Intercultural Indigenous Workshop - Sharing perspectives and experiences of research in Canada's North - Centre de la science de la biodiversité du Québec / Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science

When

November 16th and 17th, 2017

Where

Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU), University Centre, 3480 McTavish, Montreal, QC

For whom

Early career scientists conducting fieldwork in Canada’s North or with an interest in conducting research on traditional territories across Canada. These workshops are targeted to graduate and post-graduate students, however undergraduates may also register.

Mission

The overall mission of this workshop is to foster cooperation and balance between scientific and indigenous local knowledge, and to promote the sharing of perspectives between the scientific and northern communities.

Why this workshop is important

For many young researchers, the opportunity to do field research in the Canadian Great North is an incredible experience, both professionally and personally. However, most students are not adequately prepared to work with northern indigenous communities. Whether it involves the development of participatory research projects, the popularization and sharing of scientific results, or simply interpersonal relationships in communities, many students experience cultural shock when they arrive up North.

Program

Thursday November 16th, Ballroom 301

This is a full-day workshop entitled “Indigenous Realities: A Cultural Awareness-Building” facilitated by Suzanne Keeptwo, Métis of Kichisipirini (Algonkin) descent. This presentation explores Canada’s historic relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and how it impacts current realities using storytelling, music and visuals. Lunch, coffee and snacks provided. Registration required.

Evening of Thursday November 16th, Ballroom 301

All are welcome to participate in this evening event including a keynote speaker, a round table discussion on sharing perspectives and experiences of research in Canada’s North, and a networking event with cocktails and snacks available. No registration required.

Friday November 17th, Rooms Madeleine Parent and Lev Bukhman

This half-day event called “The Exchange Experience: Validating 500 Years of First Nations History” with Suzanne Keeptwo is an interactive, arts-based and experiential workshop. The workshop thrives on an indigenous teaching model in concept, structure and content. Participants become the creative collaborators exploring First Nations historical, political and social issues while guided through a creative learning process. The experience works to validate Indigenous realities and sensitize Canadians’ understandings of Aboriginal history and worldviews. Be prepared to actively participate. Lunch not included. Registration required.

For more information on Suzanne Keeptwo, please follow this link.

Main themes for the two workshops

Raising awareness of indigenous realities using storytelling, music and visuals
Creative, arts-based experiential workshop
Respectful research: different cultural practices and perspectives on research
Participatory and positive engagement in research
Scientific communication in indigenous communities
Foster partnership between indigenous local knowledge and scientific knowledge

Activities for the Evening of Thursday November 16th:

Keynote speaker
Round table discussion with question period
Networking event
Cocktail and traditional food tasting

A detailed program for this evening event will be soon available!

Registration

Registration is $35.00 + tx. for both Thursday and Friday or $20.00 + tx. for the Thursday workshop only. To register, you will have to create a user account on the registration platform. Presence at the Thursday workshop is a prerequisite for participation in the experiential workshop on Friday. The number of places is limited, please register early. The deadline to register is November 5, 2017 at 11:59pm. Registration is non-refundable.

Other details

No registration required for the evening of Thursday November 16th – all are welcome!
Registration is required for both workshops. Presence at the Thursday full-day workshop is a prerequisite for participation at the interactive workshop on Friday.
Lunch, coffee and snacks are provided on Thursday November 16th.
Please bring your own lunch to the workshop on Friday November 17th. We may organise a potluck to share food.
For the Exchange Experience workshop on Friday, participants must be willing to:
- Actively participate in the activities
- Bring a blanket or shawl to work with
- Explore basic drama techniques: movement & voice (in Group)
- Collaborate with others to present ideas & feelings in dynamic ways
- Participate in a Talking Circle
- Accept references to Traditional Anishinaabeg Teachings & Spirituality
- Be prepared for an emotional response to sensitive issues