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 😉
My first in-person conference in over two years in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan!
The National Gathering of Graduate Students brings together Indigenous scholars and grad students from across so-called Canada. I attended one of these gathering in Kamloops a few years back – and loved it!
This year’s conference was held at Dakota Dunes Casino Resort in White Cap First Nation, Saskatchewan. The rooms were so nice, new, and clean. The view from the rooftop lounge, especially at sunrise, was breathtaking. We had great food and service throughout my stay. The conference organizers arranged a comedy night with Howie Miller & performance by hip hop artist Ekwol.
I was selected as a delegate from the Quebec NEIHR network to present my research on Indian Day Schools. Each conference day includes sessions with panels of Indigenous graduate presenters. The presentations are always interesting and inspiring. There were additional sessions featuring Indigenous faculty at various stages of their careers. I had the opportunity to ask questions about pursuing a career in academia, including the challenges and highlights. I loved the side conversations I had with people, and really connected with a few of them. This gathering is one of my favorites by far!
Niawenhkó:wa to the NEIHR network & KSDPP for sponsoring my trip, to the conference organizers, and to everyone that shared their important work and stories at the conference.
(On a side note, I got covid from this trip and was off sick for two weeks. I recovered and hope that everyone else from the conference is healthy and safe)
Views from Dakota Dunes, a beautiful conference gift, and the Elders panel including Elder Amelia McGregor (3rd from left).
Niawenhkó:wa to Dr. Janine Metallic for inviting me to present the Kahnawà:ke Education Center’sResearch Policy & Code ofEthics to her students! This was a special topics graduate course on Indigenous & Decolonizing Methodologies. I’m still adjusting to virtual guest lectures and presentations but this went well.
