciliation” for the Crestwood Preparatory College, Human Rights Symposium in Toronto on November 10th 2016
The CTR gave an inspiring oral presentation to Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School students at the Lakehead University Law School on why getting an education is important on February 17th 2017 The CTR spoke at the Queens Native Student Association Conference – “Inspiring a Generation” in Kingston on February 4th 2017 The CTR taught a class at Confederation College for Kim Ducharme on reconciliation and Social Justice in Thunder Bay on February 1st 2017
The CTR was invited to keynote and teach a class on the “TRC Calls to Action” for Prof. AnnMarie Walsh, Social Work, and Prof. Marian Archibald, Education at Lakehead Orillia on November 9th 2016
The CTR attending a session on supporting relationship building with the Orillia Campus, where the CTR was invited to keynote on “Indigenizing the Academy” for Rosseau Lake College in the Muskokas for Lance Postma on November 7th 2016 The CTR delivered a 3-hour (filmed) discussion on “Truth and Reconciliation – 94 Calls to Action” at Georgian College – Indigenous Knowledge Sharing for Georgian College’s Professional Development Workshop Series on Nov 2nd 2016 The CTR spoke to “Indigenous Content Requirements” the Lakehead experience for the University of Alberta conference organized by Keavy Martin on October 21st 2016
The CTR spoke to “Implementing the Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action”, for the National Vice-Presidents’ Academic Council (NATVAC) along with Frank Deer and Margaret Kovach at Concordia University, Montreal on October 13th 2016
professional Appointments Committee Member - Canada School of Public Service (CSPS), 2017 Committee Member - Right to Play Canada Board Member - Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, 2016-2018 Ministers Special Representative (MSR) Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, August 2016 – March 2017
The CTR spenT 61 dAys on The RoAd, on BehAlF oF The minisTeR oF indigenous And noRTheRn AFFAiRs CAnAdA, WiTh The AppRovAl oF lAKeheAd univeRsiTy, meeTing WiTh FiRsT nATions, meTis And innu peoples on The impACTs oF Child WelFARe on TheiR FAmilies And CommuniTies. As the MSR the CTR travelled to British Columbia with the INAC Director General for Child Welfare from November 22nd though November 30th to discuss Child Well-Being with the BC Leadership Council, the BC Health Authority, Delegated Child Welfare Agencies and several First Nation communities and nations, and the North Shore Chiefs Council. The MSR/CTR traveled to the Province of Alberta from January 15th through the 20th to meet with delegated Indigenous Child Welfare Agencies, Minister Freehan from the Provincial Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, and several First Nations and Leaders. The MSR/CTR traveled to southern Ontario with the Regional Director General of Child and Family from January 23rd to the 26th to meet with the leadership of the Saugeen First Nation, the Chippewa of the Thames and the London Children’s Aid Society. The MSR/CTR travelled to the Atlantic Provinces from February 6th through the 11th and met with delegated Aboriginal Agencies in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island as well as Chiefs and Nation Representatives. The MSR/CTR travelled to Quebec from February 19th through the 24th to discuss the reform of Child Welfare with Chiefs, delegated agencies and community members.
The MSR/CTR travelled to Saskatchewan from February 26th through March 4th to discuss the reform of Child Welfare with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, and community members, delegated agencies, the child advocate, and leadership. The MSR/CTR travelled to the Yukon from March 5th through the 10th and attended ministerial meetings, community sessions, traveled to Old Crow First Nation, went dog sledding at 46 below zero. The MSR travelled to Manitoba from March 13th through the 17th and met with the All Agencies of Manitoba Assembly, Derek Nepinak and several other chiefs, community members and Indigenous organizations. The MSR travelled to Newfoundland/Labrador from March 19th through the 22nd and travelled to the communities of Sheshatshui and Natuashish, both very remote communities where we went out to visit their traditional camps by helicopter. The MSR spent three days in Ottawa, meeting with headquarters staff on the MSR report and attending the Indspire Awards with her husband, Minister Carolyn Bennett and her husband Peter O’Brien. She stayed the night with the Minister and was able to have some comprehensive conversations on what has happened over the past three months, and where Lakehead would like to be with the centre, and other reconciliation matters.
media presentations and interviews The CTR diReCTly hosTed oR pARTiCipATed in 22 mediA iniTiATives. “The Controversy of Naming: John A MacDonald School names” CBC – Ontario Morning, August 25th 2017 “MMIW and the AFN Resolution” CBC Syndicate, 3.5 hours, July 28th 2017 “Causes of Suicide in Indigenous Youth” CBC – The Current, July 21st 2017 “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Inquiry” CBC, Here and Now, July 11th 2017 “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Inquiry” CBC Syndicate, 3 hours, July 5th 2017 “100 Wellington - Indigenous Dedication of Building” Here and Now CBC Radio for Jill Deacon, June 21st 2017 Education pathway to lift our nations and restore strengths, Opinion, MuskokaRegion.com, June 7th 2017 TVO – The Agenda Production on the MMIW Commission, Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux and Kathryn Hensel http://tvo. org/video/programs/the-agenda-with-steve-paikin/ mmiwg-the-inquiry-has-begun on June 2nd by Skype. The Missing and Murdered Women and Girls Commission, a National CBC Syndicate on the MMIW Commission for 3 hours on May 30th 2017 The CTR did a live interview with CBC on Trudeau and his visit with the Pope and request for an apology, May 29th 2017 “Reconciliation and Social Work” with Lisa Laco on CBC Superior Morning, May 9th 2017
Reconciliation, Treaties and Indigenous history in Canada, the CTR participated in a live, interactive roundtable on treaties, reconciliation and Indigenous history in Canada, with Ry Moran and Eldon Yellowhorn hosted by CBC and Duncan McCue featuring Indigenous community leaders, educators and advocates, April 26th http://www.cbc.ca/2017/canadathestoryofus/ reconciliation-treaties-and-indigenous-history-incanada-a-reading-list-1.4088181 “Lakehead’s Indigenous Content Requirement and Reconciliation” New York Times, March 1st and March 6th 2017 “The Chair on Truth and Reconciliation, Shaw Cable, Steve Mantis and Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Thunder Bay, Ontario, December 7th 2016 “Truth and Reconciliation and the Chair for Lakehead, Patricia Tomasi and Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Rogers Cable TV Barrie, Ontario, November 1st “Implementing Reform in Child Welfare” for APTN, November 3rd 2016 “Stopping Indigenous Youth Suicide” with Anne Marie Tremonte, The Current, CBC, November 3rd 2016 “Reconciliation in Canada” Roger Cable TV, Barrie, Ontario, November 1st 2016 “Halloween Costumes” CBC, October 24th 2016 “Team Names and Controversy” CBC, October 12th 2016 “Indigenous Content Requirement at Lakehead University” CBC Winnipeg, September 29th 2016 “Indigenous Content Requirement at Lakehead University” Ontario Morning, with Wei Chen, September 20th 2016
GENERAL PUBLICATIONS
THESIS COMMITTEE WORK
In September the CTR wrote a short article entitled, “What is Lateral Violence?” on how lateral violence hurts relationships, for Voices of Visions Magazine
2017
Gauthier, Michael (Ph.D.) Restorying the Lives of Aboriginal People Connected with the Criminal Justice System. Cultural Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, August 9th (degree granted)
2017
Wabie, Joey-Lynn (Ph.D.) “KIJIIKWEWIN-AJI: SWEETGRASS STORIES” Faculty of Graduate Studies / Faculté des études supérieures Rural and Northern Health, Laurentian University/ Université Laurentienne 935 Ramsey Lake Road / 935 chemin du lac Ramsey, Sudbury, Ontario, CANADA P3E 2C6, May 23rd (degree granted)
2017
Gelman, Mimi (Faculty) Provided tenure review for eligible faculty at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Served as an external referee for the tenure and promotion process of a faculty member in Foundation Design, January 12th
2016
Gaudet, Ms. Cindy Janice (Ph.D.) “Stories of the Land: Regenerating Life, Knowledge, and Well-Being in Moose Cree First Nations Community” Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at the University of Ottawa, The School of Human Kinetics, Thesis supervisor – Dr. Alexandra Arellano – External Evaluator (degree granted)
The CTR wrote a short article on “Hope in 2017 and 2018” on Canada’s changing relationships for the Northwest Women’s magazine by the Chronicle Journal, Thunder Bay “Home on Native Land? for CBC – Canada 150 Series, June 2017 “Canada 150 and Where are the Children?” Voices of Visions, Suicide Publication, Spring 2017 “Listening So Kids Will Speak” Voices of Visions, Energy Publication, October 6th 2016
REFEREED PUBLICATIONS “Harper’s New Dawn”, Chapter for The Harper Factor - Edited by Jennifer Ditchburn and Graham Fox, McGill-Queen’s University Press, October 26th
JURIED CONFERENCES “Ask me about Trauma and I will show you how we are trauma informed” Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Magdalena Smolewski, Jade Huguenin, and Dakota Heon NAISA Conference, UBC, Vancouver, June 22-24th 2017
other lakehead and nW ontario Reconciliation initiatives eneRgy TRAnsiTion pAThWAys FoR ReConCiliATion: Keewaytinook Okimakanak First Nation Communities, Northwestern Ontario The energy insecurities prevalent in the off-grid, remote Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) First Nation communities, nestled in the boreal landscape of northwestern Ontario are the focus of our research study. Their unique energy-related challenges are complex with historical, geographic, cultural, technological, and regulatory contexts. The learnings are to enhance understanding of the “contextual” complexities and the deeper trajectories as the communities’ transition to technologically advanced energy systems. The energy transition process is a stepping stone in building renewed relationships in the spirit of reconciliation. In deliberating Canada’s energy system�from generation through distribution and transmission, the contributions of First Nations to the country’s energy sector is to be recognized and acknowledged. Opportunities abound for the Crown to make meaningful consultations, engagements, and contributions towards sustainable energy planning and enhance the lives of the First Nations people. Roopa Rakshit, Ph.D Candidate Supervisor: Dr. Chander Shahi Faculty of Natural Resources Management Lakehead University Email: rrakshi2@lakeheadu.ca
siouX looKouT iniTiATives On August 3rd Sioux Lookout Municipal Council adopted CAO Ann Mitchell’s report on the ‘General Municipal Directional Responses’ to the Calls to Action in the TRC of Canada Report. The Council also authorized the establishment of ‘The Mayor’s Committee on TRC’. That Committee was initiated in early September and meets on a regular basis. We are progressing through our ‘formative’ stage at this time in a very positive manner. Regards, Doug Doug Lawrance Mayor The Corporation of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout P.O. Box 158 25 Fifth Avenue Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A4 (807) 737-2700 x2221 (807) 738-0206 (cell) (807) 737-3436 (fax) dlawrance@siouxlookout.ca www.siouxlookout.ca
lAKeheAd oRilliA CAmpus Orillia Campus will have a tipi-raising in September 2017 on site in the garden zone. In spring 2017 we had a planting ceremony for the Three Sisters gardens, in which we are actively partnering with Ambe Tigadaw, a food security group associated with the Orillia Native Women’s Group. We have a great partnership with Tareyn Johnson, Allysha Wassegijig, and local gardener Jacob Kearey-Moreland and we are working together on the Four Directions garden. We work with an elder in a mentoring program associated with this initiative as well. In the last school year, Allysha led us in the Blanket Exercise, and we also did this with our Humanities 101 cohort this past year. I’m teaching two courses this fall and I’ve reached out to Sherry Lawson (storyteller and member of Mnjikaning First Nation at Rama) in relation to these. “The Office of Community Programs, which I coordinate, is very committed to processes of Truth and Reconciliation” at the outset. These initiatives are being supported by both AMP and the Office of Community Programs. All best, Linda Rodenburg
lAKeheAd ThundeR BAy CAmpus Bryanna Scott, Lakehead University and Brandi Shorthouse, Administrative Assistant The Department of Aboriginal Education In the spirit of reconciliation Lakehead excels in supporting and advancing “Aboriginal languages which are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them” (TRC recommendation 14.1). Lakehead’s Native Language Instructors’ Program (NLIP) is an educational unit in the Department of Aboriginal Education that offers teachers candidates who will be teachers of Aboriginal languages a series of courses interspersed with practicum experiences in home communities. The program prepares candidates to teach students whose first language is English. The NLIP is unique in that it offers Native language teacher certification.
lAKeheAd univeRsiTy – oRilliA CAmpus I taught a small 3-week module on Truth and Reconciliation this past winter in my first year Social Justice Inquiry course, INTD 1011, even though the course is not designated as an Indigenous content course. As part of a case study, students (25 in the class) were asked to research the history of residential schools, read the Calls to Action, and propose ways in which Lakehead students could get involved. We worked closely with Allysha Waswegijig and the Turtle Island Student Circle, which was a powerful experience for all of us. My students, only a few of whom had any kind of Indigenous background, were dismayed by how little they had heard in the past about the residential schools in particular and the history of injustice for Indigenous peoples in general. and they sincerely wanted to make amends in whatever small ways they could. When they heard testimonials from the Turtle Island Student Circle that showed how the pain and suffering can’t just be hugged or paid away, how the trauma of the past continues in lives of children and grandchildren, the racist perspectives with which some of my students began the course started to crumble and dissolve. I could literally see it in their faces. On the last day of this module, my class sat in a circle with the Turtle Island students and really had a moment of reconciliation, where truth was acknowledged and where we together brainstormed about how we could all contribute to the healing process. We need such moments over and over again. Thanks for leading discussions on Truth and Reconciliation. That was a good meeting today. Warm regards, Alice Dr. Alice den Otter, Acting Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies Associate Professor, English and Interdisciplinary Studies Orillia Academic Building 3011, Lakehead University Orillia 500 University Avenue Orillia, ON L3V 0B9