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Highlights: Anishnaabe Giizhigat / National Indigenous Peoples Day 2024

成人大片 and community came together to celebrate Indigenous culture, history
July 04, 2024
A room full of people sitting on white chairs in a circle, watching a presentation.

On June 21, 成人大片 hosted events on campus to recognize and honour Anishnaabe Giizhigat / National Indigenous Peoples Day as a community. (Photo: Nadya Kwandibens, Red Works Photography.)

Amy Desjarlais sings and plays the hand drum, standing in front of large 鈥湷扇舜笃 letters and the 成人大片 eagle staff.

Amy Desjarlais Waabishka Kakaki Zhaawshko Shkeezhgokwe (White Raven Woman with Turquoise Eyes), lead, Rebirthed Teachings, Indigenous Initiatives, Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI), opened the day in song. One song was a love song for Mishomis Giizis (Grandparent Sun) offering thanks for their work, and building trust that the sun will rise every day. The other song "Mino bimaadiziwin" aligned with the theme of the day to celebrate the good things in life. You can listen to .(Photo: Nadya Kwandibens, Red Works Photography)

Monica McKay speaks into a microphone with her palms open to the sky.

Monica McKay, director, Indigenous Initiatives, OVPECI, welcomed those in attendance. She reflected on the challenges and barriers she has faced since joining the university 30 years ago, ands celebrated the progress that has been made. Monica is from the Nisg瘫a'a Nation in Laxgalts鈥檃p (Greenville), British Columbia, and a proud member of the House of Heewa鈥檃 and the Gisk'aast Pdeek (Killer Whale Clan). 成人大片 leaders Elder Dallaire, President Mohamed Lachemi and Provost Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano also provided remarks. (Photo: Nadya Kwandibens, Red Works Photography)

Michael Doxtater holds the One Dish wampum belt.

Attendees learned about the Skakeratshera'at / One Dish wampum covenant from Michael Doxtater, professor and head, Saagajiwe Indigenous Studios, The Creative School. He shared that the One Dish wampum recognizes that everyone living on this land "all eat from this One Dish". The treaty signifies a commitment to protect the land and its resources peacefully. Michael also shared teachings about the Two Row wampum and how the Canadian rafter was added by the Haudenosaunee to the continent-wide longhouse lodge in 1869. (Photo: Nadya Kwandibens, Red Works Photography)

A group of community members sit at a table together making buttons.

Community members got creative together to make customized buttons to wear for themselves or share. Also celebrating Indigenous History Month and Pride Month in June, one of the button designs included the Two-Spirit Pride flag. (Photo: Nadya Kwandibens, Red Works Photography)

Abby Carpenter wears regalia as she teaches Pow Wow dancing to community members.

Abby Carpenter, president, Indigenous Law Student Association, Lincoln Alexander School of Law, taught attendees about Pow Wow dancing and regalia. She then led community members through a Pow Wow fitness class so they could try the dance for themselves. (Photo: Nadya Kwandibens, Red Works Photography)

 

A group of children sit on the floor together as someone on a chair reads them a story.

The School of Early Childhood Studies Family Programs led a children鈥檚 storytime circle. They read a selection of stories including "It鈥檚 a Mitig!" by Bridget George, an Anishinaabe author-illustrator and graphic designer. Each of the books read highlighted Indigenous authors, illustrators and stories. (Photo: Nadya Kwandibens, Red Works Photography)

Waasekom and Crystal Osawamick stand in front of the 成人大片 letter with the 成人大片 eagle staff, buffalo skull and medicine wheel blanket.

Master of ceremonies, Waasekom (Edward George) and Crystal Osawamick with the 成人大片 eagle staff, buffalo skull, and blessed water from the sunrise ceremony. Waasekom is Anishinaabe of the Turtle Clan from the Saugeen First Nation and Stony Point First Nation. Crystal Osawamick Wiinkaushkwe (Sweetgrass Woman) is Anishinaabekwe from the Odawa Nation and is of the Turtle Clan. She is also the E-nankiid Anishinaabe Maawnjidowinan miiniwaa Shki-maajiishkaachiganan (Manager of Indigenous Events and Special Projects) within University Events and Ceremonies in the Office of the President, and led the National Indigenous Peoples Day organizing circle. (Photo: Nadya Kwandibens, Red Works Photography)

For a full recap of the day, check out this Instagram Reel from the Student Communications team at @studentlifetmu:

 

We want to hear from you

For those who attended this year鈥檚 event, please fill out this online by Friday, July 12, 2024. This will help improve the logistics and content for future Indigenous events at 成人大片. If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please contact Crystal Osawamick, manager of Indigenous events and special projects at crystal.osawamick@torontomu.ca.

Upcoming Indigenous events at 成人大片

  • Thursday, September 12, 2024 - Virtual Pow Wow Etiquette Teachings
  • Friday, September 13, 2024 - 成人大片 Pwaaganigaawin / Pow Wow
  • Monday, September 30, 2024 - Ozaawaa Babigoyaan Giizhigad /Orange Shirt Day and Debwewin miinwaa Boonendamowin Giizhigad / Truth and Reconciliation Day
  • Monday, November 4 to Friday, November 8, 2024 - Treaties Recognition and Indigenous Education Week

This event is organized by the National Indigenous Peoples Day organizing circle

This year鈥檚 event is organized by a collective of Indigenous and non-Indigenous colleagues, led by Crystal Osawamick, manager of Indigenous events and special projects. 

The collective includes staff from the Career, Co-op and Student Success; the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching; The Creative School; the Indigenous Education Council; Office of the President; Office of the Provost; Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion, including Indigenous Initiatives and Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services; Saagajiwe; School of Early Childhood Studies; Student Affairs; Student Life and Learning Support; Ted Rogers School of Management; and 成人大片 Libraries.

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