Indigenous Education Week 2020 will host several events online from November 16 – 20, focusing on the theme of Grassroots and Community-Building Initiatives.
We want to acknowledge a year of resistance, and where injustices and systematic barriers are being exposed and countered. From our Youth to our Elders, we celebrate the work of those who are actively changing the world for the better, for everyone!
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Program Eligibility
Open to the public -
How The Program Works
Attend any or all activities. Events will be virtual this year due to COVID-19.
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Program Registration
Monday, November 16
University of Toronto Scarborough Office of Indigenous Initiatives for Indigenous Education Week presents:
Celebrating Métis Culture
4 – 5 p.m.
Have you heard of Louis Riel Day? Although this day commemorates one of the great tragedies of Canadian history, it is also a day to celebrate Métis culture and the continuing progress that Métis people are making in and across Canada. Join Indigenous Engagement Coordinator Juanita Muise and her guest us as we launch Indigenous Education Week at U of T by celebrating Métis culture together.
- Who is this event for? Students, staff and faculty at U of T
- What is it about? Métis culture
- What do people need to prepare? Ensure that your microphone is working prior to the event!
*If you have an accommodation need for this event, email juanita.muise@utoronto.ca.
Register for Celebrating Métis Culture on the CLNx.
Indigenous Education Network for Indigenous Education Week presents:
Rock Your Mocs Virtual Semi-Formal Social
4 – 6 p.m.
If you’re tired of wearing the same pyjamas and lounge clothes every day and need an excuse to get dressed up, Indigenous students, staff and faculty are invited to join the Indigenous Education Network for a stylish afternoon of celebrating Indigenous presence at U of T.
Mocs, earrings, kohkum scarves, beadwork – come show off your best Indigenous style during an afternoon of games and visiting. We will give out a range of prizes supporting Indigenous artists.
Register for Rock Your Mocs Virtual Semi-Formal Social on the CLNx.
Tuesday, November 17
University of Toronto Mississauga and University of Toronto Scarborough Office of Indigenous Initiatives for Indigenous Education Week presents:
“Our People Will Be Healed” Film Screening
10 – 11:30 a.m.
This screening will be brought to you via Microsoft Teams.
Register for “Our People Will Be Healed” Film Screening on CLNx.
Wednesday, November 18
University of Scarborough Office of Indigenous Initiatives for Indigenous Education Week presents:
Indigenous Book Club
12 – 2 p.m.
Join the Indigenous Book Club at U of T to celebrate Indigenous Education week by discussing books, podcasts and media by Indigenous peoples of Canada. Participants will learn about Indigenous themes and engage in conversation about different Indigenous perspectives to address obligations, responsibilities, solidarity and supporting the resistance of Indigenous peoples of Canada.
- Who is this for? Students, staff and faculty of U of T
- What is it about? Fostering a space of collaboration, sharing, inquiry and respect amongst faculty, staff and students through the discovery and awareness of Indigenous authors and themes.
- What do people need to prepare? Nothing, just come with an open mind.
*If you have an accommodation need for this event due to a disability, email juanita.muise@utoronto.ca.
Register for Indigenous Book Club on CLNx.
Emmanuel College of Victoria University of Toronto for Indigenous Education Week presents:
Interfaith Poetry Event
1:30 – 3 p.m.
Join Emmanuel College for an afternoon of poetry from incredible artists. Guests include Ojibwa Elder and United Church Rev. Alf Dumont, who will be sharing poetry from his recent book The Other Side of the River: From Church Pew to Sweat Lodge; Konul Gurbanova, who will be sharing from Islamic sacred poet Nasimi; Rose Mina Munjee who will be sharing from within the Buddhist cannon of poetry; and Shawn Houston, the Media and Events co-ordinator at Emmanuel who will be sharing poetry from U.S. Poet Laureate Traci K. Smith.
Register for Interfaith Poetry Event on the CLNx.
First Nations House and Hart House for Indigenous Education Week presents:
Black & Indigenous Solidarity Program
7 – 8:30 p.m.
This has been an extraordinary year for Indigenous, Black and Afro-Indigenous folx standing up against colonialism and systemic racism. Let’s talk about it.
How do we show up for each other?
First Nations House is teaming up with Hart House to bring you a virtual panel with forward-thinking and dynamic activists, artists and change-makers. This panel will be hosted by First Nations House’s very own Resource Coordinator Jeffrey Kiyoshk Ross (Ojibway Anishinaabe and St. Vincentian) and we will dive deep into discussions about identity, defunding the police, treaties, as well as supporting each other and showing up for our communities.
Our guests include:
- Carrington Christmas, Black Scotian-Mi’kmaq German Woman Activist
- Kayrn Rocellet, Cree Scholar/Artist/and Writer
- Malikah Awe:ri, Haudenosaunee Kanien’kéhà:ka & Mi’kmaw L’sitkuk, Afro-Indigenous Artist For Social Change
- J-Rob halfwhitefullblack, Musician, Poet and Activist
Register for Black & Indigenous Solidarity Program on the CLNx.
Thursday, November 19
Art as Activism through an Indigenous Lens
3 – 4:30 p.m.
Art has always been a powerful avenue for expressions and statements. In the spirit of creativity and changing-making, First Nations House is inviting you to join a conversation about art as activism from an Indigenous lens. We have invited Meky Ottawa, Nico Williams and William Komaksiutiksak to join Indigenous Student Life Coordinator Kelsey Melanson in a discussion about how their art embodies the push to create a better world for Indigenous peoples (a.k.a. a better world for everyone!).
Register for Art as Activism through an Indigenous Lens on the CLNx. Registration for this event is FULL. Sign up for the waitlist via the registration link.
Friday, November 20
The following events are for U of T students. U of T staff and faculty can register by request by emailing kelsey.melanson@utoronto.com.
Youth & Elders Gathering
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
How can we nourish healthier communities through intergenerational learning and action?
The Indigenous Education Network and First Nations House collaborate to offer an intergenerational learning event. We want to connect with Indigenous students ages 18-30 to celebrate your presence in academia, and to learn more about your perspectives on nourishing healthy communities. Students will deliver short presentations (5-10 minutes) on their area of study, research and/or community work that relates to this theme. Presentations will be followed by feedback from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and collective discussion on what it takes to carry out this work in sustainable ways.
Come join us in supporting our incredible students and their trailblazing efforts!
Register for the Youth & Elders Gathering on the CLNx.
First Nations House for Indigenous Education Week presents:
Tea & Talk: Indigenous Food Sovereignty
With Bonnie Jane Maracle, Lee Maracle and special guest Sherry Pictou
3 – 4:30 p.m.
Grab yourself a cup of tea and join us to discuss Indigenous Food Sovereignty. We will explore topics such as traditional roles in food sovereignty, Treaty interpretation and inherited rights, barriers to food sovereignty conversations, and more!
Register for Tea & Talk: Indigenous Food Sovereignty on the CLNx.