From Oct. 18 to 22, the University of Guelph celebrates Indigenous Recognition Week. In this annual U of G event, our community comes together to acknowledge and celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures and to create on-campus opportunities that encourage further education and discussion.
“During Indigenous Recognition Week the Indigenous Student Centre aims to create space for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students to build community and celebrate their cultures, while providing the opportunity for the campus community to learn more about these cultures,” says Jamie Horner, Indigenous Programs Coordinator.
Indigenous Recognition Week is a collaborative initiative between the Indigenous Student Centre in Student Experience, the Indigenous Student Society, and other campus groups, departments and faculty.
Indigenous Recognition Week Events
All week – Open to all
UC Chef’s Hall offers a menu inspired by Indigenous dishes.
Monday
Conversations with Miptoon
3 to 4:30 p.m. | Meet at the Indigenous Student Centre – Open to all students, staff and faculty.
Grab a bottle of water and enjoy an afternoon stroll through the Arboretum with Visiting Elder Miptoon, member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. Be prepared to walk, listen and learn.
Monday
The Storying of 2S Identities: A Brief History (That Goes Back to Time Immemorial)
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Online – Open to all students, staff and faculty.
Gather virtually with Seán Carson Kinsella, the Indigenous Student Centre and the Sexual and Gender Diversity Office to learn more about 2 Spirit Identities and their long-standing history.
Tuesday
Intro to Indigenous Peoples in Canada
2 to 3 p.m. | Online – Open to all students, staff and faculty
The goals of this workshop are for individuals to reflect on their personal knowledge of Indigenous peoples in Canada, develop knowledge on terminology and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada, and reflect and challenge assumptions, biases and stereotypes.
Wednesday
Crafting Dream Catchers with the Indigenous Student Society
1:30 to 3 p.m. | Online – Open to all students, staff, and faculty.
Join the Indigenous Student Society for an afternoon of learning, creating and getting to know each other. Together you will learn about the meaning and purpose of dream catchers, and craft one too!
Thursday
The First Step with Elders Dan & Mary Lou Smoke
1:30 to 3 p.m. | UC 442 – Open to all students, staff and faculty. Space is limited.
Join Elders Dan and Mary Lou Smoke to learn more about the purification ceremony (smudging) or as Mary Lou refers to it, “The First Step.”
Friday
Métis Dot Painting
Multiple times throughout the day | Indigenous Student Centre – Open to students
The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) invites all First Nation, Métis and Inuit students and friends to Métis crafting and socializing. Meet the staff and explore what the ISC has to offer.
See the full listing of events on GryphLife.
