Welcome to the Winter 2023 Edition of Indigenous Connections
The significance of winter to Indigenous folks across Turtle Island is as diverse and beautiful as the people themselves! For many, winter is the time where we remain indoors and spend time closely connected with our loved ones. We share stories and laughs and reinforce our bonds. It is also a time for quiet introspection, reflection, and attention as we make use of the stillness to connect to all things in that intentional way. As winter begins to slowly retreat and make way for spring, we eagerly look ahead to the changing of seasons, with gratitude, humility and fresh perspectives.
In this Issue:
- Anishnaabe Moons
- Eagle Feather Raised at UWaterloo Basketball Game
- Community Welcome
- Upcoming events
- Territorial Acknowledgement
The Anishinaabe Moons
The Anishinaabe year is marked by a lunar calendar, during which there are 13 moons. There are many names for the different moons, varying by region and people. The names given to the moons are based on what is happening on Mother Earth during that time, and how we interact with the land . Two of the Anishinaabe names for the moon as March begins are Onaabini-giizis (Snow Crust Moon) and Makoonsag-gaa-nitaawigiwaatiwi-giizis (Birth of Bear Cubs Moon). Towards the end of March, it is still cold at night, but it begins to warm up during the day. At this time we can harvest the gift of Sugar Maple sap. So, near the end of March (and the end of Winter) is Iskigamizige-giizis or the Sugar Bush Moon!
Eagle Feather Raised at UWaterloo Basketball Game
It was a powerful moment at the PAC on Carl Totzke Court, on January 27, 2023 as Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry led UWaterloo's first ever Eagle Feather Raising Ceremony between the women's and men's basketball games. The ceremony was an act of reconciliation, honoring Indigenous athletes. The Eagle Feather was raised just prior to the singing of the National Anthem, and was accompanied by an honor song intended to honor the athletes. Myeengun Henry remarked, "raising this eagle feather gives Indigenous athletes the opportunity to be proud of what they do." By representing Indigenous cultures in tandem with the National Anthem, the ceremony signified a path forward where the original relationship between Indigenous folks and settlers is represented and respected.
Chi miigwech/ Nia:wen to all that participated. It was truly moving.
Community Welcome
Welcome Jenn Smerdon!
We are excited to introduce Jen Smerdon who joined the Office of Indigenous Relations February 6th as Administrative Manager. Jen is of mixed ancestry with maternal Anishinaabe lineage from Matachewan First Nation in Ontario. Jen brings a wealth of administrative experience, financial management skills and knowledge of university systems to the team gained from her work experience in the not-for-profit sector, and her previous role as Advancement Coordinator, Faculty of Science. Please join us in welcoming Jen to the Office of Indigenous Relations team!
Upcoming Events
University of Waterloo Eagle Staff Ceremony
The University of Waterloo is honoured to welcome an Eagle Staff to our institution. Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry will introduce this sacred item, on behalf of the UWaterloo Indigenous campus community.
An Eagle Staff is an important element of the Indigenous relationship to mother earth and those that have protected it. The Staff reflects the wisdom, strength, and honour of those that carry it in representation of Nations across Turtle Island.
This Eagle Staff will be present at ceremonies and celebrations, such as convocation, representing University of Waterloo First Nations, Métis and Inuit community members, their traditions, cultures, and strengths.
Through the introduction of the Eagle Staff, the University of Waterloo honours the responsibility to take on Indigenous perspectives, ensuring that they are reflected in the governance, structure, and intent of the University. A symbol of Indigenous acknowledgement, the Eagle Staff will serve as a beacon of reconciliation throughout our shared future.
Location: Federation Hall
Date: Monday, March 27, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m.
A sunrise ceremony will take place at 7:00 a.m. outside of Federation Hall
The entire university community is invited to participate in this meaningful ceremony as we welcome the Eagle Staff.
The ceremony is expected to take up to 90 minutes, including an opportunity for refreshments and community building.
Territorial Acknowledgement
As the Canadian Association of University Teachers described in their guide to territorial acknowledgment for Canadian universities, “[…] acknowledging territory is only the beginning of cultivating strong relationships with the First Peoples of Canada."
The University of Waterloo is located on the Haldimand Tract and learning the history of this Treaty is an important way to not only connect the past with the present, but also provides space and time to reflect on the ways in which we are all treaty people.
Learn more about the Haldimand Tract with Phil Monture, who is Mohawk from the Six Nations of the Grand River. From 1975 to July 2002, Phil was the Director of the Land Claims Research Office at the Six Nations of the Grand River. Phil's video lecture was recorded as part of Treaties Week 2020.
Visit the Indigenous Relations Territorial Acknowledgement resource page to learn more about creating your own acknowledgement.