Indigenous Women’s Symposium at Trent University to Focus on Ending Gender Discrimination in Indian Act
Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies set to welcome hundreds of guests to campus during symposium March 1 and 2
More than 200 Indigenous and non-Indigenous guests will gather this weekend at Trent University as part of the Indigenous Women’s Symposium that will focus on ending gender discrimination in the Indian Act.
This year’s theme is ‘Right to Belong’ and guest speakers from across North America will offer insight into the historic struggle of gender discrimination in the Indian Act during the symposium, which is hosted by the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies.
“Gender discrimination did not end in 1985 when the federal government changed the Indian Act; discrimination simply took a new form,” said Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, lead researcher for the Right to Belong research and director of the First Peoples House of Learning at Trent. “This is a historic gathering as many of these speakers have not come together in many years.”
This year’s speakers include Jeanette Corbiere Lavell, Yvonne Bedard, Sharon McIvor, Lynn Gehl, Tony Mandamin and Fred Kelly. Shelagh Day, Gwen Brodsky, Mary Eberts and Judy Rebick will also share their experiences as supporters of the gender discrimination struggle.
Saturday’s keynote will be Abenaki filmmaker and documentary maker Alanis Obomsawin, winner of numerous national and international awards.The speakers will also be participating in a research gathering where their stories will be recorded for a documentary.
Highlights from this year’s event and photo opportunities (please note that media can take photos at all events, except during prayer) are as follows:
Opening Event: Right to Belong - Honouring the Legacy to End Gender Discrimination in the Indian Act
Friday, March 1, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Wenjack Theatre
Welcome to Traditional Territories, Chief Phyllis Williams; Prayer, Susan Taylor; Speakers, Jeannette Corbiere-Lavell and Sharon McIvor.
Prayer and Opening Talk
Saturday, March 2, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Peter Gzowski College, Room 114
Speakers Dr. Janet Miron and Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien
Keynote Address
Saturday, March 2, 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Gzowski College, Room 114
Alanis Obomsawin
View the full schedule for the weekend.
About the Indigenous Women’s Symposium
The Indigenous Women’s Symposium was founded in the 1990’s by Elder and Professor Emeritus Edna Manitowabi to celebrate Indigenous women and to bring forward their distinct voices and issues. The event brings together Indigenous women, their families and allied scholars to celebrate the voices, experiences and lives of Indigenous women.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Kate Gennings, communications & media relations officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or kategennings@trentu.ca
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