Indigenous Students

Indigenous Speaker Series


Glooscap First Nation presented an online speaker series to share Mi'kmaq knowledge with the community in January 2021. Initially planned to be in-person campus events, the series was presented live online and will be incorporated in future Acadia curriculum lessons.

Acadia University and Glooscap First Nation recognize the support of the Province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage. Funding for the series comes from the Support4Culture, a designated lottery program of the Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation. We are pleased to work in partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia to develop and promote cultural resources for all Nova Scotians.

Netukulimk and Two-Eyed Seeing

 

Learn about the meaning of Netukulimk – the Mi'kmaq philosophy of sustainability – its importance and value for the Mi'kmaq and resource and governance management in Nova Scotia. The discussion will also focus on Two-Eyed Seeing. This concept was created by Elder Albert Marshall and emphasizes the equal value of western science and traditional knowledge.

Speakers

Clifford Paul is from Membertou First Nation and is the Coordinator for the Moose Management Initiative at the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources, which he is passionate about as a shining example of Mi'kmaq self-government.

Trevor Gould is from Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation and is the Key Stories Curatorial Assistant for the Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre. He is an avid traditional singer and dancer.

Pow Wow Protocol and Regalia

 

Learn about the pow wow – the different dances, proper protocols, and behaviours. The discussion will cover the different types of regalia individuals will wear and why, and address how it can be offensive to ask Indigenous peoples to wear "traditional clothing." Speakers will explain how fashion is dependent on the individual, just like any other culture.

Speakers

Arena director Garrett Gloade (Millbrook) is the drum keeper and Senior Heritage Interpreter at Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre.

Michael R. Denny (Eskasoni) is a father, husband, and renowned traditional singer. Michael R has travelled and shared his music all over Atlantic Canada and beyond. He is a proud Mi'kmaw speaker and is the Red Road Coordinator at Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey.

Jennifer-Lynn Denny (Millbrook) is a dancer, fashion designer, and owner of KMTN Lake Outfitters.

Landscape and Place Names

 

History and culture surround us. In this discussion, learn more about familiar landscapes and the origin and meaning behind their names.

Speakers

Gerald Gloade (Millbrook): As an artist, educator and Mi'kmaw storyteller, Gerald guides the development of visitor and educational programs. His stories and interpretations of the Kluskap legends, in particular, have captivated many audiences. Gerald is a key member of the curatorial group at Mi'kmawey Debert, growing our understandings of collections, places, people, practices and events.

Glooscap and Annapolis Valley First Nations

 

Do you know the history of the local Mi'kmaq bands? This discussion is an opportunity to learn more about the nearby Glooscap and Annapolis Valley First Nation communities. Find out where they are located, their history, and how they are working with Acadia University.

Speakers

Sarah MacDonald (Annapolis Valley First Nation) serves on the executive board for the Nova Scotia Native Women's Association as their treasurer. She has acted as the Mi'kmaw Cultural and Heritage Educator for her community of Annapolis Valley First Nation.

President Lorraine Whitman (Glooscap First Nation) "Grandmother White Sea Turtle" is the daughter of the late Chief Joseph Peters and the granddaughter of the late Chief Louis Peters. She is an Elder from Glooscap First Nation and the national President of the Native Women's Association of Canada. Before her national election, Lorraine was an active Elder on-campus, working especially close with the Indigenous students.

Cultural Space and Racism in Sport

 

Waneek Horn-Miller is a bear clan Mohawk and mother of three. She feels particularly deeply at this time that she is lucky to have come from a culture that values elders and she will share her own mother's guidance. As one of Canada’s few Indigenous Olympians, Horn-Miller has used her passion and experiences in sport to influence Indigenous and non-Indigenous leadership towards making Sport and Wellness a community-building priority. She has travelled extensively throughout North America as a motivational speaker sharing her journey from the front lines of the Oka Crisis to the Olympics with Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences.

Zabrina Whitman, Coordinator of Indigenous Affairs, speaks at an event

 Indigenous Student Handbook

 Working With Indigenous Peoples Handbook

Contact

Zabrina Whitman, MA
Coordinator, Indigenous Affairs
indigenous@acadiau.ca

Darlene Copeland
Indigenous Student Advisor
darlene.copeland@acadiau.ca

Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:30pm