Walking in our Moccasins, First Nations Perspectives
A four session course with First Nation instructors.
Thursdays, October 1-22, 2015
7:30 p.m.
A hands-on conversation and information about our First Nations community. Each week will bring a new topic and speaker. Join us for the following conversations:
- The Creation Story from an Anishinaabe Perspective, Amy Dejarlais – a political conversation. In 2003, Amy founded, EarthTALKER, a magazine focused on women and families. In 2008, Amy is the recipient of the FNTI/Ryerson University Practicum Award for Theory of Interconnectedness – An Indigenous perspective on political decision-making.
- Reconciliation: The Time for action is now, Bob Watts – an historical perspective. Bob is a former CEO of the Assembly of First Nations and served as the Chief of Staff to the Assembly of First Nations’ National Chief Phil Fontaine.
- Who are the Aboriginal People’s in Canada, Tracey King – a cultural perspective. Tracey King, Essinhs Kwe (Little Shell Woman), was born and raised in Toronto. She is Ojibway and Pottawatomi, Otter Clan and a band member of Wasauksing First Nation.
- Ways of Knowing, Earth’s Teachings, Kim Wheatley – an environmental outlook. Kim is an Anishinaabe (Ojibway) band member of Shawanaga First Nation. She is Turtle Clan and a proud grandmother of 2 granddaughters and mother of 3 daughters. Her spirit name is “Shkoden Neegaan Waawaaskonen” which translates to “Head/Leader of the Fireflower”
I plan to attend the remaining programs in this series, although I was out of the town for the first presentation.
these sessions on first nations sound interesting. The grade 6s are learning about Aboriginal Identity and I was wondering if you think that these sessions would be ok to bring a young person to (age 11).
Thanks, Leslie Orbach
The first session with Amy Dejarlais was a moving, enlightening sharing of Amy’s personal story interwoven with Creation story of her people. Bringing her sacred ritual objects and courageously singing her chants with us, a room full of strangers — she brought honour to her people and honour to us as witnesses. Very beautiful and powerful. In the conversation following, several of us noted similar lessons underlying our respective stories and customs. A wonderful program.