Indigenous Awareness & Education Week at Assiniboine

Assiniboine Community College is hosting a series of digital activities during Indigenous Awareness and Education Week, running September 28 to October 2. This year’s activities, led by Elders, consist of a week-long series of free Zoom sessions which touch on several themes around reconciliation and Indigenous cultures.

“This week is about recognizing and celebrating Indigenous culture and perspectives and offering a time for reflection,” said Kris Desjarlais, Director of Indigenous Education at Assiniboine. “In doing so, we also aim to educate staff, students, and the public on Indigenous history specific to Manitoba. Each day of the week centres around an Indigenous Nation found in Manitoba and will have a dedicated live Zoom session presented by an Elder of that Nation.

During the zoom sessions, Indigenous Affairs staff and visiting elders will share insights into the unique culture and traditions of their respective Nations.

“This year’s program is fully accessible online and allows college Elders of different Nations to share their experiences and knowledge with a larger audience than ever before,” said Desjarlais.

All sessions run 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day and students and staff can attend online sessions throughout the week. To register, please email indigenousaffairs@assiniboine.net to receive login information. Sessions will be recorded and accessible at assiniboine.net/indigenous for public viewing after the session.

On Wednesday, September 30, the college community will participate in Orange Shirt Day. The day recognizes and honours the lived experience and healing journey of more than 150,000 First Nation, Métis and Inuit children who were forced to attend Indian residential schools. The day also marks our shared role as Canadians in Reconciliation. On this day, Elder Gerry Oleman, from the St’at’imc Nation, will present on this important date and what it means to wear an orange shirt.

Indigenous Education Week Schedule

All sessions run 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day.

Monday: Métis Nation | Elder Verna Demontigny and Director of Indigenous Education Kris Desjarlais

Tuesday: Anishinaabek Nation | Elder Shirley Norquay

Wednesday: Every Child Matters/Orange Shirt Day | Elder Gerry Oleman

Thursday: Cree Nation | Elder Bev Harvey

Friday: Dakota Nation | Elder Eugene Ross