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Wachiya, Kwe, Tansi, Ullukkut, Hawa’a, Bonjour, Hello,
Building strong relationships with the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples of Canada is at the core of the SCS Indigenous Relations Initiative. It is in this spirit that we welcome you to the 2023 National Indigenous History Month celebration at the McGill School of Continuing Studies. This year’s edition includes talks and presentations from remarkable Indigenous speakers, educators, scholars, and professionals from across the country, who will share with us the history, culture, and stories of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. It is through learning and understanding that we can create change, envision new opportunities, and experience personal growth.
Niá:wen, Meegwetch, Nakurmik, merci, thank you!
Understanding Mohawk Cosmology to Appreciate Life
This presentation will enhance your understanding of Mohawk cosmology, thought, language, spiritual truth, and meaning. The knowledge attained will empower you to face life’s challenges more effectively. This event will be held in English.
Date: June 6, 2023
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST
Online
About Ka’nahsohon Kevin Deer
Ka’nahsohon Kevin Deer, from Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, has been involved in Mohawk Language retention and revitalization for the last 30 years. As Faithkeeper at the Mohawk Trail Longhouse, Kevin knows sacred songs, dances, and rituals. He enjoys discussing and presenting the Iroquoian world views, history, and philosophy and has also worked with the Kahnawake Police Commission from 2005 to 2015. He is a notable Knowledge Holder and over the last two decades has been invited to speak at many local and national ceremonies as well as global organizations and governments.
Reconciliation in Health Services
The children found at residential sites have awakened the consciousness of Canada which we hope will inspire an interest in Indigenous creation stories, traditional ways of healing, and allyship. In this presentation, Myeengun Henry will share indigenous knowledge through storytelling and discuss natural medicines provided by our beautiful Mother Earth. This event will be held in English.
Date: June 13, 2023
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST
Online
About Myeengun Henry
Myeengun feels very fortunate to have studied Anishinaabe culture with various elders. Today he conducts ceremonies and is a practitioner of both Aboriginal traditional medicine and the Anishinaabe language. He has gained extensive experience at Anishinaabe Health Toronto as its program manager and Oshkibiiwis (healer’s helper) as well as working on the street patrol program’s homelessness initiative. He conducts a youth group in Kitchener, Ontario, building healthy relationships with youth in various Indigenous communities, assisting them with issues of identity and providing “stages of life” teachings to help them excel and achieve success.
Jordan's principle: A sacred responsibility
In this presentation, Jennifer King will cover the history of Jordan’s Principle, from being passed in the House of Commons to becoming a legal rule through the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT). Named in loving memory of Jordan River Anderson, Jordan’s Principle is a legal rule to ensure First Nations children get the help they need, when they need it. Specifics of the CHRT’s orders, such as how to access services and supports, and ongoing concerns about Canada’s implementation of Jordan’s Principle will also be discussed. This event will be held in English.
Date: June 20, 2023
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Online
About Jennifer King
Jennifer King (she/her) is Anishinaabe of mixed descent with family ties to the Wasauksing First Nation. She has been working in areas of research, policy, and public engagement in support of Indigenous women and children for over 10 years. Jennifer has a master's degree in social work, with a focus on Indigenous methodologies and Indigenous perspectives on policy and practice. She is passionate about the role of critical education and research in promoting justice, equity, and meaningful reconciliation in Canada. An experienced presenter and facilitator, Jennifer has authored/co-authored several publications on Indigenous issues and has also worked as a sessional instructor in the School of Social Work at the University of Victoria.
Leadership or Complacency
The 1975 James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement was made possible with the hard work and conviction of a collective group of Indigenous leaders. The agreement is fundamental in getting the Quebec government to recognize the specific rights of the Cree and Inuit Peoples. We just need to look at the world around us to see that the rights people have fought so hard for can easily be taken away. This presentation will be a message to the current and future Indigenous leaders to do what Konrad Sioui encourages - “to not be complacent and to be mindful that these agreements should not be taken for granted.” This event will be held in French.
Date: June 27, 2023
Time: 10:30 am to 12:00 pm EST
Online
About Konrad Sioui
Konrad Sioui is a hereditary chief of the Bear Clan of the Huron-Wendat Nation, Grand Chief of the Council of his Nation, and has been elected three consecutive times as Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. During that time, he represented the region on the Executive Council and acted on numerous occasions as Grand Chief under the leadership of George Erasmus. He was also the official and national spokesperson on constitutional reform issues between 1984 and 1994. In 1991, he won a landmark, unanimous decision at the Supreme Court of Canada against Quebec and Canada known as the Sioui Decision. This ruling acknowledged that treaties between the Crown and First Nations are international agreements entered into by sovereign nations. Konrad is a dedicated humanitarian and diplomat and is a respected and skilled negotiator. He pursues a simple and traditional lifestyle with his wife, Linda Rock of the Innu Nation, and his four children on the Huron Reserve at Wendake, Quebec.