First Nations House invites you to celebrate Indigenous contributions at the University of Toronto and Indigenous presence on campus at the annual Indigenous Education Week taking place October 28 to November 1, 2019. This year, we are highlighting Indigenous languages.

All events are free and open to the public! Check out the webpage for event details. You can also join the conversation on Twitter at #UofTIEW2019

October 28th

Elders Gathering 2019

Join us at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health to listen and learn from our community's essential Knowledge Holders. This year, the Elders will address a variety of topics in relation to Indigenous Languages, including language revitalization, language and connection to healing and well-being, and decolonizing language.

Indigenous Waves Live Viewing Party

In collaboration with the amazing Indigenous Waves Radio Show (CIUT 89.5FM), we would like to invite you to view an episode LIVE! The episode on October 28th will focus on Indigenous Parents that have taken on the important work of teaching the next generation their traditional language. Our three guests will discuss their journey with language and how they are teaching their children. I don't know about you, but I'm already feeling inspired! There will be snacks and socializing! Come join us in the Map Room for this heart-warming event.

Indigenous Education Network 30th Anniversary Lecture Series: Proclaiming the Roots and Realities of Indigenous-Black Peoples on Turtle Island - A talk by Ciann Wilson, Moderated by Kayla Webber

Ciann Wilson, Assistant Professor, Community Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University. Ciann is of Afro-, Indo- and Euro- Jamaican ancestry. She has over a decade of experience working within African, Caribbean and Black communities across the greater Toronto area first as a youth programmer and now as a health researcher. Her research interests build off her community-engaged work to include critical race theory, anti-/de-colonial theory, African diasporic and Indigenous community health, HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive wellbeing and community-based research. Her body of work aims to utilize research as an avenue for sharing the stories and realities of African diasporic, Indigenous and racialized peoples and improving the health and wellbeing of these communities.

October 29, 2019

imagineNATIVE Wiki Page Edit-A-Thon

In collaboration with our friends over at OISE Library, we are throwing a Wiki Page Edit-A-Thon event that will focus on the films and works that are a part of imagineNATIVE's film + media arts festival over the past few years. This is a GREAT opportunity to take action and help update, edit and add to the Wikipedia pages that share information about these works. Your support greatly helps the Indigenous arts community. No experience editing Wiki pages? No sweat, everyone is welcome regardless of their experience level.

This is a ticketed event, see facebook event for details

Language Journal Making Workshop

As part of Indigenous Education Week, we want to inspire you to start your language learning journey. One helpful tool can be a bullet Journal, which allows you to write down what you're learning and expand upon it! Why not make it fun, right? So we have partnered with Get Crafty at Hart House to help you create and customize your own journal! Come grab a quick snack and make your journal!

October 30th, 2019

Indigenous Language Rights with Khelsilem 

Are you passionate about Indigenous Language rights? Are you curious to learn more? GREAT! Because we are too. So much so that we invited Khelsilem to join us for Indigenous Education Week. Khelsilem is a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-Kwakwa̱ka’wa̱kw writer, activist, public speaker, community organizer and no stranger to promoting and defending Indigenous Language rights. Come join us for his talk, you won't want to miss this!

Language Revitalization Class with Bonnie Jane Maracle

Do you want to learn more about relationship building, ally-ship and teamwork in regards to Indigenous language revitalization? Indigenous Education Week is thrilled to announce that Bonnie Jane Maracle and her class are welcoming you to join them in exploring these topics. All are welcome! We kindly ask you try to get there a bit earlier than 6pm to ensure the class can start in a timely manner.

October 31st, 2019

Hip-Hop 101 Cafe with Drezus

Just as hip hop has always served as an artistic platform for self-expression, truth-telling and community celebration, so too does this tradition continue through the lives of Indigenous artists. First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists have used hip hop culture to challenge settler colonialism, white supremacy, and heteropatriarchy. They have used hip hop culture to protest pipelines, call out institutional violence, and mourn the loss of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls and two-spirited individuals.  And through Hip-Hop these artists form creative spaces that aim to heal, rejuvenate and celebrate themselves and their communities. Rappers, producers, b-girls, b-boys, and graffiti artists from all across the four corners of Turtle Island and beyond have been living the hip hop life and sharing their experiences through their art. Join us as we explore their work, their lives, and their future in this can't miss Hip Hop Café session. It's all about beats, rhymes, and Indigenous life!

Increasing Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Hiring, Admissions and Culture

The Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office works with its University partners to host local and international experts, academics and advocates to increase dialogue and understanding of racial equity, diversity and inclusion in postsecondary environments. See the upcoming sessions listed below.

Resistance Cypher: Hip-Hop as Counter Storytelling Featuring Drezus

Resistance is a centre point of hip hop. Hip hop’s art, music, fashion, history, language and community identity all run counter to a dominant colonial narrative—now it’s for modern-day hip hop griots to re-tell their story in an authentic way. This event will feature an open format conversation with Indigenous Hip Hop artist, storyteller and speaker Drezus moderated by Assistance Professor Chandni Desai, Equity Studies Program at New College. In an age of resistance to global warming, clashes around land disputes and protests to injustices in the criminal system, Hip hop voices like Drezus’ need to be even more amplified. We invite students and community to listen, learn and ask questions.             

November 1st, 2019

Big Drum Social

In collaboration with Ciimaan/Kahuwe'ya/Qajaq Indigenous Language Initiative & SAGE UT. As Indigenous Education Week comes to an end, we want to make sure we close the week off right! We are thrilled to announce that Indigenous Education Week, Ciimaan/Kahuwe'ya/Qajaq Indigenous Language Initiative and SAGE UT have come together to host a Big Drum Social! Come dance, sing, socialize and enjoy!

Please contact kelsey.melanson@utoronto.ca for more info