INDIGENOUS RELATIONS/RESOURCES
We would like to begin by acknowledging that Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke/Montréal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.
OUR INTENTION:
In our effort to build and strengthen bridges with Indigenous communities, Studio 7 has put together a hub of resources to help raise awareness about specific issues affecting communities locally and nationally. These resources are a great first step for anyone to better understand the history of the land they are on.
From: https://www.amnesty.org.au/10-ways-to-be-an-ally-to-indigenous-communities/?utm_campaign=canada_dau
1. Listen to and follow the community
Find out who the traditional owners and Elders are of the land you are on. When doing long-term work on Indigenous rights, build strong relationships within the community and make sure everything is Indigenous-led.
2. Centre the stories around community
A big part of your involvement is to amplify the voices of Indigenous communities, don’t make it about yourself. You should directly share these messages with your networks in their words without alteration.
3. Know the historical and cultural context
Knowing the history and being culturally competent is vital. The issues the community face come from hundreds of years of ongoing trauma and discrimination. It is not the responsibility of the community to educate you.
4. Never show up empty-handed
Showing up in support is great but offer to lend a hand as well. Use your labour, resources and skills to help out. What additional value can you bring to the community?
5. Always seek consent and permission
Consent is a continuous process, not a one-time request. Seek permission before taking part in community events, particularly around cultural and spiritual events. They’ll usually be labeled something like ‘all community and allies welcome’.
6. Be responsible for yourself
Be aware of what resources you’re taking away from communities through your presence. Ensure you’ve given back to the community more than you’ve taken away.
7. Know when to step back
Be aware of what space you are taking up. Always remember that you are there as a guest in a supportive role. There will be times when the community needs to act alone, respect their boundaries.
8. Saviours are not needed, solidarity is
Solidarity is only meaningful if it is substantive and not merely performative. This means showing up to support the community with your presence alone should be the baseline, not the end game.
9. Be mindful of others’ time and energy
Indigenous people often have to be advocates on a wide range of issues that affect them and their community first-hand. They don’t have the choice to switch off from being involved and can be spread thin in many directions.
10. Do no harm to the community
The community should be better off, or the same, because of your presence, not worse. Follow all of these suggestions and keep reflecting on your behaviour and you’re on your way to doing your part in bringing down an unjust system.
CONCORDIA LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
https://www.concordia.ca/indigenous/resources/territorial-acknowledgement.html
94 CALLS TO ACTION - TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION OF CANADA
INDIGENOUS EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR FACULTY AND STUDENTS VIA CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
https://www.concordia.ca/library/guides/indigenous-fac-res.html
FIRST PEOPLES STUDIES (BA) AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
https://www.concordia.ca/academics/undergraduate/first-peoples-studies.html
WHY ARE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IMPORTANT?
https://nativegov.org/a-guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment/
INDIGENOUS ALLY TOOLKIT
https://segalcentre.org/common/sitemedia/201819_Shows/ENG_AllyTookit.pdf
SAN’YAS ANTI-RACISM INDIGENOUS CULTURAL SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM
7 INDIGENOUS-THEMED PODCASTS TO ENLIGHTEN YOU
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/podcasts-cbc-listen-national-indigenous-history-month-1.6076495
MONTREAL & AREA RESOURCES
Native Montreal / Montréal Autochtone: https://nativemontreal.com/
Mission: “Our mission is to support the holistic health, cultural strength and success of Indigenous families, individuals and our community living in the greater Montreal area.“ - Native Montreal / Montréal Autochtone
Indigenous Health Centre of Tiohtià:ke / Centre de santé autochtone de Tiotihà:ke: https://www.centretiohtiake.com/about.html
“In 2011-2012, the Health Working Committee successfully completed a two-phase project, funded by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, which included developing and implementing a needs assessment on Indigenous health in Montreal, and an extensive review of available health and social service organizations in Montreal to create an online database of resources available to the urban Indigenous community. What was discovered was a need for culturally safe and appropriate health services for urban Indigenous people that include child, youth and family services, primary care services, chronic disease management, infectious disease services, mental health and addictions services, homelessness and housing services, and social services.”
- Indigenous Health Centre of Tiohtià:ke / Centre de santé autochtone de Tiotihà:ke
Daphne https://daphne.art/
“Daphne is a non-profit Indigenous artist-run centre committed to serving the needs of emerging, mid-career, and established Indigenous artists through exhibitions and associated programming, workshops, residencies and curatorial initiatives. daphne encourages a culture of peace through critical, respectful exchange with our Indigenous and non-Indigenous peers and audiences.” - Daphne
Native Friendship Centre of Montreal Inc. (NFCM)https://nfcm.org/en/
“The Native Friendship Centre of Montreal (NFCM) is a non-profit, non-sectarian, autonomous community development agency whose principal mission is to promote, develop, and enhance the quality of life in the Urban Indigenous community of Montreal.”
- NFCM
Quebec Native Women Inc. (QNW) https://faq-qnw.org/en/
“Founded in 1974, Quebec Native Women Inc. (QNW) represents women from the Indigenous Peoples in Quebec and Indigenous women living in urban areas. We sit at the table of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, on the Board of Directors of the Native Parajudicial Services of Quebec as well as several other Indigenous and non-Indigenous commissions and committees.” - QNW
Projets Autochtones du Québec (PAQ) http://www.paqc.org/en/home/
“PAQ is an Indigenous organization that accompanies First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples facing housing insecurity in Tio’tià: ke / Montréal. Using a culturally adapted approach based on empowerment and harm reduction, we offer shelter, housing options and services that promote well-being and healing, and strengthen community. We work in partnership to advocate for the health and housing rights of urban Indigenous Peoples.” - PAQ
If you would like your community organization, please email us the name of your organization, website and a short description of what you offer. Email: studio7.cu@gmail.com
BUSINESS
Support Indigenous business in Canada: https://shopfirstnations.com/
Toronto: https://www.blogto.com/city/2021/09/indigenous-owned-businesses-toronto/
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business: https://www.ccab.com/
ARTS
Red Sky Performance: https://www.redskyperformance.com/
Lara Kramer (Dance Performance): http://larakramer.ca/
List of Aboriginal Artists in Canada: https://artistsincanada.com/quebec/artists/aboriginal-9/
Indigenous Arts Center (Gatineau, QC): https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100012794/1535557712411#chp2
Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors (Charlottetown, PEI) https://www.facebook.com/Mikmaqheritageactors
Jeremy Dutcher (musician) https://jeremydutcher.com/
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity - Indigenous Artists Creation Lab https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/indigenous-arts-creation-lab-spring-2022-0/20220307?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=indigenous%20creation%20lab%20spring%202022&fbclid=IwAR01a78UoXQKHG3bwnapx1xtJEgF_li7uzilLuTTXW-zwuoLjrxZ_7Jqky4