Education, Grad Studies, Uncategorized, Walking About, Work

WSCLA Conference (McGill University)

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My colleague Kahtehrón:ni Stacey and I were honoured to be invited to co-present at the Workshop on Structure & Consistency in Languages of the America’s (WSCLA) conference at McGill University on Friday April 28, 2023. Our talk featured our family stories, personal language learning journeys, and a recap of the efforts made in Kahnawà:ke in language reclamation for over fifty years.

REFLECTION, RESISTANCE, & RESILIENCE: The past, present, and future of Indigenous language reclamation efforts in Kahnawà:ke

I am presently in the analysis stage of my doctoral research. I briefly discussed one of the themes that I am exploring in my research, language – which includes: language loss/shift as a result of Indian Day Schools, impacts of Indian Day Schools on language & cultural identity transmission, and language reclamation as a healing process from multigenerational trauma.

Kahtehrón:ni spoke about her important work exploring new pedagogical tools for advanced second language learners, specifically Haudenosaunee women. This included a structural approach (lexical expansion & grammar refinement) and a communicative approach (kin focused communication & oral tradition). This is a promising and exciting framework for Rotinonhsión:ni advanced language pedagogy!

Niawenhkó:wa to the organizers, student volunteers, and attendees. We had many great questions and discussion following our presentation. It was truly a pleasure to have so many community members and scholars engaged in discussions about Onkwehonwehnéha 🙂

*Photo courtesy of Professor Jessica Coon, Linguistics McGill University.

~ Wahéhshon

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Education, Grad Studies, Walking About

Guest speaker at Trent University

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My first guest speaking invitation this year and one of my all time favorites! I was invited to speak to an Indigenous Research class taught by Jackson Pind (INDG 3813Y). I joined virtually early this morning with no slides and no plan (yikes) to do Q & A. It was the first time I did a talk like this and I loved it! I just showed up and got to be myself. I’m very impressed with the questions the students asked and the course content.

I am still answering some questions by email – but happy to connect. It made me realize what a difference it makes when you do a guest lecture or presentation and the students truly engage with the material and what you have to share. Food for thought in the future should I decide to teacher full time 😉

Niá:wen for the invite Jackson 🙂

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Education, Grad Studies, Walking About, Work

Language Policy & Planning Conference 2022

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My colleague Kahtehrón:ni Iris Stacey and I were invited to do a workshop at the Language Policy Planning conference at McGill University today – August 25, 2022.

This was the first hybrid conference presentation that I participated in. Fortunately, the conference was well organized and the folks on hand managed the technical side of things. The title of the workshop was:

Language policy, activism & strategic planning: over fifty years of Indigenous language reclamation efforts in Kahnawà:ke

Our talk including the following key things:

  • Our backgrounds and community
  • An overview of our doctoral research
  • Sharing our learning journey (as second-second language learners of Kanien’kéha)
  • A brief history of language reclamation efforts in Kahnawà:ke
  • Language revitalization projects at the Kahnawà:ke Education Center that we have worked on (Skátne Enionkwaio’ten & NEȾOLṈEW̱)

We appreciated how enthusiastic and engaged participants were with what we shared. We were surprised to be presented with generous gifts at the end. This was definitely one of my favorite speaking events this year.

Niawenhkó:wa to Mela & her team for inviting us and for treating us with great care and respect.

Wahéhshon Shiann Whitebean & Kahtehrón:ni Iris Stacey
Photo courtesy of Bianca Gonzalez – McGill University.
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Education, Grad Studies

Community Support Resources – IDS

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The following information is an except of a debrief form & list of community support services that I provide to participants in my research. This list was provided with Kahnawa’kehró:non in mind since I my research and work takes place in my home community.

Concerning your well-being

Recalling some of your memories or experiences may be difficult. In the event that you feel psychologically distressed after participation in this study, please first seek out support, and then inform us. We also strongly encourage you to contact a healthcare professional for counselling. Please review the enclosed list of resources and services that are available to you within and external to Kahnawà:ke.

Community Resources & Services for Study Participants

Accessible services within Kahnawà:ke

  1. Kahnawake Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services (KSCS). KSCS provides counselling services and referrals. Phone: 450-632-6880. www: http://www.kscs.ca/.
  2. Family and Wellness Center (a program of KSCS). The family and Wellness Center can offer traditional/cultural support services for individuals, couples and families including cultural teachings, sweats, crisis intervention, and counselling. Phone: 450-638-0408. www: http://www.kscs.ca/service/traditional-services.
  3. Kateri Memorial Hospital Center: contact outpatient department to request an appointment with a medical professional for referrals outside of Kahnawà:ke. Phone: 450-638-3930. www: https://www.kmhc.ca/.

Counselling/Support Services outside of Kahnawà:ke

  1. Native Montréal can provide access to cultural teachings and secure a referral for professional counselling. Phone: 514-331-6587. Email: info@nativemontreal.com. www: https://www.rcaaq.info/en/les-centres/montreal/.
  2. Quebec National Crisis Line offers suicide prevention, information, and intervention services by phone, open 24/7: 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553).
  3. Tel Aide: a free 24/7 telephone active listening service based in Montreal. Phone: 514 935-1101. www: http://www.telaide.org/en/.
  4. The Kahnawà:ke community phone book provides a complete listing of major hospitals, health centers and services within the Montreal area.

Federal Indian Day School Class Action Website & Support Services

  1. Indiandayschools.com: visit the class action website for general information.
  2. The Argyle Community Support Team is available to assist claimants in the class action settlement. They generally provide help to file your claim. Contact them directly to learn how they can support you at 1-877-515-7525 or idscommunitysupport@argylepr.com.
  3. Claims Process and legal support: For any questions about the Claim Form or Claims Process, Survivors can call 1 (888) 221-2898. You will be given the option either to seek support from the Administrator on submitting a Claim, or legal support and help filling out the Claim Form from Class Counsel.
  4. Mental health counselling and crisis support is available to Class Members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Hope for Wellness Hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or online at www.hopeforwellness.ca. Counselling is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut, on request.

Note: The researcher and research team are not affiliated with the Federal Indian Day School Class Action. This list of services is being provided for your convenience.

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