Girls learn to merge tech with Indigenous culture at UW
By Lucas Dunlop University Relations
Indigenous girls from as far away as the Northwest Territories came to the University of Waterloo recently to learn more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at the fourth annual IMPACT summer camp.
“We have a few participants that have returned every year for the past three years,” said Emma Smith, camp co-ordinator and student in Waterloo’s Department of Fine Arts. “It’s not just a one-off thing. It helps these girls see themselves, their culture and people like them on post-secondary campuses—it shows them that they have a place here.”
Federal Government House Leader Bardish Chagger, the MP for Waterloo, attended the opening ceremonies on August 10, along with Karim Karim, Associate dean of outreach in the Faculty of Engineering. Kelly Davis, a local Haudenosaunee member of the Six Nations of the Grand River territory, led the day with traditional teachings, songs, dances, and a smudging ceremony.
“If you’re not a singer, then you’re a dancer” said Davis. “Everyone gets to be a part of the ceremony, everyone gets to be included.”
Your Voice Against Racism: Kelly Davis
Loraine Centeno New Hamburg Independent Friday, October 29, 2021
As part of a campaign to meet and highlight diverse voices in Waterloo Region and to welcome discussion about how communities can work together to combat systemic racism, we asked members of marginalized communities the question: "How can our community fight racism together?"
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"In my opinion, there is no reason to fight. Racism is the act of hate toward someone different from the standardization of a biased colonial image. This contributes to the oldest and still the most effective oppressive tactic of colonization, divide and conquer.
Rights of Passage: A Reconciliation Podcast
What is a reconciliation podcast?
During Rights of Passage: A Reconciliation Podcast you will hear discussions between the hosts who come from diverse realities speaking about how they work together as colleagues and friends to share reconciliation practices and ideas for a brighter future for all future generations. Haudenosaunee knowledge holder Kelly ‘Frantastic’ Davis and Dr. Stephen Svenson are your hosts.
Episode #1
During this episode of the Rites of Passage: A Reconciliation Podcast the hosts discuss who the Haudenosaunee People are, the Haldimand Tract along the Grand River, and aspects of Haudenosaunee Confederacy governing structure. Haudenosaunee philosophy and foundational principles. Kelly Fran Davis and Dr Svenson also discuss reconciliation.
Episode #2
During this episode Kelly opens with a traditional prayer in the Cayuga and Mohawk languages and reiterate in English. Along with her co-host, they discuss Haudenosaunee practices, the democracy model of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and what a matrilineal society means. They continue to talk about what reconciliation is, what a Truth & Reconciliation Commission is, and the notion that ‘reconciliation is dead.’
Kelly & Stephen also share some of the barriers with reconciliation work, they talk about the divisions and systems created through colonization, and what can be done within their capacities to address the responsibility to our future generations? Haudenosaunee wampum belts and Canadian numbered treaties, as well as land acknowledgments are also discussed.
Episode #3
During this episode, the myth of Canada, territorial acknowledgments, the open secret regarding the unmarked graves of Indigenous children, and breaking the silence are discussed. Kelly & Stephen talk about how they can support each other through the revealing of the true history of Canada, the legacy of colonialism, and how they have to build meaningful relationships to ensure a better future for all of our children.
Waterloo Regional Museum presents Lacrosse with Korey Davis
Korey Davis is a Haudenosaunee Land Defender of Six Nations of the Grand River territory. He will be sharing his knowledge of the origin of the medicine game, instructing some basic skill development, and providing an opportunity to practice in a fun way!
Sessions are 45 minutes long and are included with general admission to the site.
Sessions will take place at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. in the fields out front of the Martin House.
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Waterloo Community Engagement
The fifth annual event will be hosted by guest speaker Kelly Fran Davis, who will speak about treaties, philosophies and land rights, along with discussing the cultural significance of musical and dance performances that will take place.