Presenters
Keynote Speakers:
Dr. Manulani Meyer
Bio: Associate Professor, Department of Education, University of Hawai'i at Hilo. Dr. Meyer graduated with an Ed. D. in Philosophy of Education from Harvard University, 1998, researching Hawaiian epistemology, or an indigenous philosophy of knowledge. Since then, she has been teaching, researching, and publishing on a number of topics. Her publications include the book Ho'oulu: Our Time of Becoming. Hawaiian Epistemology and Early Writings.
Title: Holographic Epistemology
Dr. Val Napoleon
Bio: Dr. Napoleon has recently become the Law Foundation Professor in Aboriginal Justice, in the Faculty of Law at the University of Victoria. Her PhD from the University of Victoria, entitled "Ayook: Gitksan legal order, law, and legal theory," has been influential. Her many publications include a book, coedited with Cathy Bell, entitled First Nations Cultural Heritage and Law: Case Studies, Voices and Perspectives.Title: Rethinking the potential of law and resistance
Dr. Paula Sherman and Alanis King
Bio: Dr. Sherman is a tenured Professor of Indigenous Studies at Trent University as well as the director of the Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program. She served as chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, and has been an active voice against mining and resource extraction on Indigenous lands. Her publications include the book, Dishonour of the crown: The Ontario resource regime in the valley of the kiji sibi.Title: Articulating an Indigenous Research Paradigm through Performance
Presenters
Marian Laval & VeraLynn McDonald
Title: When the Tides Turn: Serving Indigenous Matriarchal Vision for Institutional Change
Shelly Johnson
Title: A vision of hope: Seven women chiefs of Northern BC
Treat one another with respect, honesty and compassion
Provide a safe environment for all
Understand the talents of all people stand on their own only as part of a whole
Know and use the language and traditions of your culture
Educate people
Together develop ways to avoid conflicts between distinct political structures
Help young people to know about choices
Ask questions and make your government accountable to you
Expect role models to be alcohol and drug free
Understand that you can’t change other people
Everyone has free will
Alexandra Pedersen
Title: Voices of Indigenous Maya women of El Quiché, Guatemala
Barbara Adam-Williams
Bio: I currently live in Burns Lake, a full time mother of 6, a student, a wife, a Hereditary Chief, and volunteering my time with other women in my community.
Patricia Howard & Tina Fraser
Bio: Patricia Ann Howard is a proud wife and mother of Métis ancestry. She is currently a Master’s Student at UNBC where she is pursuing a degree in First Nations Studies. Her focus is on Aboriginal Health and the role traditional sustenance has regarding the overall health and well-being of Aboriginal people.
Dr. Tina Fraser is a Maori scholar teaching at the University of Northern British Columbia. She is an Assistant Professor and the Aboriginal Education Coordinator with the School of Education, and an Adjunct Professor in the School of Nursing and First Nations Studies. Dr. Fraser is a Fellow of Te Mata O Te Tau (The Academy for Research and Scholarship at Massey University, New Zealand). In her previous role, she was the ActNow BC Initiatives Research Manager and the Cultural Advisor to the National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health, Centre of Excellence for Adolescence and Children with Special Needs, and the Network Environments for Aboriginal Research BC. She has a Nursing background, Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science; Master of Education, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of British Columbia. She, along with colleagues, has published articles and chapters in Early Childhood Education, First Nations and Indigenous Knowledge(s).
Title: The many faces of women warriors
Vicki Kelly, Angie Hocken, Faye Seymour, Susan McCook, Charlotte Boya, Hazel Boya, & Kathy Poole
Title: Walking With: as Vision, Practice, and Curriculum
Vicki Kelly, Marlene Erickson, Colleen Erickson, Shana Labatch (formerly Schwentner), Sarah John, Kim Stewart, Donna Mac Donald, Cat Sivertsen
Title: The Place of the Arts in Giving Voice: A Transformative Journey
Georgia Vrakas & Jessica Tooma
Title: Gaining understanding of mental wellness: listening to the voices of young Inuit women in Nunavik
Titi Kunkel
Title: Doing Indigenous Research as a ‘de-centered’ African in the Cariboo Chilcotin Region
Ivan Paquette
Bio: Thank you for allowing me to come into your world and introduce myself. My english name is Ivan Paquette, while my cree indian name is "Muskisiew Napiew" meaning "Eagle Man". I have been working with aboriginal peoples since 1983. My first job after high school with aboriginal people was in Prince George as a recreation leader in an area called the hood, VLA. In 1985 I moved to Vancouver to persue my dreams as an actor and a singer songwriter. It wasn't until1989 that I found an agent to assist with my entertainment career. I found success on television series and movie sets becoming part of ACTRA, which is an actors union. To name a couple of these were Mcgyver, Black Stallion, and auditioning for movie roles such as a Uncas in Last Of The Mohicans. In 1991 I moved back to my roots in Prince George from Vancouver to write songs and develop as an artist. In 1992 I stopped into the Friendship Centre and was asked if I was interested in being a role model for youth in a program called Reconnect. I agreed to a year and ended up staying 6 years until1998. It was during this time I grew as an artist and studied holistic health.
Title: From a holistic lens...we see the whole picture...together we find solutions
Benjamin Laurie
Bio: Ben Laurie finds meaning in the plants and animals he lives with and eats. Currently working through a graduate degree in Social Work Ben works through a downtown Prince George counselling centre and facilitates a men's group. Ben's family mostly lives on vancouver island, however he has been living in Anishnaabe territory in southern Ontario for about 8 years.
Title: Challenging Men: Empowering Partners of Intimate Abuse
Bev Sellars
Bio: I was born in 1955 and raised until I was 5 on the Soda Creek Indian Reserve by my grandparents. My grandfather died when I was 12 (1967) but my grandmother lived until 1997. She was the major influence in my life. Her story alone is one of inspiration. She was Carrier but married into the Secwepemc tribe. I was fortunate to have caught the tail end of a traditional lifestyle. We traveled by horse and wagon and the majority of our food was gathered by hunting, gathering or gardening. I went to the hospital in Sardis when I was 5 until 7 years old, was home for 3 weeks and then was sent to the residential school for 5 years. I attempted suicide when I was 17 and have written a book about my life, how I got to the point of committing suicide and then my journey out of the dark hole I was in. I went on to University, got an undergrad degree in History/Political Science and later got a law degree. I am now Chief of my Band again. First time in 1987-93. Our Tribal Council was instrumental in bringing the residential school to light when I was Chief the first time, we also did the Cariboo-Chilcotin Justice Inquiry and in 2009, after visiting other territories, returned home to the position of Chief again.
Nellie Vera Pokiak
Bio: Nellie Pokiak is from Tuktoyaktuk, NWT. An Inuvialuit Elder she lives in two worlds and draws strength from her traditional culture. She has studied criminology and counseling, and researched beluga whales out of curiosity. She is a vivid story teller and draws on both worlds to educate youth and newcomers.
Title: Two Worlds, Two Cultures: How curiosity and strength have bridged two ways of knowing
Catherine Nolin
Title: Get these monsters out of here! Maya women’s activism and resistance against Canadian mining on Indigenous lands in Guatemala
Cristian Silva & Gisela Ortiz Perea
Title: Huamanquiquia: Community of widows
Cindy Charleyboy
Bio: Alumni Member of UNBC & Education Coordinator with the Soda Creek Band. Grad 2006, Bachelor of Arts, Major in First Nations Studies, Minor in English. Cindy is part Tsilhqot’in, Secwepemc and Norwegian from the Interior of British Columbia and has over 10 years experience working with and empowering First Nations students. Having previously worked with the Cariboo Chilcotin Weekend University and currently working as an Education Coordinator with the Soda Creek Indian Band, Cindy has developed daily practices combining traditional and contemporary knowledge to deal with some of the harsher issues we face, such as racism within the classroom.Title: Women Warriors Techniques for Self Empowerment
Jeanette Tough
Leona Nielson & Caitlin Nicholson
Bio: Leona Nielson is a cultural and language teacher. She teaches the Cree language at the University of Northern British Columbia and language and culture at the Cree Aboriginal Head Start in Prince George. Caitlin Nicholson is an author/teacher and UNBC alumni of the Masters Arts (First Nations Studies program).
Themes: Traditional Medicines, Language and Cultural Education, Early Readers
Marilyn Iwama
Bio: Marilyn Iwama was born and raised in a Saskatchewan Cree, Saulteaux, Metis and Mennonite family. Her scholarship and poetry attend the construction of identity - especially what happens when individuals and communities integrate different worldviews. Marilyn is particularly curious about the healing aspects of food and language.
Title: The Earth is our mother: Determining metaphor in our story
Sigidimnak’ Hagwilooḵ’am Saxwhl Giis (Irene Seguin) & Carla Burton
Title: Word Warriors - Revitalizing Nisga’a Culture Through Language
Victoria Baptiste
Bio: Growing up in a culturally enriched environment, surrounded by fluent speakers of the nsyilxcen language Victoria chose to pursue a career in Digital Media. She was exposed to language and culture since an early age and has an above average understanding of technology. She combines both skills on a regular basis and is an award winning Independent Multi-media producer and mentor.
Title: Utilizing Technology for Indigenous Knowledge
Shelly Niemi & Angela Carter
Title: Aboriginal Education Department - School District No. 57
Lorraine Naziel
Poster presentations
Antonia Mills & Melissa Carlick
Title: Strong Yukon women come back from men
Emily Sadowski
Imani Miller
Who are the "Women Warriors" of Prince George and on line on Facebook? What is it? A program developed for and by women for self empowerment. An introduction to how and why we got started.
Maria Orcherton
Title: Exploring geographical kinships and mapping landscapes of identity in the Casma Valley of Central Peru (South America)
Cat Siversten & Colleen Ericksen
Title: Laundry Day(z)
Bio: Cat Sivertsen is a visual artist and Colleen Ericksen a poet. They met two years ago during their SFU masters of arts education studies. They bonded over mutual discoveries to finally connecting the dots and co-creating the work Laundry Day(z).
Dr. Manulani Meyer
Bio: Associate Professor, Department of Education, University of Hawai'i at Hilo. Dr. Meyer graduated with an Ed. D. in Philosophy of Education from Harvard University, 1998, researching Hawaiian epistemology, or an indigenous philosophy of knowledge. Since then, she has been teaching, researching, and publishing on a number of topics. Her publications include the book Ho'oulu: Our Time of Becoming. Hawaiian Epistemology and Early Writings.
Title: Holographic Epistemology
- This presentation will focus on the interrelatedness of all things. In ancient systems around the world there are inevitably three main ways in which to view and experience knowledge: 1) via the objective, physical, outside world, the world of science and measurement, density and force; 2) via the inside subjective world, the space of thought, mind, idea and interiority that helps understand meaning and our linkages with phenomenon; and finally 3) via the quantum world shaped by transpatial descriptors and intersections, a spiritual dimension un-linked to religious dogma, described in ethereal, mystic, and yet experiential terms: ie: All my relations; or in Science: the Implicate Order. Simply put: body, mind, spirit. Maori refer to it as: tinana, hinengaro, wairua.
Dr. Val Napoleon
Bio: Dr. Napoleon has recently become the Law Foundation Professor in Aboriginal Justice, in the Faculty of Law at the University of Victoria. Her PhD from the University of Victoria, entitled "Ayook: Gitksan legal order, law, and legal theory," has been influential. Her many publications include a book, coedited with Cathy Bell, entitled First Nations Cultural Heritage and Law: Case Studies, Voices and Perspectives.Title: Rethinking the potential of law and resistance
- What are the ways that we might identify, articulate, and draw from the intellectual resources contained in indigenous legal traditions which are so desperately needed for today’s contemporary issues? The challenges of indigenous self-determination and citizenship generate many questions such as: How might indigenous legal traditions matter today? How might indigenous legal processes be taught and applied to today’s complex conflicts and social dysfunctions? I will seek move beyond the standard conceptions of western law that negatively shape and limit the assumptions about indigenous legal traditions. I will also explore how self-determination, citizenship, and justice are a part of indigenous legal traditions and we must rethink the potential of law and resistance. To do this, I will draw on ancient indigenous stories and practical legal methodologies.
Dr. Paula Sherman and Alanis King
Bio: Dr. Sherman is a tenured Professor of Indigenous Studies at Trent University as well as the director of the Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program. She served as chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, and has been an active voice against mining and resource extraction on Indigenous lands. Her publications include the book, Dishonour of the crown: The Ontario resource regime in the valley of the kiji sibi.Title: Articulating an Indigenous Research Paradigm through Performance
- This presentation will focus on performance as an Indigenous approach to the expression of historical research. Paula and Alanis will present on the Mijii-Kwis Project, a collaborative Research/Creation project funded by SSHRC and undertaken to explore the sacred narratives of Mijii-Kwis and his interactions in Omamiwinini (Algonquin) Homeland. The project is examining cultural autonomy that the sacred narratives have when envisioned through performance. Using a narrative on Mijii-Kwis created for her dissertation, Paula is working with Anishinaabe director and playwright Alanis King to develop a script and full production play in the third year about Mijii-Kwis and his return to the Kiji-Sibi (Ottawa Valley).
Presenters
Marian Laval & VeraLynn McDonald
Title: When the Tides Turn: Serving Indigenous Matriarchal Vision for Institutional Change
- We are serving with much urgency and solidarity the vision of the Tsimshian matriarchs of Northwest BC to strengthen their unique vision for broad institutional change and culturally authentic places of learning. By invitation of the matriarchs, we join in raising the alert and add academic credibility for language revitalization, social justice, and community healing. Our session will show examples of responding to this call to leadership through community involvement, research, and special projects. We will facilitate a dialogue about these complex collaborations and how we can move into deeper institutional change and personal transformation. Surrounded by imposing tides of social upheaval, together we learn to navigate the strength of these powerful forces rather than resist them. Humbled by the courage of our local indigenous warrior-women, we too are learning the benefits of fluidity and becoming better institutional partners.
Shelly Johnson
Title: A vision of hope: Seven women chiefs of Northern BC
- In 2001, seven elected and hereditary women chiefs created a vision of hope for the future of Indigenous peoples living in the north (see below). This qualitative research presentation discusses the historical, political and current challenges to their transformative vision, and their strategies to make it a reality.
Treat one another with respect, honesty and compassion
Provide a safe environment for all
Understand the talents of all people stand on their own only as part of a whole
Know and use the language and traditions of your culture
Educate people
Together develop ways to avoid conflicts between distinct political structures
Help young people to know about choices
Ask questions and make your government accountable to you
Expect role models to be alcohol and drug free
Understand that you can’t change other people
Everyone has free will
Alexandra Pedersen
Title: Voices of Indigenous Maya women of El Quiché, Guatemala
- Indigenous Maya women in Guatemala are speaking out against invasive forms of “development” in their communities. Mining companies, international organizations, local and international governments are all bringing “development” to the benefit of the Guatemalan ruling elite, and international bodies. Neoliberal policies of foreign investment have plagued the Indigenous Maya since the 1980s. While women are rare in high profile positions, in the highland Department of El Quiché, many are standing up for Indigenous communities’ rights even though femicide is at an all time high. During interviews in September of 2010, four Maya women shared their lived experiences with “development” as representatives of their communities’ struggles. These women stress the right to self-determined development for the Indigenous Maya, cultural preservation and a more holistic vision for individual and community members.
Barbara Adam-Williams
Bio: I currently live in Burns Lake, a full time mother of 6, a student, a wife, a Hereditary Chief, and volunteering my time with other women in my community.
- I would like to present at the Conference Ned'ut'een Women at the Babine Barricade Treaty of 1906. We have a strong case on this and our women played a strong role in this along with the men who travel to Ottawa. We are Lake Babine Nation, and our area is around the Babine Lake area. We have about 2300 members and currently reside in 3 full time communities and 2 summer time communities.
Patricia Howard & Tina Fraser
Bio: Patricia Ann Howard is a proud wife and mother of Métis ancestry. She is currently a Master’s Student at UNBC where she is pursuing a degree in First Nations Studies. Her focus is on Aboriginal Health and the role traditional sustenance has regarding the overall health and well-being of Aboriginal people.
Dr. Tina Fraser is a Maori scholar teaching at the University of Northern British Columbia. She is an Assistant Professor and the Aboriginal Education Coordinator with the School of Education, and an Adjunct Professor in the School of Nursing and First Nations Studies. Dr. Fraser is a Fellow of Te Mata O Te Tau (The Academy for Research and Scholarship at Massey University, New Zealand). In her previous role, she was the ActNow BC Initiatives Research Manager and the Cultural Advisor to the National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health, Centre of Excellence for Adolescence and Children with Special Needs, and the Network Environments for Aboriginal Research BC. She has a Nursing background, Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science; Master of Education, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of British Columbia. She, along with colleagues, has published articles and chapters in Early Childhood Education, First Nations and Indigenous Knowledge(s).
Title: The many faces of women warriors
- The faces of Aboriginal warriors have emerged throughout history effectively etching images into the minds of the young and old alike. These perceptions have shaped the way society now views the Indigenous population. Through dialogue, this interactive workshop explores traditional ways of women warriors and the contemporary notion of what constitutes a modern day warrior. Questions such as: What does a traditional woman warrior look like, stand for, do and believe in will be discussed. Additionally, some contemporary women warriors are educated, sometimes carry a briefcase and wear a suit. But what does it mean for women warriors to pick up that briefcase and put on the suit? Through pragmatic relations, negotiation and diplomacy, herstory will emerge through the interweaving of two women warriors’ life stories.
Vicki Kelly, Angie Hocken, Faye Seymour, Susan McCook, Charlotte Boya, Hazel Boya, & Kathy Poole
Title: Walking With: as Vision, Practice, and Curriculum
- Walking on, walking with, walking beside, and walking within are all ways for the Tsek’ene people to “remember to remember” (Cajete, 1994). It is their way of actively sustaining and understanding their place and their role within it. This presentation will trace the history of Tsek’ene people, the legacy of residential schools, the flooding of much of their traditional territory, and what they have developed through unique variations of Rediscovery and Restorative Justice which values walking with others on the land to rediscover, restore, and revitalize their profound connection to the land. This practice of walking on and walking with is central to the possibility walking together on the land as a way towards honouring need for individuals to re-imagine themselves and their world in light of their healing journey. This walking on the land is a source of their indigenous knowledge and now they walk on the land as a practice that informs the ecological imagination of a curriculum that is to walk beside the curriculum currently offered in British Columbia. They are expanding the notion of schooling to include life long learning and to integrate Indigenous knowledge and pedagogical practices that are relevant to their place, their land and their development of Indigenous Voice. In this workshop we will share images, music, and stories of our walking with journey.
Vicki Kelly, Marlene Erickson, Colleen Erickson, Shana Labatch (formerly Schwentner), Sarah John, Kim Stewart, Donna Mac Donald, Cat Sivertsen
Title: The Place of the Arts in Giving Voice: A Transformative Journey
- In this workshop we will perform a Métissage of: life writing, dance, poetry, music, visual art and photography. We explore the intersection of four themes: the arts as a place of inquiry, the pedagogy of place, Indigeneity, and the transformative journey of seven women in a Masters of Education in Art Education at Simon Fraser University. In this presentation we weave the narrative threads of a powerful emergence of identity and vision through the honouring of our lived curriculums of: finding face, finding heart, and finding foundation (Cajete, 1994). We describe the pedagogy of place and the environmental and spiritual ecologies we come from. We speak lyrically of witnessing a process of giving voice through an immersion in the aesthetics of vulnerability enacted and embodied in the arts as a place of inquiry. We share some our experiences of journeying along the pathway of transformative learning in the academy. And we celebrate the visions we carry as women who ‘look to the mountain’ (Cajete. 1994) and speak of how we enact this imagining as leadership in our daily lives. After our performance we will engage in a dialogue with those present addressing the emergent themes of the presentation and conference.
Georgia Vrakas & Jessica Tooma
Title: Gaining understanding of mental wellness: listening to the voices of young Inuit women in Nunavik
- The objectives of this ongoing community-based participatory research project are to: 1) understand the concepts of mental health/wellness of 15 to 25 year-old Nunavimmiut youth and analyse their mental wellness needs; 2) analyse the fit between the mental health promotion/prevention programs currently offered to these youth and their mental wellness needs; 3) collaboratively propose recommendations to improve their mental wellness. Photovoice, a visual participatory research method, was used to assess youth’s concepts of mental health and analyse their mental health needs. Photovoice, within participatory research, aims to help individuals identify and reflect on community issues through picture-taking, promote group dialogue on these issues by discussing the pictures they have taken, and influence decision/policy-makers. Data was also collected on youth mental health promotion/prevention strategies via a documentary analysis and interviews with key informants. NVivo 9 was used to analyse the data and the results were interpreted collaboratively with community partners. This presentation will focus on the use of Photovoice as a tool fostering the empowerment of the participating youth, all of whom were young women. Furthermore, preliminary results regarding Nunavimmiut youth’s concepts of mental health/wellness and their recommendations for improving it will be presented.
Titi Kunkel
Title: Doing Indigenous Research as a ‘de-centered’ African in the Cariboo Chilcotin Region
- Defining Indigenous Research continues to be problematic. Indigenous Research can refer to studies with Indigenous Communities or conducted by an Indigenous person. The use of the term ‘Indigenous’ and its United Nations’ definition broadly relates to the descendants of First Peoples and Ethnic Minorities. In countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, it is unquestionably clear that the Aboriginals/Aborigines are the First Peoples. In other post-colonial societies, such as Africa, questions arise such as ‘who is and has the right to be Indigenous?’ or ‘when does one stop being Indigenous?’ While there are no formal answers to these questions, this paper describe ‘Afrocentrism’ which is an approach taken by a ‘de-centred’ African scholar to regain cultural position within the Indigenous and mainstream paradigms. The paper also shares some outcomes from applying this approach to a Doctoral study in the Cariboo Chilcotin area of British Columbia.
Ivan Paquette
Bio: Thank you for allowing me to come into your world and introduce myself. My english name is Ivan Paquette, while my cree indian name is "Muskisiew Napiew" meaning "Eagle Man". I have been working with aboriginal peoples since 1983. My first job after high school with aboriginal people was in Prince George as a recreation leader in an area called the hood, VLA. In 1985 I moved to Vancouver to persue my dreams as an actor and a singer songwriter. It wasn't until1989 that I found an agent to assist with my entertainment career. I found success on television series and movie sets becoming part of ACTRA, which is an actors union. To name a couple of these were Mcgyver, Black Stallion, and auditioning for movie roles such as a Uncas in Last Of The Mohicans. In 1991 I moved back to my roots in Prince George from Vancouver to write songs and develop as an artist. In 1992 I stopped into the Friendship Centre and was asked if I was interested in being a role model for youth in a program called Reconnect. I agreed to a year and ended up staying 6 years until1998. It was during this time I grew as an artist and studied holistic health.
Title: From a holistic lens...we see the whole picture...together we find solutions
- With this workshop I hope to bring a cultural approach to family values and tradition. This workshop will include a balanced view with woman being leaders in their homes and community, supported by the involvement of men working and communicating together to find solutions for healthier families.
Benjamin Laurie
Bio: Ben Laurie finds meaning in the plants and animals he lives with and eats. Currently working through a graduate degree in Social Work Ben works through a downtown Prince George counselling centre and facilitates a men's group. Ben's family mostly lives on vancouver island, however he has been living in Anishnaabe territory in southern Ontario for about 8 years.
Title: Challenging Men: Empowering Partners of Intimate Abuse
- Healthy men can be a positive social determinant of women's health. By working with men in Prince George through the northern John Howard society women partners are better able to be agents of change in their intimate relationships. The men's group is accompanied simultaneously by a women's group. Each partner engages in their own group experience, taking responsibility for their actions, while understanding the maladaptive behaviour as an expression of unidentified primary emotions. Through the 15 week group therapy process men begin to explore and communicate the emotions behind their anger. Disrupting reactive interpersonal patterns through self awareness men are better able to engage in non-abusive ways with their partners, children, and friends. The group experience is rich, supportive, and honest space for men to define and live a new masculinity that serves their own health, women's health, and community health.
Bev Sellars
Bio: I was born in 1955 and raised until I was 5 on the Soda Creek Indian Reserve by my grandparents. My grandfather died when I was 12 (1967) but my grandmother lived until 1997. She was the major influence in my life. Her story alone is one of inspiration. She was Carrier but married into the Secwepemc tribe. I was fortunate to have caught the tail end of a traditional lifestyle. We traveled by horse and wagon and the majority of our food was gathered by hunting, gathering or gardening. I went to the hospital in Sardis when I was 5 until 7 years old, was home for 3 weeks and then was sent to the residential school for 5 years. I attempted suicide when I was 17 and have written a book about my life, how I got to the point of committing suicide and then my journey out of the dark hole I was in. I went on to University, got an undergrad degree in History/Political Science and later got a law degree. I am now Chief of my Band again. First time in 1987-93. Our Tribal Council was instrumental in bringing the residential school to light when I was Chief the first time, we also did the Cariboo-Chilcotin Justice Inquiry and in 2009, after visiting other territories, returned home to the position of Chief again.
Nellie Vera Pokiak
Bio: Nellie Pokiak is from Tuktoyaktuk, NWT. An Inuvialuit Elder she lives in two worlds and draws strength from her traditional culture. She has studied criminology and counseling, and researched beluga whales out of curiosity. She is a vivid story teller and draws on both worlds to educate youth and newcomers.
Title: Two Worlds, Two Cultures: How curiosity and strength have bridged two ways of knowing
- Tuktoyaktuk is on the Arctic Ocean; there are no trees there and everything one needs is provided by the land. As a young girl I knew that I wanted to support my family with food and clothing because the work is learned but also passed on to the next generation. Living off the land heals the mental, emotional, spiritual body but also socially with the young and newcomers. The pride instilled comes from the heart, with the ability to do the impossible at times. I studied Criminology out of curiosity. I wanted to make a difference to at least one person. The struggle to graduate proved impossible at times but great determination and power within myself got me through the three years. Using my traditional knowledge and skills has stabilized me in working with others: youth, community members and outsiders. Traditional knowledge is done through observation of tides, birth of the baby whales, erosion; I enjoy seeing the youth, scientists and elders working together. There are two worlds; the youth and elders share one world and the scientists live in another world. I have the ability to blend both worlds with my husband, children and grandchildren and with the newcomers. I am a great story teller so instill different values and traditions of how we have survived throughout the years. I am respected both by the youth and scientists.
Catherine Nolin
Title: Get these monsters out of here! Maya women’s activism and resistance against Canadian mining on Indigenous lands in Guatemala
- Neoliberal development schemes of mining, oil extraction, and hydroelectric projects, are embraced by post-conflict Guatemala as the way forward on the path to democratization. At the same time, the Canadian government’s pro-business, pro-mining stance, through its Embassy’s activities, is shaping the very nature of the so-called “development model” for this Central American country. In this presentation, based on fieldwork in the summer months of 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010, I highlight the ways in which the development projects pursued by Canadian-based mining companies Skye Resources, Inc. and Hudbay Minerals, Inc. among others, and facilitated by the Guatemalan state, are predicated on the reduction of Indigenous and rural populations to “bare life.” Maya women in remote communities and large urban centres are actively resisting their “legal abandonment” and working for the safety and well-being of their communities in various ways including taking legal action through the Canadian legal system.
Cristian Silva & Gisela Ortiz Perea
Title: Huamanquiquia: Community of widows
- The twenty year period beginning in 1980 saw many families in Perú affected by the violence of the internal armed conflict. The victims of the violence were rural, Indigenous and poor. 15 000 people were disappeared and their remains have not yet been recovered. The degree of violence in the community of Huamanquiquia specifically, and its impact on women has been both emotional and physical, however women have been able to transform their pain and trauma into forms of strength. Taking control over crops was one outlet for empowerment, and coming to terms with years of grief. The Peruvian Forensic Anthropology Team (EPAF) has been working with communities such as Huamanquiquia to document cases of forced violence as a means of recovering loved ones and retrieving the remains. This assists communities in gaining a sense of closure, and asserts their rights as equal citizens of Perú.
Cindy Charleyboy
Bio: Alumni Member of UNBC & Education Coordinator with the Soda Creek Band. Grad 2006, Bachelor of Arts, Major in First Nations Studies, Minor in English. Cindy is part Tsilhqot’in, Secwepemc and Norwegian from the Interior of British Columbia and has over 10 years experience working with and empowering First Nations students. Having previously worked with the Cariboo Chilcotin Weekend University and currently working as an Education Coordinator with the Soda Creek Indian Band, Cindy has developed daily practices combining traditional and contemporary knowledge to deal with some of the harsher issues we face, such as racism within the classroom.Title: Women Warriors Techniques for Self Empowerment
- Students deserve to be encouraged in all areas and empowered to deal with harsher realities, such as racism, in a positive and proactive way. Learn fast, practical techniques that can be used daily to empower yourself and others, helping you work with intention and create the positive change you want.
Jeanette Tough
- The Gaia program was established in the winter of 2006 due to a high percentage of infants being apprehended by Ministry for Child and Family development (MCFD). GAIA the name chosen for the program was named from a Greek Goddess meaning Creation of life. Hospital health care providers were identifying an increase number of women with substance use problems arriving at emergency ready to deliver and with no history of prenatal care. The health outcome for these mothers and their infants was poor. Although, not all the women involved in this situation were aboriginal, the major ruled. The Gaia program is a community outreach program for pregnant women who are misusing substances. The Gaia program encourages women to engage in accessing prenatal care with the main goal of reducing the possible harmful effects of prenatal alcohol and drug exposure. By offering support, education and service referrals helped us to implement this program for the last four years. This program respected the rights of all women to make their own choices within their own cultural, spiritual and social well being. This aspect allowed the program to refer out to other agencies in Dawson Creek and area who share the same common goal.
Leona Nielson & Caitlin Nicholson
Bio: Leona Nielson is a cultural and language teacher. She teaches the Cree language at the University of Northern British Columbia and language and culture at the Cree Aboriginal Head Start in Prince George. Caitlin Nicholson is an author/teacher and UNBC alumni of the Masters Arts (First Nations Studies program).
Themes: Traditional Medicines, Language and Cultural Education, Early Readers
- This presentation/workshop will focus on Leona’s medicine teachings in the Prince George community including the use of the picture book “I Help” translated and inspired by Leona and her teachings, and written and illustrated by Caitlin Nicholson (MA UNBC), about Leona’s teachings about traditional medicines to youth in the Prince George Cree Head Start and the relationship between Elders and children as values are transmitted within this process. Participants will also put together a medicine pouch that they can take home.
Marilyn Iwama
Bio: Marilyn Iwama was born and raised in a Saskatchewan Cree, Saulteaux, Metis and Mennonite family. Her scholarship and poetry attend the construction of identity - especially what happens when individuals and communities integrate different worldviews. Marilyn is particularly curious about the healing aspects of food and language.
Title: The Earth is our mother: Determining metaphor in our story
- Some say that, for Indigenous peoples, “the Earth is our Mother” is not a metaphor. The literal truth of that claim may seem obvious: we come from earth and return to it. But our stories of how we came to, and how we walk on the earth are who we are. The Elders also say that every story is---(just?)---a metaphor. This presentation considers metaphor’s ubiquitous disruption of Western scientific notions of evidence and objectivity. It places “evidence” alongside the truth of metaphor in Indigenous story, thereby realizing each narrative’s interconnected, transformative potency.
Sigidimnak’ Hagwilooḵ’am Saxwhl Giis (Irene Seguin) & Carla Burton
Title: Word Warriors - Revitalizing Nisga’a Culture Through Language
- It is recognized that First Nations identity is rooted in Language, Culture, Spirit and Land. The loss of any of these diminishes the richness and heritage of First Nations cultures. Every word, phrase, and sentence represents thousands of years of knowledge (Paul 2010). There are 66 recognized First Nations languages in Canada; 36 in British Columbia. Of the 36, six are considered sleeping languages where there are no fluent speakers left. The 2010 Report on the status of First Nations languages in BC notes that Nisga’a is considered an endangered language with an estimated 485 fluent speakers, 207 semi-speakers and 266 learners (First People’s Heritage 2010). In the Nass Valley, since 1975, the number of language learners has been gradually increasing as Nisga’a is taught from pre-school to post-secondary levels. This presentation describes the programs that have been developed in the Nass Valley to encourage Nisga’a to learn their language and how learning the language is woven into all aspects of their culture. Work underway to identify, clarify and recover terms and concepts associated with Nisga’a ethnobotany and the traditional uses of plants in their culture will also be presented.
Victoria Baptiste
Bio: Growing up in a culturally enriched environment, surrounded by fluent speakers of the nsyilxcen language Victoria chose to pursue a career in Digital Media. She was exposed to language and culture since an early age and has an above average understanding of technology. She combines both skills on a regular basis and is an award winning Independent Multi-media producer and mentor.
Title: Utilizing Technology for Indigenous Knowledge
- With the ever increasing popularity of technical careers in Indigenous communities and the fear of losing valued information from Knowledge Keepers, Victoria noticed many technical projects breeching cultural protocols. This workshop introduces the art of combining the two worlds together and introduces a template to ensure the 'creator' of these projects maintains Indigenous protocols while utilizing technology for Indigenous Knowledge.
Shelly Niemi & Angela Carter
Title: Aboriginal Education Department - School District No. 57
- This workshop will focus on Aboriginal Education from a local perspective and what School District No.57 is doing to infuse Aboriginal Ways of Knowing into classrooms and curriculum. You will be given an overview of the Aboriginal Education Department of School District No.57, and the Five Learning Foci within the Aboriginal Education Department; Elders and Indigenous Knowledge, Restitution and Restorative Practice, Rediscovery and Traditional Environmental Knowledge, Youth Leadership and Culture and Language. We will discuss with you the Framework of these five learning foci and how they are attached to a family of schools and how they have become part of our pillars of Aboriginal Education for School District No.57. Throughout this presentation we will discuss the importance that Aboriginal Women have within each of these foci and how traditional knowledge is being transferred to our students from these knowledge keepers.
Lorraine Naziel
- I am a resilient, Wet’suwet’en woman warrior, educated as a geographer with a strong desire to create innovative and culturally appropriate approaches to empowerment for women and their families. Wet’suwet’en women have long dealt with intergenerational trauma associated with colonization to present day. This violence against women comes in many forms and presents itself in many ways. In my research, I aim to articulate the history of Wet’suwete’n women, integrate my story, and identify issues and research concepts to guide the development of social solutions and culturally appropriate strategies. These strategies will be holistic in nature and strongly linked to land and culture. Action at the front lines plays a critical role in understanding where to go from here. Women in leadership roles will be purposively chosen to give their voice from each of the 13 house groups and all five clans. My research will determine if there is a link between empowerment, identity and the aspect of Yintah’ Wewat’zenli - “Taking Care of the Land” as we reclaim our gendered roles in Wet’suwet’en society.
Poster presentations
Antonia Mills & Melissa Carlick
Title: Strong Yukon women come back from men
- Yukon stories of rebirth highlight the strength and equality of women, who often remember shifting gender between lives. Two Yukon Elder women recall being male in their last life: one was Adzaah. He came back/was reborn as Angel Carlick, named Angel because she brought back his spirit, and the birthmarks of the bullet entry and exit wound which she carries still as an 81 year old. Angel is proud of being a good hunter and trapper and good at snaring: a strong capable woman who refused to let her youngest son go to Residential School. Elder Stella Boss remembers being the son of Annie Ned and Elijah Smith in her last life. While some Yukon rebirth examples don’t change gender between lives, they often do: Annie Ned’s second husband came back as a girl. These women are in essence women warriors working strongly to maintain the strength of their traditions.
Emily Sadowski
- This presentation highlights the importance of developing a relationship with the inner knower, intuition. Intuitive intelligence can be fostered in both educational and everyday life settings when it is given the space and time to unpack itself. Drawing on the work of Gregory Cajete and Manu Meyer, as well as a Jungian understanding of individuation and wholeness, a 'pedagogy for intuition' is aimed at developing self-authority and confidence in the inner knowing that is all of our birthright. The pedagogy itself is two-fold; paying attention and letting go are its paradoxical directions. It incorporates ideas about worldview, ways of knowing, and the transformative potential of developing a meaningful relationship with intuition, which strengthens leadership capabilities by expanding the pool of resources from which we draw.
Imani Miller
Who are the "Women Warriors" of Prince George and on line on Facebook? What is it? A program developed for and by women for self empowerment. An introduction to how and why we got started.
Maria Orcherton
Title: Exploring geographical kinships and mapping landscapes of identity in the Casma Valley of Central Peru (South America)
- Social work as a profession historically advocates that communities deserve self-determination, cultural sustainability and social justice. This research examines the social, cultural and spiritual planting practices of the Casma people of Peru regarding their native cultivar Apichu/Kumara/Camote (A/K/C) (Ipomoea batatas L.) or sweet potato. For Indigenous/Mestizo families of the Casma Valley of Peru, A/K/C represents the symbolic reflection of preserving communal knowledge, rituals, languages, traditional agricultural practices, teaching and learning practices. This is also a way of protecting community-base in terms of autonomy, empowerment; provisioning them against the clutches of modernity, rampant change and progressive acculturation. This research provided an in-depth look at cultural sustainability and how the Casma people have become resilient over time. Qualitative ethnographic methodologies were used to explore the socio-cultural and spiritual planting practices of the Casma people. Results showed that traditional planting practices, rituals, and ceremonies are becoming extinct and many farmers fear that associative knowledge (to these practices) has been lost forever. The sustainability embedded in the revitalization of A/K/C, traditional "ways of knowing" are considered to be one of the adaptation strategies to help Indigenous/Mestizo families and communities to become resilient to the impacts of climate change, food insecurity and poverty. Findings will contribute to the understanding of problems and policies in developing countries such as Peru and improve ways of bridging knowledge gaps between Western science and Traditional science, particularly in the field of social work. Within the contemporary social work context, and reflecting on what needs to be accomplished in this study, international solidarity is needed and is well highlighted in the ethical guidelines of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW); Ethical Responsibility to the Broader Society. Data gathering was done by incorporating farmer transect walks, semi structured questionnaires, informal oral narratives, focus group discussions and informal family gatherings.
Cat Siversten & Colleen Ericksen
Title: Laundry Day(z)
Bio: Cat Sivertsen is a visual artist and Colleen Ericksen a poet. They met two years ago during their SFU masters of arts education studies. They bonded over mutual discoveries to finally connecting the dots and co-creating the work Laundry Day(z).
- Laundry Day(z) is a performance piece using white linen t-‐towels, birdsong, projected clouds and the spoken word. The performance endeavours to portray a personal and collective notion of embodiment. Embodiment in terms of loss, of knowing and of simply being. Colleen speaks on life’s journey about discovery and loss realized through a personal and collective narrative: memories present and memory cellular. Cat’s laundry hanging looks at the beauty of the everyday and domesticity as life’s meditation: carry on no matter what life throws up because the sun rises, the wind blows and the laundry gets done.