U of T Scarborough Celebrates Indigenous History Month

Colourful Indigenous Mural
Isaac Murdoch, storyteller from Serpent River First Nation, provided the traditional story of the UTSC community and Christi Belcourt, the artist, supported students, faculty, staff and community in the creation of an 8ft by 25ft mural.

Tamraa Greenidge

In June Canadians celebrate Indigenous History Month and we recognize and honour the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. Here’s a look at how the University of Toronto Scarborough is celebrating. 

Events

INDIGENOUS RESILIENCE AND STRENGTH THEN AND NOW – FRIDAY, JUNE 11

NDIGENOUS RESILIENCE AND STRENGTH THEN AND NOW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lunch and Learn Webinar from 1 – 2 p.m. (EDT)

With Indigenous Community Educator Lorena Garvey and in partnership with U of T Scarborough Indigenous Initiatives.

Register now for this event. If you require accommodation (s) to join this virtual event, please email indigenous.utm@utoronto.ca 

 

Honouring our Students Pow Wow - Saturday, June 19 

The Indigenous Studies Students' Union will be hosting this virtual pow wow on June 19 at noon. The event that will include dancing, drumming, teachings, contests, giveaways and more. Held on the YouTube Premieres platform, the fifth annual Honouring Our Students Pow Wow will feature head dancers John Hupfield and Cedar Smoke, special guests and Elders. 

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day - Monday June 21

The city of Toronto is planning a virtual celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, which recognizes the cultural significance of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Details to come.

 

Instagram Takeover with Siobhan Detkavich - Monday June 21

Siobhan Detkavich, Indigenous Kelowna chef and youngest to compete on Top Chef Canada, will be taking over our Instagram account to talk about her Indigenous heritage and cook up something special. Stay tuned for more information!

Siobhan will be making bannock zeppoles during her takeover. Do you want to follow along and make your own? Here is the list of ingredients needed:

  • Og bannock ratio 3-2-1 - flour, water, oil
  • 1 cup flour
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 150-200 ml milk
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  •  Dash of baking powder
  • Orange zest to taste
  • Cinnamon sugar mix (add sumac and elder pepper to the sugar/cinnamon mix to jazz up the flavours a little bit)

The live will be available soon with step-by-step instructions from Siobhan!

Revitalization of Culture: Indigenous Artist Share - Tuesday, June 22

U of T Scarborough Indigenous Engagement Coordinator Juanita Muise moderates a series of talks with Indigenous artists from across Canada, sharing their stories of cultural revitalization and the role it plays in their practice. 

Presented by the Indigenous Outreach Program at the University of Toronto Scarborough in collaboration with the Doris McCarthy Gallery, this program will celebrate and recognize the work of Indigenous artists who are keeping alive cultural practices and taking action for 7 generations to come.

Marking National Indigenous History Month, this June session of the program features Mi’kmaq musician and community organizer Paul Pike. The event begins at 4:00 p.m.

This talk is open to the public, all are welcome. Please register for the event to receive the Zoom link.

Is Reconciliation dead? Ethical and Respectful Engagement with Indigenous Communities - Monday, June 28

Some Indigenous people contend that Reconciliation is dead and harms are being perpetuated by the Canadian government and society. Join us for this interactive session as we explore the answers to the following:

  • How do we put Truth before Reconciliation? 
  • What does it mean to live and work on Indigenous land?  
  • What actions can you take in your work and life to build respectful relationships?  
  • How do I engage in business with Indigenous communities ethically and respectfully?

This event will be faciltated by: 

  • Helen Bobiwash, Anishinaabe-kwe, Independent Accountant, FCPA,FCMA, CAFM
  • Kelly Crawford, Anishinaabe-kwe from M'Chigeeng First Nation on Mnidoo Munising, Assistant Director, Indigenous Initiatives | University of Toronto Scarborough

Date: Monday, June 28, 2021

Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm

Location: Online Event

Sign Up: Register here

Zoom / Microsoft Teams Backgrounds

 

Indigenous History Month mural   Indigenous History Month mural

Customize your Microsoft Teams and Zoom Backgrounds using these custom U of T Scarborough Indigenous History Month backgrounds!

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Resources

Read Indigenous, resources and reading list

 

 

 

 

 

 

The U of T Scarborough library has put together a list of books and resources that celebrate Indigenous voices, educate on Indigenous history in Canada, and provide resources for standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous Stories celebrating our Indigenous Community

Q&A with imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival

Group of people sitting on a couch

1.Tell us about your organization: your background story, and what it is that your organization does?

imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is the largest presenter of Indigenous Media. We are a registered charity committed to inspiring and connecting communities through original Indigenous film and media arts. Our Festival, Tour, Institute, and year-round initiatives showcase, promote, and celebrate Indigenous filmmakers and media artists from Canada and internationally, creating a greater understanding of Indigenous peoples, cultures and artistic expressions. Be sure to come celebrate our 22nd annual imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, this Autumn from October 19-24, 2021!

2. Why is it important for your organization to create a greater understanding of Indigenous peoples and cultures using the mediums that you use?

Storytelling is how our histories have been kept alive. When so much has been attempted to be erased and rewritten, it is important to put the storytelling power directly into Indigenous people’s hands, to make sure Indigenous nations are the ones guiding their own narratives and getting to speak to each other. It’s important for non-Indigenous people to pay attention to these stories to gain a better understanding of the history of where they live and the people whose land they live with.

3. Why is it important that we celebrate Indigenous History Month?
 

It is important to celebrate Indigenous History Month because Indigenous people and our contributions to society are important and often overlooked. Taking time during June, which is when Strawberries ripen, allows time for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to learn about what Indigenous people are up to today, from community advocacy to creating innovative and ground-breaking pieces that advance the cinematic legacy, as well as spreading awareness about how much has been overcome and continues to affect Indigenous communities across our land. imagineNATIVE is celebrating Indigenous History Month by screening an Indigenous legacy film every Friday. Remember to register and come by for this Friday’s classic, “Smoke Signals”.

4. What are some of the important issues that you are tackling in relation to Indigenous communities in Canada?

Providing opportunities for hundreds of Indigenous Content Creators to access resources, mentors, network and platform at the largest annual meeting place for Indigenous Filmmakers and Industry, which assists them in growing their skills, sharing stories about their communities and becoming exposed to even more opportunities with visibility and support. imagineNATIVE commissions the creation of new film and media works, presenting hundreds of new works annually, and facilitates the sale of works to national and international curators. Doing so contributes to expelling stereotypes, giving the methods and resources to redirect our narrative. Check out our website for a full view of the imagineNATIVE Mandate.

5. How can people get involved in your work/projects?

If you're an Indigneous creative, please check out the year-round work and opportunities with the Institute, including mentorship and incubator workshops. Submit to the Festival your works. Everyone can donate and show up to attend our events and the Festival in October, follow and support the artists we present, volunteer with our imagineNATIVE Festival team and be extra good to your neighbours.

Check out more Indigenous Instagram stories on @UTSC's Instagram page where we celebrate Indigenous Canadians.