Happy Halloween everyone!
Fall 2019 has been off to a very exciting start! I am excited to update you that I have joined the University of Calgary as a Senior Instructor in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering and the new Teaching Chair focused on Integrating Indigenous perspectives into Engineering. I am still available for speaking and workshop engagements, and hope to connect more with communities in this role. I was pleased to work here this past year and a half as the first Indigenous engineer in residence, helping the Schulich School of Engineering align activities with the University's overall Indigenous strategy, ii' taa' poh' to' p ( a place to rejuvenate and re-energize during a journey).
In my role as Teaching Chair focused on integrating indigenous knowledge in engineering, I will be working on curriculum Indigenization, Indigenous awareness and inclusion for existing students, faculty and staff, Indigenous access to engineering and Indigenous youth outreach. I would love an introduction to any K-12 educators in Calgary or Treaty 7 territory with whom I could connect.
I am currently working on a Literature Review on Indigenization and Decolonization
IndigeSTEAM update
Team I'myanistsitapikoan Is Back In Mohkinstsis.
We invite you to meet the team and perhaps drive their robot at a Welcome Home and Well Done After Party. Shanks North back room, Crowfoot shopping area on Saturday, Nov 2, 3-6 PM. Come for a short time or stay the while. Drinks and food are Dutch Treat (pay your own way). Please invite others who may be interested in coming.
Team I'myanistsitapikoan (Many people in One), FIRST Robotics Team Canada, experienced the trip of a lifetime competing at FIRST Global in Dubai, UAE. Placing 80 out of 189, this young, enthusiastic team learned so much about collaboration and team spirit. They were so proud to wear their LED lit ribbon shirts and ribbon skirts, and share Canada’s diverse cultures as well as that of the First Peoples of this land. We are so proud and grateful to all of our sponsors and supporters that helped us raise funds to participate and we look forward to sharing a more comprehensive recap in November’s newsletter.
Indigenous Engineering Inclusion Tips - Inclusion Minutes Insight #3
Halloween is a fun time of year to dress up and be someone else, but there are times when what we chose to wear can be harmful to others. Every year the conversation comes up about cultural appropriation, and this year is no different. Recent news about photos that have surfaced of the Prime Minister in blackface and brownface have moved the conversation forward. I have had
many discussions online
and with friends on where the line is. Is it inappropriate to dress as “Poca-hottie” (a “sexy Pocahontas costume that some Halloween stores have sold in the past) but ok to dress a child in the Disney version of the Pocahontas costume?
Here is a good article
I found with some helpful tips. As always, I say always err on the side of respect. Chances are, if you are wondering if the costume is inappropriate, it probably is. If your child wants to dress as something that may be viewed as cultural appropriation, why not use it as a teachable moment for them and explain why they have to pick something
else?
