NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY | 5
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020
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Many celebrations focus on relationships and spiritual connections through ceremonies, song and dance. During this pandemic period, Kematch also offers ideas for how to mark the moment in a more solitary way. “You can have a private ceremony just for you by connecting with something sacred or personal — smudge, take a bath, go for a walk in nature, spend time with your immediate household family. You can also support Indigenous business owners, if possible, or you can take it upon yourself to learn something new by watching an Indigenous documentary or reading a book by an Indigenous author,” she said. “We can all participate in activities that help us grow and to learn the real history and lasting impact of colonization. We can commit to ensuring we help move towards a future that changes institutions and the experiences Indigenous people have within them.” Lorena Sekwan Fontaine, University of Winnipeg’s Indigenous academic lead, feels it’s important to celebrate the accomplishments of Indigenous people now and throughout history. She points to the contributions of the Bear Clan as an example of remarkable people
working together to create a safer and more supportive community. At the same time, she stresses that more work needs to be done around issues such as land rights and Indigenous language revitalization. “It’s important for kids to see Indigenous people who are doing good work,” she said. “We have a beautiful culture to celebrate and it benefits everybody to talk about the positive things that have occurred.” With the cancellation of large gatherings, Fontaine encourages everyone to find other ways to celebrate. “This is a time when Indigenous communities would be getting ready to go to ceremonies, and we’re not able to do that because of COVID-19. It’s causing stress for a lot of people because our relationship to the land is so important to our health and well-being,” she said. “A lot of people will celebrate online or connect by phone or spend time with immediate family for simple celebrations. For the Indigenous community, it’s also important to take the time to go for a walk in nature or go by the water to celebrate the land that we love so much.”
From left: Carla Kematch, Red River College’s manager of Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement; Lorena Sekwan Fontaine, University of Winnipeg’s Indigenous academic lead; Catherine Cook, University of Manitoba’s inaugural vice-president Indigenous.
For Catherine Cook, University of Manitoba’s inaugural vice-president Indigenous, the annual event provides the possibility of positive change for the future. “My vision for National Indigenous Peoples Day is that it would be a real holiday for Canada that recognizes not only the resiliency of our people but the contributions we’ve made to the country,” she said. “There is a long history to this place, particularly here in Manitoba, prior to non-Indigenous people arriving. It’s critically important to recognize that Indigenous people lived here, survived here and continue to do so despite colonization. We need to recognize that it’s because of the resiliency of the Métis people
that we have the province of Manitoba.” Looking to the future, Cook is buoyed by a sense of optimism in the strength of today’s youth. “I am so encouraged by the young people coming out of high school and university today. They’re beginning to emerge as very proud of their ancestry as opposed to the generation when people were almost afraid to acknowledge their Indigenous heritage,” she said. “These young people are so smart and proud and confident in their identity. They can change this world we live in. I encourage them not to lose sight of that vision they have for our people and our country.”
The WCB supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Diversity, equity and inclusivity are Red River College’s heart and soul. They are values we celebrate, hold dear, and continually aspire to as we strive to ensure our faculty, staff and students feel safe, respected and equal. Supporting You on Your Path
Apply today to one of our featured fall programs:
• Pathway to Business, Creative Communications and Digital Technology Programs • Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs
• Social Innovation and Community Development • Indigenous Languages: Inninew (Cree) or Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe)
To learn more about programs and supports, please contact our Indigenous Liaison Advisor at indigrecruit@rrc.ca or 204.631.3361 .
rrc.ca/indigenous
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