Western celebrates Indigenous Awareness Week

Frank Neufeld

Western University will celebrate local Indigenous culture and scholarship with the fourth annual Indigenous Awareness Week from November 20-26. The week-long event, led by Western’s Indigenous Services, seeks to enhance relationships and promote the achievements of Indigenous students, faculty, staff, and alumni making vital contributions to campus and the London community.

All events are free and open to everyone. A full list of programming is available at www.indigenousweek.uwo.ca

Highlights include:

Interactive Dream Catcher Activity with SAGE Western

Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement (SAGE) coordinator Maria Sinclair will lead a community engagement project focused on the Dream Catcher. Participants are encouraged to drop in at Indigenous Services to learn about the history of the Dreamcatcher and to help create one.

WHEN: Monday Nov 20th – Saturday Nov 25th from 5:00pm – 7:00pm

WHERE: Learning Resource Centre, Indigenous Services, Western Student Services Building, Rm 2100

 

Indigenous Story Telling

Postdoctoral fellow Gloria Thomas and Cayuga elder Carol Jacobs will share their knowledge and create space for Indigenous student participation.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 22, 1:00pm-3:00pm

WHERE: McKellar Theatre, University Community Centre, Rm 270

 

Film Viewing: The Grandfather of All Treaties

This film examines the Two Row Wampum, considered one of the most important diplomatic instruments in history. Director Candace Maracle will discuss the making of the film and her experiences as an Indigenous filmmaker.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 22, 3:30pm-5:30pm

WHERE: McKellar Theatre, University Community Centre, Rm 270

 

The 12th Annual Indigenous Student Association Pow Wow

The Pow Wow is a social gathering open to all community members and a great family event. All may join in the celebration of singing, drumming dancing and visiting, as well as shopping at the craft, art and food vendors.

WHEN: Sunday, November 25, 12:00pm-5:00pm

WHERE: Mustang Lounge, University Community Centre

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephen Ledgley, Senior Media Relations Officer, sledgley@uwo.ca, 519-661-2111 x85283 or Sean Hoogterp, Program Coordinator, Western Indigenous Services, shoogter@uwo.ca, 519-661-2111 x89176

 

ABOUT WESTERN

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.