Indigenous Awareness Week
Photos: Courtesy of Student Services
If you’ve ever attended a symposium or other similar event in the auditorium at Vanier College, then you’ve probably heard the following: “We acknowledge that this event takes place on Tio’tia:ke (where the currants meet / Montreal), which is situated on the traditional unceded territories of the Kanien’kehá:ka people, more commonly known as Mohawk. Tio’tia:ke was also a gathering place for many First Nations.” The college certainly makes a point of respecting and embracing First Nation culture and rights – and not just by repeating those two sentences. The Vanier Indigenous Circle plays an important role in supporting indigenous students, and sharing native culture with the members of the college community:
“The Vanier Indigenous Circle is made up of students, faculty, and staff who are all engaged in Indigenous issues and culture. One of the primary goals of the Vanier Indigenous Circle is to support all Aboriginal students in terms of their personal well-being and academic goals while at the College. This can include anything from providing support during the transition from a small community to an urban setting, understanding college life, developing effective study skills, or providing a safe social network for students to get together, meet members of other Aboriginal communities and share their stories and experiences together.” – www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/indigenous/
May 1st-5th, was Indigenous Awareness Week on campus, leading up to the weekend’s Montreal Pow Wow, a city-wide, annual, and free event hosted by the city of Montreal, which happened downtown Saturday and Sunday. Vanier’s activities had to be moved indoors due to rain, but it was a busy week no less:
Monday: Inuit Games and Wood Carving Demonstration
Tuesday: Dream Catcher Workshop & Beading
Wednesday: Mini Pow Wow Demonstration
Thursday: Hand Drum Workshop
Friday: Film Screening – Reel Injun
By Katherine Willcocks
