Empowering Indigenous Voices 2024

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JULY 2024 | INNOVATINGCANADA.CA

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Empowering Indigenous Voices How Anna Lambe is Inspiring a New Generation of Inuit Storytellers Anna Lambe discusses empowering Indigenous voices, environmental advocacy, and the importance of accurate representation in media.

You’re a prominent voice for Inuit culture in Canadian media. How do you see your work inspiring a new generation of Inuit actors and storytellers?

As a young Inuk, I was inspired by anyone around me who was working towards making our communities safer and healthier.

Whether they worked in government, led community initiatives, worked in culture and language revitalization, or they spent time helping and learning from elders, working with youth, creating and sharing art. Inuit worldviews see the interconnectedness of everything ­— the land, the animals, our kin, ourselves, and how we treat the land, the animals, our

kin, and ourselves. Being cognizant of and working towards protecting the interconnectedness of everything and seeing Inuit of all different backgrounds, with different goals and different approaches but the same worldview, inspired me to approach life in the same way. I hope that, in the work I do, I show others that art and storytelling isn’t just what you give and gain from an audience, an art form, or a project. Impact, sharing, giving, taking, respect, connecting, and so much more is just as important as a final product, and feeds into a larger picture of community wellness.

Read the full interview at innovatingcanada.ca.

Celebrate Indigenous History Month with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund looks to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada.

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nspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) aims to build cultural understanding and create a path towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Join DWF in the spirit of connection and reconciliation this Indigenous History Month to Learn Indigenous Histor y | Celebrate Indigenous Cultures.

Explore cultural celebrations happening in your community through

DWF’s events calendar. Follow along with @DownieWenjack on social media for tips on respectful participation in cultural events, historical highlights, and themed days like Trivia Tuesdays. Plus, check out our exclusive new merch collaboration with Anishinaabe artist, Blake Angeconeb.

Join us as we celebrate the richness, strength, and diversity of traditional and contemporary Indigenous cultures and #DoSomething to move reconciliation forward this Indigenous History Month.

Throughout the year, DWF provides free resources to more than 8,000 educators from coast to coast to coast to make sure the unique interests, rights, and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples are reflected in classrooms throughout Canada.

Learn more about DWF and Indigenous History Month at downiewenjack.ca.

Text DWF to 20222 to donate.

This article was sponsored by the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.

Publisher: Olivia Delbello Strategic Account Director: Anna Sibiga Content Strategy Manager: Nicole Kansakar Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Production & Delivery Manager: Michael Taylor Creative Director: Kylie Armishaw Graphic & Web Designer: Christina Morgan Digital & Social Media Strategist: Kristen Neals Digital Traffic Strategist: Karm Rathod All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve Maclean’s Magazine or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.

How Humber College Supports and Connects Indigenous Students Humber College’s Indigenous Education and Engagement ensures that Indigenous students are supported and connected throughout their educational journey.

Jacquelyn Assinewe Indigenous Humber College Alumni

Sonya Friesen

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t Humber College, students can choose from over 100 certificate, diploma, or degree programs.

With industry-focused curriculums and apprenticeship opportunities, Humber’s programming allows learners to work on real-world challenges, ensuring graduates are career-ready.

Humber also endeavours to make sure that all students are able to achieve their educational dreams. Humber Indigenous Education and Engagement works in partnership with regional Indigenous communities to ensure Indigenous students are supported and connected to their learning environment — academically, culturally, and socially.

“Exploring Humber College’s Indigenous Education and Engagement centre was like discovering a close-knit community where I could embrace my heritage through enriching events and connect with fellow Indigenous students,” says Jacquelyn Assin-

ewe, an Indigenous Humber College alumni who now works on the Indigenous Education and Engagement team. “Amidst this supportive environment, I forged lasting friendships that made my college experience truly unforgettable.”

Supporting Indigenous learners As a school that offers students a polytechnic education — teaching theory and adding in practical, hands-on training and work with employers to give students opportunities to learn in real-world settings — Humber is particularly well-suited to offer students a sense of community and belonging. The college is dedicated to fostering culturally safe environments that support Indigenous learners and to braiding Indigenous ways of being, knowing, and doing into students’ academic experience.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded and enriching academic experience, consider applying to Humber College.

Exploring Humber College’s Indigenous Education and Engagement centre was like discovering a close-knit community where I could embrace my heritage through enriching events and connect with fellow Indigenous students.

To learn more, visit humber.ca or email indigenous@humber.ca.

This article was sponsored

by Humber College.

A Catalyst for Indigenous Youth to Pursue Education Canadian charity Outside Looking In supports Indigenous youth and communities by harnessing the power of dance.

Tania Amardeil

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ducation is a powerful tool in life, yet graduation rates of Indigenous students fall below the national average. Canada’s foremost Indigenous youth charity, Outside Looking In (OLI) works directly with Inuit, Métis, and First Nations communities using dance to inspire Indigenous youth to continue to pursue education.

Dance can be truly transformative.

It has the power to spark hope, create opportunities, build self-discipline, and foster a sense of connection. “Our founder was a dancer, and she saw the value that dance brought to her life, both from a discipline perspective and the thrill of performing,” says Hope Sanderson, CEO of OLI.

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Empowering Indigenous youth OLI is an intensive high school accredited dance program for youth between grades 7 and 12. Since 2007, OLI has instilled hope, motivation, and leadership skills that empower Indigenous youth. “Dance is our hook and keeping kids in school is our purpose,” says Sanderson.

“OLI’s impact is profound, supporting education, self-expression, and personal growth,” says Daniel J. Brant, OLI’s Board Chair. “Through OLI, Indigenous students find a place to belong. Onstage, they feel seen and celebrated, and that gets them excited for school and dreaming big for their futures.”

OLI has proved to be indispensable — fostering visibility, driving

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high school graduations (96 per cent of program participants graduate, compared to the 63 per cent average among Indigenous youth, or 46 per cent for youth who live on reserves), inspiring aspirations, and nurturing untapped potential among Indigenous youth.

“Eighty per cent of OLI participants report improved mental health and self-esteem, and 86 per cent achieve better grades,” adds Brant.

And OLI is expanding, with rising demand Canada-wide. Fourteen communities took part this year and over 30 communities are on the waitlist.

OLI is grateful for the support provided by so many generous funding partners and welcomes donations to further fuel its vital work.

Daniel J. Brant Board Chair, OLI

This article was sponsored by Outside Looking In. Learn more and get involved at olishow.com.

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We are Kitselas First Nation – Gitselasu ‘People of the Canyon’.

Our vision is to be a self-sufficient self-governing Nation, upholding our culture and our people into the future. The Kitselas Treaty is the foundation and tool to recognize Kitselas self-governance and title, protect our inherent rights, and unlock sustainable economic opportunities. It is time to realize our Ancestors’ vision and solidify our nation-to-nation relationship with Canada and BC. Under treaty we are protecting our people and giving up nothing but the shackles of the Indian Act. -Chief Glenn Bennett of Kitselas First Nation

Negotiations forging New Roads to Reconciliation With the support of a flexible Made-in-BC negotiations process, four First Nations are forging new agreements and sharing their hopes for an equitable and prosperous future.

D.F. McCourt

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econciliation is a process. And a key part of that process is that each First Nation has their own path to recognition of their title, rights, and self-governance. There is no onesize-fits-all approach. With the support of a Made-in-BC negotiations framework that upholds the original intent and spirit of the BC Claims Task Force Report — while integrating the latest advancements, including the BC’s Rights Recognition Policy and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples — four British Columbia First Nations have embarked on historic new agreements with their partner provincial and federal governments. Each of these agreements — and the process through which they are reached — is unique to the needs, goals, and historic context of the First Nation involved.

“After a long history of rights denial and reluctance, we are undoubtedly in an era of rights recognition, grounded in self-determination and nation-to-nation relationships,” says Celeste Haldane, Chief Commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission. “These four unique agreements pave the way for reconciliation.”

Reconciliation is the essential foundation of a stronger Canada and a brighter future for all Canadians. When time and effort is committed to forging new agreements that respect the rights and sovereignty of First Nations, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities thrive, bringing social and economic prosperity to all, across British Columbia and across Canada.

Find out more about the Made-in-BC negotiation process at bctreaty.ca

This article was sponsored by the British Columbia Treaty Commission.

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Kitsumkalum Treaty, with over 30 years of negotiations has been crafted to fulfill the memories of our Elders and Ancestors, but more importantly, to create opportunity and protect intrinsic rights as a tribe of the Tsimshian Nation and place for our children’s children to grow and prosper. Kitsumkalum will have land, access to vital natural resources, provisions for better social systems, law-making ability, economic opportunities and our own governance authority.

-Chief Don T Roberts of Kitsumkalum First Nation

Modern-day treaties challenge the perseverance of any Nation.

Understanding the challenges, this council took office to reach the milestone of treaty, for those before us and after. The process has been long, but we set forward on our own journey, our own way. Exercising our rights and title throughout our territory, honouring our people, lands, waters, cultures and languages – K’ómoks selfgovernance is our mandate. This is for our people!

-Chief Ken Price of K’ómoks First Nation

The leadership of Indigenous Nations has created space for proper Crown recognition of our title and rights over our territories. By building relationships and constantly challenging the status quo, we have found innovative ways to take care of our lands and waters, ensuring that we lead in shaping our collective future. Each path is unique. For the Haida Nation, negotiations support the expression of our deeply rooted history, culture, and connections to our ancestors and homelands in responding to our modern challenges peacefully.

-President Gaagwiis Jason Alsop of the Haida Nation

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