The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health presents:

Pim-a-chi-ho-win - The Way We Live A Symposium on Aboriginal Culture

June 23-25, 2008 , ON

Métis Artist Christi Belcourt - What Kids Learn (An Uncertain Future), 2008 36” x 48” Acrylic on Canvas

Guest Speakers

With her searing 1973 novel Half-Breed, Maria Campbell exposed the brutal realities of life for Aboriginal women in . It also revealed the angst, anguish, dislocation, and desperation of a nation impoverished economically and spiritually. People worldwide were shocked and saddened by the plight of Canada’s Métis. The novel became a catalyst for change. The Métis Nation saw a resurgence of cultural pride and awareness, Aboriginal women organised and reclaimed themselves, governments affirmed Métis political rights, and Aboriginal literature in Canada was born. Many Canadian Aboriginal authors have followed the path first blazed by Maria Campbell. The Métis grandmother is now the author of seven books and is an award-winning playwright. She has conducted writing workshops in community halls, friendship centres, libraries, tents, and cabins. Her writers’ camp at Gabriel’s Crossing – the old Gabriel Dumont homestead near Batoche, – resulted in the 1991 anthology Achimoona, a collection of stories which showcased emerging Aboriginal authors. A noted lecturer and workshop facilitator, Ms. Campbell continues to work in the areas of community development, race relations, and creative writing. She was honoured with an Honorary Maria Campbell Doctorate in Laws from the and taught Native Studies at the University of Saskatchewan in . Maria Campbell received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for bringing the story of her people to the eyes and ears of the world.

Madeleine Dion Stout speaks Cree and was born and raised on the Kehewin First Nation in . She remains actively involved in Aboriginal health development and serves on several non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal boards and committees, one being the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Advisory Committee on Population Health and Health Security (ACPHHS). She has also been a member of the National Forum on Health and was a Special Assistant to the Honourable Monique Bégin, then Minister of Health and Welfare Canada. After graduating from the General Hospital as a Registered Nurse, Mrs. Dion Stout earned a Bachelors Degree in Nursing, with Distinction from the University of Lethbridge where she has since been awarded a Distinguished Alumni Award. Mrs. Dion Stout holds a Masters Degree in International Affairs from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University. Mrs. Dion Stout is past Professor in Canadian Studies and the founding Director of the Centre of Aboriginal Education, Research and Culture at Carleton University and is past President of the Aboriginal Nurses Madeleine Dion Stout Association of Canada. Mrs. Dion Stout is now self-employed and is President of Dion Stout Reflections through which she works as an independent scholar. She has authored and co-authored several reports pertaining to the Aboriginal health sector and gender. Mrs. Dion Stout is a frequent speaker at local, national and international conferences and continues to serve several local, regional and national , Inuit and Métis organizations as a researcher, writer and lecturer. In May 2004, Mrs. Dion Stout was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of British Columbia.

Peter Irniq, cultural proponent, public servant, commissioner of Nunavut (b at Lyon Inlet, NV, 1947). Irniq has distinguished himself for his active commitment to and advocacy of Inuit culture in general and, in particular, for promoting the Inuktitut language and the inclusion of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit - Inuit traditional knowledge - in institutions serving the Inuit. Irniq was appointed the second Commissioner of Nunavut in April 2000. The largely ceremonial office of Commissioner resembles that of the lieutenant-governor of a province. Irniq concluded his term as commissioner early in 2005.

Peter Irniq

Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux is an Asst. professor, in Aboriginal Studies and the Faculty of Social Work, at the University of Toronto. She has dedicated her life to building bridges of understanding between people. She has a particular interest in developing creative solutions to complex social issues and sees endless merit in bringing people from diverse cultures and backgrounds together to engage in practical dialogue. She is the Chair of the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie, an Advisory Member of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and an active and engaging media representative. Cynthia is a member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation in Lake Simcoe, and has made a life-long commitment to educating the public about the history and culture of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

Cynthia Wesley- Esquimaux

Christi Belcourt is a Metis visual artist with a deep respect for the traditions and knowledge of her people, the majority of her work explores and celebrates the beauty of the natural world. Author of Medicines To Help Us (study prints & book, based on painting of same title; Saskatoon: , 2007), Christi has won recognition for her fine artistry through numerous awards and prizes. Her work has been commissioned by the Gabriel Dumont Institute (Saskatoon, 2004), the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Centre for Traditional Knowledge & Museum of Nature (Ottawa, 2002), and is found in the permanent collections of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Indian and Inuit Art Centre, Canadian Museum of Civilization, First People’s Hall, and the Gabriel Dumont Institute. Christi is a past recipient of awards from the for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and the Métis Nation of Ontario. Christi has been studying traditional plants (identification of, stories Christi Belcourt of, medicinal uses for, names in and Cree) on her own for numerous years. She lives and works in Whitefish Falls, Ontario, Canada.

David General has spent the past twenty years developing his distinctive imagery as a sculptor. In recent years, he began to write and lecture on First Nations art and urges First Nations artist to respond to and support the First Nations’ rights agenda. David works primarily in marble and bronze. His combination of a First Nations perspective and a modernist presentation of simple, elegant line are reasons that his work is easily distinguishable. His work has been limited to private and corporate collections Early in his art career David was a founding member and co-chair of the Society of Canadian Artists of Native Ancestry (SCANA). His involvement in the politics of art has been replaced by the politics of his community – the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. David served seven years on the Six Nations Council and was Elected Chief of Six Nations of the Grand River from 2004 to 2007. He is an artist/politician who believes that a dynamic arts and culture community can make tremendous contribution to economic David General opportunities and sustainability within any First Nations territory.

A very special thank you to our traditional teachers who helped us prepare for this cultural symposium

Jim’s spirit name Mishike'n (Turtle) He is Bear Clan and Sweat Lodge Keeper. Doctor of Social Welfare, Columbia University. Taught 28 years at University of Toronto and Carleton University. Developed Bachelor of Social Work Programs in First Nation's Communities since 1990: Consulting work with First Nations Technical Institute since 1998.

Jim Albert

Born in Toronto. Raised in Kahnawake, Mohawk Reserve in Quebec. Named at birth by my maternal grandmother. My spirit name is Tiao Re Hen Sere which means "the first light of day" (daybreak). I am a band member of the Mohawks of Kahnawake,Iroquois Confederacy. My life is based on the principles of "The Great Law" of the Haudenasaunee (People of the Long House). I am of the Turtle Clan.

Paul Skanks

Monday, June 23, 2008 1a - Workshop: Aboriginal Elders’ Contributions to Civil Society Facilitator: Madeleine Dion Stout Description: This workshop focuses on Aboriginal elders and the contributions they make to civil society and the strategic program directions they help to shape. Mainstream concepts like democracy, governance, citizen engagement and social capital will be defined and parallels will be drawn to the work of elders. This workshop is guided by the fact that elders continue to play an important role in urban health settings. 1b - Workshop: Aboriginal 101 – Who are the First Nations, Inuit and Métis people of Canada? Facilitator: Guy Freedman Description - Knowing your clients is key to delivering good service. This workshop provides an opportunity to learn more about First Nations, Métis and Inuit: their cultures, traditions, values; issues and socio-economic concerns; their approach to life and living on the land we all call home. 1c - Workshop: Spirituality and Residential Schools: Moving Towards “Spiritual Rejuvenation and Transformation” Facilitator: Cynthia Wesley Esquimaux Description: Impacts of Historic Trauma and Intergenerational Grief on Indigenous Populations This is an interactive workshop with the objective of giving a solid background and building understanding on how “Historic Trauma and Unresolved Grief” continues to impact the Aboriginal population in Canada, and in turn adversely affects the spiritual foundations of Aboriginal culture. Out of the continuing impacts of historic events such as Residential School attendance has come a deeply entrenched relationship with social services and the government because of continuing “dis-ease” within the Native population. This workshop addresses, from an Aboriginal perspective, how we can make social service relationships into a positive experience for both sides of the equation. 1d - Workshop: The Medicine Wheel and Cycle of Life Facilitator: Elder Jim Albert Description: From our ancestors, we are taught that everything in life is circular. We are one within the circle of life. The Medicine Wheel teaches us that the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects must be in balance in order to maintain a healthy mind, spirit and body. In this workshop, participants will gain a better understanding of the medicine wheel teachings and how to apply them to our lives and the work we do. 2a - Workshop: Aboriginal Elders’ Contributions to Civil Society Facilitator: Madeleine Dion Stout Description: See above 2b - Workshop: Gifts of the Spirit Facilitator: Elder Paul Skanks Description: A perspective on the gifts that the Creator has given us for our journey through life. What they mean and how they may affect our personality and individual characteristics. 2c - Workshop: Spirituality and Residential Schools: Moving Towards “Spiritual Rejuvenation and Transformation” Facilitator: Cynthia Wesley Esquimaux Description: See above 2d - Workshop: The Medicine Wheel and Life Cycle Teachings Facilitator: Jim Albert Description: See A4 Launch of resource document “I Belong Here” Followed by feast & Aboriginal entertainment – Everyone welcome Keynote: “Seeking the Teachings of Spirit Beads” Guest Speaker: Madeleine Dion Stout In 1994, I made a trip to Whitehorse, Yukon where I purchased a baby belt which had been hanging in the Trading Post since 1982, the year it was created in Old Crow. I hung this perfectly-executed master piece in full view of my work space where I admired it constantly but uneventfully for several months. That is when I detected an anomaly, an aberration, some freakish beauty in it. A few dark orange beads had been deliberately sewn in among much lighter ones in one of the many perfect heart shaped flowers. These beads were so out of the ordinary, so embedded and so absorbing as to marvel at! What I’d discovered were spirit beads, iconic cultural signs for dignified difference, the imperfection of any human creation and the production of knowledge. The natural next step was to seek the teachings of spirit beads.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Keynote Address: Pima chi ho wan – The way we live Guest Speaker: Maria Campbell Métis Cultural Perspectives from the life of Maria Campbell beginning with the question “Dad, can you tell me about our culture?” An insightful, thoughtful exploration of the identity of Métis culture. 3a - Workshop: “The Role of the Artist in Aboriginal Communities”. Facilitator: David General Description: A survey of art works from across Canada that illustrates how Indigenous artists have responded to issues faced by their communities and nations. 3b - Workshop: Métis Settlements Facilitator: Jaime Koebel Description: With a population of 9000 members, the Metis Settlements of Alberta have a self sufficient governing structure which has allowed the 8 communities across Alberta to produce a positive record of self sufficiency through agencies such as Metis Child and Family Services and research tools like their own Metis specific census which give valuable insight into the lives of these communities. The purpose of this session is to share information and present best practices for communities. 3c – Craft Workshop: Our four Sacred Medicines & Medicine Bags Craft Facilitator: Jim Albert and Jill Buckshot Description: Participants will learn about the four sacred medicines (tobacco, cedar, sage, sweetgrass) and will have the opportunity to create their own medicine bag. 3d - Workshop: Our Creation Stories – Connecting cultures throughout Turtle Island Facilitator: Elder Paul Skanks Description: This workshop will profile how the world began from an aboriginal perspective. We have many different stories yet they are all the same. In our cultural diversity there is a commonality in our belief systems. The Aboriginal World View is distinct from Western Philosophy as portrayed in our Creation Stories. This workshop will touch upon Aboriginal understanding of the relationship between this earthly realm and the spirit world, wherein lies our view of the connectedness of all life. Hence, we say “All My Relations”. 4a - Workshop: Mining and Combining Statistics and Stories About Aboriginal women Facilitator: Madeleine Dion Stout Description: Stories about Aboriginal women showing the impact of “poverties” will be examined along with health determinants like self-determination and traditional beliefs. Improving health inequities, health disparities, and health inequalities is a go-forward strategy as is paying attention to the strength, resilience and pragmatism of aboriginal women. 4b - Workshop: Métis Art & Métis 101 Facilitator: Christi Belcourt & Lisa Pigeau Description: Two workshops in one! Workshop a) Mapping Roots: Perspective of Land & Water in Ontario is a series of paintings that explore Métis and Anishnaabe perspectives of land and water. The paintings meld together current day road maps with research into original native place names along with other motifs in an attempt to express an Aboriginal worldview and try to show what cannot be found on today’s maps. Workshop b) Métis 101 – This presentation will review significant historical and modern day issues that affect the Métis people in Ontario. Topics will include Métis Identity, Métis Culture and traditional including cultural identifiers such as the significance of the Métis Sash, as well as the impact of the landmark Supreme Court decision is R vs. Powley. We will also provide an overview of program and services offered through the Métis Nation of Ontario. 4c - Workshop: Storytelling on Paper Facilitator: Maria Campbell Description: Maria Campbell is a community worker, storyteller, and filmmaker whose best-selling autobiography Halfbreed —an important document on racial relations in Canada—encouraged many First Nation people to become writers. Everybody has a story and in this workshop, Maria Campbell will help you put yours to paper. 4d - Workshop: Harvesting Wisdom and Peace On Our Ancestral Homelands Facilitator: Albert Dumont Description: Only the waterways and hills and all things of nature are truly wise. We, the human beings can learn so much from their sharing. In this workshop, Algonquin poet and writer will share cultural teachings and power of indigenous storytelling. 5a – Workshop: Everyday Forms of Home Care: Then, Now and Then Facilitator: Madeleine Dion Stout Description: Tradition is more modern than modern is today. The old ways seem to hold more promise while new ways appear to harbour increasing perils. This workshop will address best practices in Home Care in the following four themes: How past, present and future trends of home care have eroded, replaced or combined traditional and modern forms of home care. Ultimately, home care holds promise if it is done in the spirit of family, community and wellness. 5b - Workshop: Métis Art & Métis 101 Facilitator: Christi Belcourt & Lisa Pigeau Description: See above 5c - Workshop: Storytelling on Paper Facilitator: Maria Campbell Description: See above 5d - Workshop: Harvesting Wisdom and Peace On Our Ancestral Homelands Facilitator: Albert Dumont Description: See above COMPAC – Protocol anniversary celebration followed by feast & Aboriginal entertainment – Everyone welcome Keynote: Maria Campbell Topic: The Road Allowance People Description: Storytelling & Métis music Maria Campbell - novelist, playwright and winner of the Canada Council for the Arts' 2004 Molson Prize - will deliver the evening keynote address entitled "Stories of the Road Allowance People" which translates the oral stories of Métis culture. She will be accompanied by a young Metis fiddler.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 First - Keynote Address: From Igloos to Internet in 45 Years Keynote Speaker: Peter Irniq Description: Peter Irniq, cultural proponent, public servant, and former commissioner of Nunavut. Peter has distinguished himself for his active commitment to and advocacy of Inuit culture. In this keynote address, Peter will discuss culture, life, resiliency of the Inuit people. 6a - Workshop: Inuit & Environmental Issues Facilitator: Peter Irniq Description: In this workshop, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the fragile Arctic environment, the relationship between Inuit and their lands and waters, and Inuit perceptions on the impact of climate change. 6b - Workshop: Aboriginal Stereotypes & Self Esteem: Projecting a Positive Image” Facilitator: David General Description: This workshop begins the discussion of how to create images that are proactive, positive and productive. There is an interactive component (group participation) aspect to this workshop. This workshop lends itself to commentary on Aboriginal issues. 6c - Workshop: Keeping Our Culture Alive Facilitator: Maria Campbell Description: In this workshop, Maria Campbell – award winning novelist and playwright, will help guide you in ways to keep First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures alive through storytelling, art and dance. 7a - Workshop: Inuit & Environmental Issues Facilitator: Peter Irniq Description: See above 7b - Workshop: Aboriginal Stereotypes & Self Esteem: Projecting a Positive Image” Facilitator: David General Description: See above 7c - Workshop: Akishuguat Oojaghatt – Building Natural Stones Facilitator: July Papatsie Description: Many different stone formations have been traditionally used by Inuit to navigate and communicate. In this workshop, participants will explore the history beyond the common Inukshuk – as seen in the media and as decorative items. This workshop is facilitated by an Inuk artist, sculptor and cultural advisor. 8b – Workshop: Aboriginal Wellness Model Facilitator: Elder Paul Skanks Aboriginal Wellness Model: 4 Elements of healing through a living a healthy lifestyle. Our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual inter-relationships that guide our approach to daily living. 8c – Workshop: Akishuguat Oojaghatt – Building Natural Stones Facilitator: July Papatsie Description: Many different stone formations have been traditionally used by Inuit to navigate and communicate. In this workshop, participants will explore the history beyond the common Inukshuk – as seen in the media and as decorative items. This workshop is facilitated by an Inuk artist, sculptor and cultural advisor. 8d – Workshop Aboriginal Spirituality Facilitator: Elder Jim Albert Elder Jim Albert will share an introduction to Aboriginal spirituality and ceremonies. In this workshop, participants will hear teachings on the smudging ceremony, the use of the four sacred medicines and the medicine wheel. This circle is a safe space to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the diversity of Aboriginal culture.