Tibàdjimowin – News about the Nation event inspires attendees

On Friday, Oct. 25, the Indigenous Initiatives Office hosted a knowledge exchange conference to engage and share new experiences with Algonquin College employees, learners and community members.

“By incorporating Indigenous content, inviting guest speakers and organizing cultural activities, we strive to provide a well-rounded education that respects and reflects Indigenous world views,” said Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé. “Our aim is to enrich the learning experience for all students, fostering understanding, empathy and respect for Indigenous cultures, languages and traditions.”

“Change doesn’t always take money, it takes leaders willing to take chances,” said Anita Tenasco, Director of Indigenous Initiatives.

Tibàdjimowin – News about the Nation aimed to celebrate and honour the lived experience of the Indigenous guest speakers. Through the gathering of speakers, elders and community members, this conference served as a platform for dialogue, learning and empowerment. It was also an opportunity for panelists to communicate information about the work they are doing and the challenges they are facing.

Chief Casey Ratt of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake (ABL) shared his community’s history and the current issues they face related to claims and protecting the land. He explained that his community has taken a strong stance against logging as it has changed the local landscape and devastated its land and water resources. His people need more housing, medical, dental and legal services, as well as educational institutions and support.

Algonquin language media developer and multi-media technician Stephanie Tenasco works at the Kitigan Zibi Cultural Centre and creates songbooks, flashcards, books and technology to teach Anishinàbemowin. She shared the impressive multitude of ways she creates content in various forms, including online language materials, to share on social media. Some of her many resources are available on the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg website.

Kirby Whiteduck, author and former chief of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation shared the history of his people. “Given that the Algonquins were known to have been present throughout the Kitchissippi Valley at the time of European contact, it is quite safe to assume that the Woodland people of the valley were the immediate predecessors and ancestors of the Algonquins, in other words they were Algonquins,” said Whiteduck.

During the lunch break attendees enjoyed music performed by Keith Whiteduck and a curated selection of traditional dishes prepared by Algonquin College Conference Services and Algonquin College alumna Anna Cote, owner of local eatery the Birch Bite. Former aircraft maintenance engineer Lionel Whiteduck shared stories of his times as a pilot visiting northern communities.

Lynn Whiteduck, policy writer and analyst for the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation Tribal Council provided information about the organization, its priorities and challenges and how it interacts with community partners.

Jennifer Tenasco and Lucas Barbeau from Anishinàbe Odjìbikan, an Indigenous-led archaeological field school, were the last speakers of the day. The two young leaders spoke about the work they are doing creating the school, preserving pre-contact artifacts, creating archaeological reports and creating a work plan to move the organization forward.

Jennifer Teansco closed the day with a traditional hoop dance which she described as a healing dance with connections to elements of Mother Earth.