UPEI Faculty of IKERAS celebrates another historic milestone
The UPEI Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies (IKERAS) recently hosted its first-ever Indigenous traditional knowledge sharing and learning day, Mawi-lukutimk, which means “gathering and working together.” The event took place on September 3, two years after the Faculty of IKERAS began delivering UPEI’s mandated IKE 1040: Indigenous Teachings course and offering a Minor in Indigenous Studies. It is considered a historic milestone by everyone involved.
Following the honouring of the seven sacred teachings in Mi’kmaw with Doris Googoo, IKERAS Mi’kmaq language instructor and the creator and organizer of the event, the honour song was sung by Lenox Evans, a Grade 12 student at Grace Christian School, and Alicia Muttart, IKERAS administrative assistant. Opening remarks were given by UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Wendy Rodgers and IKERAS Dean Angelina Weenie. Participants included students, faculty, staff, local Indigenous Epekwitk (PEI) leaders, community elders, and knowledge keepers.
The day featured four special guest presenters from Unama'ki (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia). Alwyn Jeddor presented on the Mi’kmaw language and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK) resources; Terry Denny on land-based traditional teachings; Mary Louise Bernard on traditional ceremonies; and Anne Marie Marchand on sacred teachings of spirit names and spiritual cleansing.
“The teachings were rich, relational, and moving,” said Googoo. “This was an important step in bringing Indigenous knowledge to the forefront in the work that the IKERAS faculty does. The ancestors were telling me the time was right, and with such a successful gathering, next year will be even bigger and better.”
Dr. Weenie, who joined the Faculty of IKERAS in July of this year, was pleased to see this foundation of the faculty brought to life at this early stage in its development.
“Our teachers are in the community, and we need them to be part of all that we do,” she said. “We hope to continue offering more events like this. We can learn more from the Indigenous communities we serve.”
“It is fitting this year, as the University as a whole works together to change its culture, that this Mawi-lukutimk occurred,” added Dr. Weenie. “The UPEI Faculty of IKERAS looks forward to introducing more traditional and scholarly Indigenous knowledges that will contribute to UPEI becoming all that it can be as an inclusive, safe, and vibrant place of learning.”
