On Friday, June 24, 2022, the University of Alberta community celebrated the launch of Braiding Past, Present and Future: the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Strategic Plan. This plan reflects an important step in our institution’s commitment to reconciliation in post-secondary education, research and addressing the historical legacy of the residential school system and Canada’s colonial history in a meaningful and lasting way.
With performances from dancers and musicians and remarks from Dr. Florence Glanfield, Vice-Provost, Indigenous Programming and Research, President Bill Flanagan and Indigenous leaders, the event was a meaningful way to embark on this journey.
Attendees gathered in person and online. View a recording of the Livestream. All photos were taken by Damian Abrahams.
Alumna Dorothy Sutton (left) and Florence Glanfield, Vice-Provost of Indigenous Programming and Research, before the event. Read about the Dorothy & Darrel Sutton First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) Support Endowment.
Bev Findlay, administrative assistant in the Faculty of Native Studies, gives Elder Elsey Gauthier a hug before the event.
Paul Gareau, assistant professor in the Faculty of Native Studies, and Lucy Lu share a laugh.
Elder Francis Whiskeyjack leads a pre-ceremony smudge beside one of the Eagle Staffs.
Karrie Auger shares a laugh with Paul Gareau and Lucy Lu.
The Grand Entry poses before their entrance. Back - Kokhum Hazel McKennitt. From left to right: Jarret Whitefish, Elder Gilman Cardinal; Tom Hunter; Florence Glanfield; Elder Heather Poitras; Peggy Garritty; Bill Flanagan; Steve Dew; Marcus Pahtayken.
Elder Gilman Cardinal carries the Treaty 6 flag in the Grand Entry.
Elder Heather Poitras walks in with her daughters.
Marcus Pahtayken carries an Eagle Staff in the Grand Entry.
Womens Fancy Shawl Dancer and Faculty of Native Studies alumna, Danni Okemaw.
Danni Okemaw.
Womens Fancy Shawl Dancer Demaris Badger.
Womens Old-Style Fancy Dancer and FNS student, Martina Desjarlais.
Martina Desjarlais.
Mens Fancy Bustle Dancer, Jarret Whitefish.
Florence Glanfield.
Malijha Moyan, president of the Indigenous Students’ Union.
Jillian Ames, president of the Indigenous Graduate Students’ Association.
Elder Heather Poitras.
Florence Glanfield and Elder Heather Poitras.
President Bill Flanagan with emcees Sean Lessard and Trevor Phillips behind.
Daughter and mother Inuit dance drum and singing duo Jaynine McCrae and Connie Kanayok McCrae.
Florence Glanfield and Jaynine McCrea.
Elder Heather tries to convince Bill and Peggy to jig to Zach Willier’s fiddling.
Post event socialization.
From left to right: Florence Glanfield, Elder Gilman Cardinal, Elder Elsey Gauthier, Zach Willier, Elder Heather Poitras, Elder Fernie Marty, Connie Kanayok McCrae, Elder Francis Whiskeyjack, and Kokhum Hazel McKennitt.
Elder Heather Poitras stands with the ceremonial quilt made for the ISP, held by her daughters.
Note: Elder is their preferred title.
You may have noticed some attendees wearing a dark green t-shirt with an image of beadwork. This t-shirt was created for the launch of the plan, and is available for purchase now in the Bookstore on North Campus. All the proceeds from the sales go to the Indigenous Student Financial Support Fund.