By Miranda Pugh, Executive Director, Development, Faculty of Law
Dear Colleagues,
As we progress through each month, carrying forward our work, nurturing relationships, and planning strategically for the future, it can be easy to give important calendar moments such as Indigenous History Month a passing nod and hope to find more time for reflection and learning next year.
While this article is insufficient to encompass all that I wish to convey, I urge you to make time to delve deeper into the history of Indigenous communities in Canada. As a Native American, I have been shocked to uncover the details of The Indian Act's legislative history, both past and present. It is distressing to learn that Indigenous Peoples were denied the right to vote in federal elections until 1960 unless they relinquished their treaty rights. Equally disheartening is the fact that Indigenous individuals were forbidden from seeking legal counsel for pursuing legal claims until the same year. Moreover, the Sixties Scoop, which placed an estimated 20,000 Indigenous children in white families across North America and Europe, had an impact almost as devastating as that of Residential Schools. This legacy persists today, with more than 50 per cent of children in child welfare care being Indigenous. Sadly, I could continue.
Many years ago, during a trip to Thailand, a young Buddhist monk shared an insightful perspective with me – that the only way to counteract the "bad" in the world is to contribute more "good." In that spirit, I encourage you to support Indigenous businesses that are striving to secure their place in a Canadian economy that has long excluded them. I would remind you that when you speak with and interact with Indigenous donors and alumni, that you think of the history and place from which they uniquely come. The Indian Act, reserves, restrictions on liberties, residential schools, and the Sixties Scoop are not distant experiences, but rather living memories for many individuals within our community.
However, I would be remiss if I spent this article solely focused on the impacts of colonization and the need for truth and reconciliation. The reality is that Indigenous Peoples have much to offer this world, especially at this moment in time, and that also deserves discussion. This Indigenous History Month, make time for learning, recognizing, and embracing Indigenous culture and beliefs and how they offer a profound opportunity to address some of society's most pressing concerns, including conservation, sustainability, and climate change.
Indigenous communities have cultivated a deep-rooted reverence for the land and its inhabitants, perceiving it as sacred and intrinsically connected to their way of life. Their profound understanding of the natural world and its delicate balance provides invaluable insights. It is my hope that by wholeheartedly embracing Indigenous perspectives and Indigenous businesses, we can integrate their holistic approaches into our collective endeavours to forge a path toward a more sustainable future. By valuing and learning from Indigenous wisdom, we can forge a more harmonious relationship with the Earth and tackle the urgent challenges we face as a global community. Together, let us draw inspiration from Indigenous voices and knowledge, and be inspired in the work that we do on behalf of Queen’s to build a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow for all.
On June 21, as we commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day – a day that coincides with the summer solstice, symbolizing the life-giving power of the sun and the Earth – I encourage you to reflect on your own relationship with this Earth and its inhabitants and to honour your place among them. Let us all consider our unique roles in this moment and find time to learn about, celebrate, and support the diverse beauty of Indigenous communities. Let us put more “good” out into the world.
Thank you all for your advocacy and great work on behalf of Queen’s.
Warm regards,
Miranda
P.S. I hope these resources and recommendations will serve as a starting point for your journey of learning, understanding, and supporting the rich and diverse Canadian Indigenous community.
Education and Experience
I invite you to join me in taking the free course offered by the University of Alberta through Coursera. This course provides an excellent foundational understanding of Indigenous History in Canada.
To gain insights into the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, I recommend reading a brief overview on The Canadian Encyclopedia website.
For an authentic Indigenous experience in Canada, explore the offerings of the Indigenous Tourism Board, which provides opportunities to engage with Indigenous culture and heritage.
Consider attending a Powwow or Gathering of Nations near you. Before attending a Canadian Powwow, it is important to familiarize yourself with culturally appropriate behavior.
Shopping
Support Indigenous entrepreneurs. Here are a few of my favourites:
Looking for some super chic and meaningful pieces to add to your wardrobe? The owner, Bethany Yellowtail, is a member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, and proudly hails from the Mighty Few District of the Crow Nation (Southeastern Montana). The company’s brand initiative is to support Native Americans, First Nations, and Indigenous entrepreneurs. It aims to share the beautiful and authentic Indigenous designs with the entire world and her work is also stunning!
The founder of Indigo Arrows, Destiny Seymour, began the company by designing textiles that respectfully reflect local Manitoban Indigenous Peoples and their history. Indigo Arrows now offers a diverse collection of table linens, pillows, blankets, and more, with patterns from Indigenous pottery and bone tools that are more than 3,000 years old.
Cheekbone Beauty provides sustainable and gorgeous products that I have personally fallen in love with. Sold at Sephora as well as online, this is a fantastic Canadian brand to support and its founder, Jenn Harper, is a role model and inspiration to many Indigenous young women in Canada today.
Mini Tipi is an Indigenous-owned company that has beautiful blankets and upcycled textile products.
Looking for a l new pair of shoes? Checkout Manitobah. While the company does outsource some of its production so it can remain competitive with other non-Indigenous-owned brands, many of its iconic products are made in Winnipeg, handcrafted by elders and artisans who are part of Indigenous communities. You can filter the products by selecting “Made in Canada.”
Spread your horizons and seek out Indigenous perspectives through Raven Reads’ subscription box – either for you or for the kids in your life. They also have charming gifts available. Try one out or subscribe for seasonal deliveries for the year. Each box contains:
- A book written by an Indigenous author (Tanya Talaga’s Seven Fallen Feathers was included in a recent box)
- A letter from the author or box curator
- One printed culture card teaching you about an Indigenous culture from around the world
- One Indigenous hand-made craft or art piece
- One literature-themed trinket
Created by then-10-year-old Mya of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation (an Algonquin band), Kokom Scrunchies are colourful handmade scrunchies that bring your hair the gentle loving it deserves. You can choose from Kokom Scrunchies’ several collections, including the beaded floral scrunchies, and even add to your scarf collection with one of the many eye-catching Kokom (meaning grandmother) scarves.
Great reads
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality by Bob Joseph. An enlightening handbook for those seeking a deeper understanding of the lasting effects of the Indian Act on Canadian society.
The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Thomas King. A journey through the historical and cultural tapestry of Indigenous Peoples in North America. King, with his Greek and Cherokee heritage, unveils entrenched stereotypes and challenges common misconceptions.
Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City by Tanya Talaga. This award-winning book recounts the lives and deaths of seven Indigenous high school students in Thunder Bay.
Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson: In this mesmerizing work, Robinson, a gifted Haisla/Heiltsuk author, seamlessly merges ethereal enchantment and wry humor, crafting a poignant tale of grief, remembrance, and the otherworldly allure of ancestral spirits. A captivating portrayal of contemporary Indigenous life in British Columbia.
Birdie by Tracey Lindberg, a Cree author and accomplished lawyer, presents a darkly humorous yet poignant debut novel that delves into the universal quest for healing from personal traumas. Embark on a transformative odyssey alongside a resilient Cree woman.
"There There" by Tommy Orange, a talented writer belonging to the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, intricately weaves a multi-dimensional narrative exploring twelve characters with their own concealed motivations for converging at the vibrant Big Oakland Powwow. A soul-stirring exploration of Native identity, urban existence, and the enduring power of heritage.
University launches revised Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy
Queen’s newly updated Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy (OCASP) is now available to the campus community. The document informs community members of the requirements, roles, and responsibilities related to conducting academic, research, or business travel and associated activities sanctioned by the university.
To support community members, EHS created a new website and dramatically transformed the online safety planning tool now called START – the Safe Travel Activity Registration Tool (START). START allows a quick and easy way for students, faculty, and staff to register their university-sanctioned low risk off-campus activities, while continuing to facilitate the creation of a safety planning record for higher risk activities. START also enhances the University’s ability to provide guidance/emergency support in the event of an incident.
Learn more about the updated OCASP and its key revisions, as well as related tools and resources on the OCASP website. Contact OCASP to sign up for an orientation session.