2022-2023
Book Launch: The End of This World
On March 8, 2023, the GLRC hosted a a book launch and conversation of “The End of This World: Climate Justice in So-Called Canada,” with authors Angele Alook (York University, CIKL Member) and David Gray-Donald (The Grind).
Edward Doolittle | Indigenous Maths, Global Math, and Indigenizing Mathematics
Current Truth and Reconciliation efforts around mathematics generally begin at the wrong place, with the nearly universal and conventional mathematics (Global Math) commonly taught in schools and universities. To truly succeed in Reconciliation, we must begin with Indigenous Maths, with Creation even, and we must carefully and critically explore the relationships between the many Indigenous Maths, the one Global math, and Indigenizing mathematics.
Lecture recorded: Nov 7, 2022 Sponsored by York University’s Faculty of Science, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages.
Don Davies | Amplifying Indigenous Voices in Dementia Caregivers
The Canadian Indigenous population has an increased prevalence and earlier onset of dementia than the Canadian non-Indigenous population. Dementia is an umbrella term for chronic and progressive conditions of deterioration in cognitive function which affects daily functioning. Unpaid dementia caregivers are usually adult children, spouses, or other family members and friends. We are interviewing unpaid Métis dementia caregivers to identify the available services for people with dementia in the Métis population. We will also identify the amount of support that caregivers of Métis seniors with dementia need to live well, and to identify how caregivers engage in self care for themselves. We will implement the results for knowledge translation and influencing policy development to identify strategies that help ease burdens associated with Métis dementia caregiving.
Recorded: October 17, 2022. Part of CIKL’s Seminar Series 2022-2023.
Graeme Reed | Indigenous Climate Futures: Alternative Visions for Nature-Based Solutions
Traction for nature-based solutions (NbS) has rapidly grown as governments and businesses recognize their role in addressing the simultaneous climate and biodiversity crises. Despite this rapid growth, the exploration of the intersection of NbS and Indigenous Peoples has been much slower, as questions remain about the ability of NbS to be implemented while respecting Indigenous rights, governance, and knowledge systems. This presentation, oriented around the question What are Indigenous visions for nature-based solutions? offers the first academic review of NbS from the perspective of Indigenous Peoples. Divided into three parts, drawing on policy analysis and conversational interviews with Indigenous leaders, youth, women, technicians, and knowledge keepers from what is currently known as Canada, this works endeavours to open space for the advancement of Indigenous climate solutions for a just, equitable, and resilient future.
Recorded on October 18, 2022. Part of CIKL’s Research Seminar series (2022-2023).
Walking Together: An Investigation of Indigenous Students’ Relationship to the Academic Library
Libraries have begun to recognize their responsibility to Indigenous patrons and acknowledge gaps in knowledge, sensitivity, and cultural understanding. In response to the need for culturally responsive and relational library service, a team at the University of Toronto carried out a research project asking Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students to share their perceptions of the University of Toronto Libraries. Through this project, Indigenous students have shared their visions for an ideal library. Panelists will discuss the insights shared by Indigenous students and will reflect upon actionable steps academic libraries can take to develop programs to fill gaps in service to Indigenous students. Presenters: Desmond Wong, Outreach Librarian, University of Toronto Libraries May Chan, head of Metadata Services, University of Toronto Libraries Tina Liu, Business and Economics Librarian, Wilfred Laurier University Cora Coady, Indigenous Teaching and Learning Librarian, York University
Recorded on January 18, 2023. Part of CIKL’s Research Seminar series (2022-2023).
Indigenous Perspectives on Seed Sovereignty
Featuring Dr. Priscilla Settee (University of Saskatchewan); Alejandro Argumedo (Swift Foundation); Kahehtoktha Janice Brant (Kenhte:ke Seed Sanctuary & Learning Centre). Indigenous Food Sovereignty is a decolonial practice and movement, grounded in the revitalization of Indigenous Peoples’ food systems, sacred stewardship responsibilities, and the assertion of their jurisdictions and lawways. In many Indigenous cultures, seeds are ancestors, sacred relatives that have been cared for over millennia, that are a central foundation of Indigenous food systems and sovereignties. In this panel, Indigenous seed keepers, activists and scholars will discuss the importance of seeds and biodiversity in Indigenous food systems, and share their work strengthening Indigenous Seed Sovereignty.
Recorded on Jan 19, 2023. Presented by York University’s Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change, SeedChange and CIKL.
2021-2022
Fireside Chat: National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Reconciliation as well as Orange Shirt Day. Together these two events – one a government-mandated holiday, another a grassroots effort – provide space and opportunity for all kinds of people across Turtle Island to bring light to the reality of residential schools and their impacts on students, their families, and on society at large. What are some Indigenous perspectives on the holiday? What are the roles and responsibilities for Indigenous peoples and settlers alike in the work of reconciliation? Should Indigenous staff get choice parking spots as simple acts of restitution? All this and more is covered in this conversation, moderated by IEJ Principal Investigator Deborah McGregor and featuring Angele Alook, Brock Pitawanakwat and Ruth Green.
Water and Language: A Dialogue on the Importance of Language and Water
On March 31, we celebrate National Indigenous Languages Day. This year we highlight the connection between language and water. In a dialogue moderated by Dr. Alan Corbiere, two scholars, Dr. Myrle Ballard and Dr. Stewart Hill share their research on water governance and management. The discussion begins with each speaking in their languages, Anishinaabe and Cree, followed by a discussion in English on the importance of language and water.
In Conversation with Joseph Pitawanakwat: Indigenous Perspectives, Relationships & Responsibilities to Plants
In celebration of Earth Day, April 22 (2022), we have partnered with the Indigenous Environmental Justice Project in organizing an conversation with Joseph Pitawanakwat. Joseph is Anishinaabe from Wiikwemkoong First Nation. He is the Founder & Director of Creators Garden, a 365 days-a-year, indigenous outdoor-education based business dedicated to learning and teaching about the uses of hundreds of plants from Canada’s Great Lakes region. He is also a Masters student in the MES program at York University.