UPEI community takes part in National Indigenous Peoples Day Lunch and Learn
In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, Dr. Corinne Chappell, UPEI Advisor on Indigenous Affairs, led a Lunch and Learn session on Friday, June 19, from 12:00 to 1:30 pm, held outdoors near the tipi located in the campus quad.
Joining Chappell as panellists were Morgan Varis, sessional lecturer, Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies (IKERAS); Dr. Judy Clark, UPEI Elder-in-Residence and Advisor to the Dean, Faculty of IKERAS; Doris Googoo, senior lecturer and language instructor, Faculty of IKERAS; Erin Reid, assistant professor, Faculty of IKERAS; and Jolene Rolle, coordinator, Mawi’omi Indigenous Student Centre.
The session was structured as an interactive question-and-answer discussion. Participants were invited to submit questions anonymously or ask them in person, creating a welcoming environment for open dialogue and learning. The format encouraged attendees to explore topics they may have otherwise been hesitant to raise while deepening their understanding of Indigenous cultures and experiences.
Discussion topics throughout the session included the use of appropriate terminology, Indigenous rights, truth and reconciliation, residential schools, identity, status, colonial violence, and ongoing discrimination, including the perpetuation of common stereotypes.
One topic explored perspectives on truth and reconciliation among individuals who were not born but now live in Canada. Clark spoke about how it was important to educate newcomers about the devastating impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous peoples. One way to do this, she added, is to share the stories of Indigenous peoples who played pivotal roles in advancing justice for survivors. She gave the example of Nora Bernard of Millbrook First Nation, a residential school survivor who, through her leadership in initiating a landmark class-action lawsuit, helped secure the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, which laid the groundwork for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Her advocacy brought national attention to the legacy of residential schools and contributed significantly to reconciliation efforts in Canada.
Panellists also addressed questions regarding language that may be considered offensive.
Chappell offered the example of “Let’s get together for a pow wow,” which is sometimes used casually to refer to meetings. She emphasized the importance of addressing such language respectfully, explaining that it can be inappropriate.
Varis expanded on the impact of language, highlighting expressions such as “the lowest rung on the totem pole” as harmful and disrespectful. “This is very offensive, and you don’t know who may be listening and affected by that language,” she said.
Following the discussion, participants gathered for refreshments, including blueberry cake, and were invited to take part in a smudging ceremony inside the tipi.
