Office of Aboriginal Initiatives | Newsletter
Winter 2014
From the Senior Advisor: Jean Becker Our first Aboriginal Initiatives newsletter in the fall highlighted some of the many activities, people and issues surrounding Aboriginal development here at Laurier. In this newsletter we bring you more news and insight into the growing Aboriginal community at Laurier and the important work being done by many people to enhance the Aboriginal student experience and to make
faculties and departments, from students, staff and administrators to create an environment at Laurier that encourages Aboriginal students to become the leaders who will be future “…encourages Aboriginal students change agents in to become the leaders who will our communities. We particularly be future change agents in our acknowledge the work communities.” Jean Becker of the Aboriginal Education Council and the community members in the Aboriginal student centres. who selflessly give their time and There are far too many to name expertise to guide the Initiative. individually but we appreciate the support we receive from across the Aboriginal education available to all Laurier students. Inspiring lives of Leadership and Purpose is nowhere more evident or imperative than it is
Guest speaker
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Keith Barker: Using drama and storytelling to bring awareness to social issues By Spy Denommé-Welsh October 24-25th, 2013 marked another step towards the critical work of teaching and learning about First Nations, Métis and Inuit issues and perspectives at Laurier. The Faculty of Education and the Office of Aboriginal Initiatives together co-hosted a public university event that welcomed an exciting artist, Keith Barker, to read from his awardwinning play, The Hours That Remain. Barker’s play addresses urgent subject matter concerning the disappearance of Aboriginal women in Canada. Barker discussed significant social issues affecting Indigenous peoples in contemporary Canadian society. This public event was positively received and a deeper
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discussion concerning the issues his work addresses was opened up among the attendees that evening on October 24th. The following day, Barker met with two large groups of teacher education candidates and gave an impassioned presentation about the important role of educators, and discussed the various themes his play tackles. Educators walked away with a more profound understanding of the impact of art and theatre, and how drama and storytelling can be used as a valuable educational tool for developing greater social awareness of contemporary issues.
“No matter how stressed you are at school, you come home and these dogs love you no matter what,” said Simon. UW psychology major, Heather Burke, Rachael’s roommate came to the event with Nox. “Having a dog has matured me very quickly,” said Burke. “It’s a lot of responsibility so I’ve definitely given up on the party lifestyle that’s associated with being a student.” “Stress can be overwhelming for students and simply having a dog around and laughing at the dog being really goofy and being able to pet it can be a great way to de-stress, especially for those who had to leave their pets back home,” said Minor. Stress reducing puppy antics events were held before exams at the Aboriginal Student Centre and at the Keffer Chapel in the Seminary. More doggie love is planned at the ASC for before the winter exam period and we will keep you posted. Look for updates on our website and on Facebook.
wlu.ca/aboriginal