Education, Walking About

KCI Kindled Podcast on Indian Residential Schools

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I was invited to record my first podcast with Iorì:wase: KCI Kindled Podcast episode 1: Residential Schools and how it’s affected multigenerational families.

It’s not easy to open up about these difficult topics, despite the years that I have worked in this field. It’s also a personal challenge for me to engage with the public on this level in such a vulnerable way but I hope that ultimately these stories will impact others that way they have impacted me. I’m thankful for the invitation and to the co-hosts for engaging with me in such a deeply personal way about this important piece of our community’s history.

Skennenhkó:wa

Wahéhshon

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Concordia guest lecture: ARTH 668

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I was invited to present my oral history research at Concordia University, in a graduate class (ARTH 668: Theories and
Methodologies in Art History: Feminist Approaches to Oral History). It’s exciting when opportunities come up that allow me to share my work with other students that have similar interests. Graduate students generally have more experience in research and are in a different place than undergrads. I am truly grateful for these opportunities.

The topic I research (#IndianDaySchools) is a sensitive and difficult topic. I cannot assume that students understand what and Indian Day School is in the first place. I do a general 101 of schooling (Indian Day Schools, Indian Residential Schools) and include mention of child welfare institutions. This work is deeply personal to me. I am very open and candid about my own life experiences and family history. There are risks in being open – vulnerability can mean opportunities for others to do harm. All I can do is live and share my truth.

Niawenhkó:wa to the class for listening and for being respectful.

The instructor (Cynthia) presented me with a beautiful gift, a copy of Rehearsals for Living by Robyn Maynard & Leanne Betasamosake Simpson. I can’t wait to read it 🙂

On a side note, it felt great to be back at Concordia. I missed the vibe there. I don’t miss the parking, construction, and traffic though 😉

~ Wahéhshon

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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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