Tuesday, June 21, 2022
When
I
applied
for
a
Master
program,
I
wanted
one
that
aligned
with
Anishinaabe
inherent
responsibility
of
taking
care
of
the
land,
people,
and
culture.
Thankfully,
that
was
the
Master
of
Environment
and
Business
at
the
University
of
Waterloo.
I
was
the
only
Anishinaabe
person
in
the
program.
The
institution
has
made
significant
efforts
to
be
more
inclusive
and
create
a
culturally
safe
place.
This
year,
convocations
included
drumming
on
the
big
drum,
and
a
welcoming
by
the
resident
Elder.
Graduands
also
were
extended
the
invitation
to
wear
traditional
regalia.
I
was
also
asked
whether
I
had
another
name
-
which
I
submitted
(But
somewhere
it
wasn’t
transferred
and
only
my
English
name
was
referenced).
My mom and I sewed until 2:30 am Friday morning creating a ribbon dress in the University of Waterloo colours and made a bandolier bag to recognize the knowledge bundle that was built before we left for Waterloo Friday morning.
My family and I were the only people on the crowd who stood for the honour song (me on the floor with the graduates and my immediate in the stands).
And I was the only attendee from my cohort that attended the ceremonies (although two years later).
As I stood alone for the honour song, I thought that if Graduations had occurred two years before, I would have missed this significant event.
Later, as I crossed the stage and received my hood, I was the only person in all the graduates that wore traditional regalia.
I’m glad I attended, as I had reservations about the whole ordeal.
My aunt captured this photo from the live feed, and you can see me and Elder Maheengun Henry.
Lots of work yet to do, but this was a big moment for Anishinaabek at the University of Waterloo. Home of the Ogitchitaa (Warriors).