Member of Parliament Jody Wilson-Raybould to speak during Laurier’s Indigenous Education Week

Oct. 19, 2020
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – Wilfrid Laurier University invites the public and university community to experience its annual Indigenous Education Week, held virtually from Oct. 26 to 30, celebrating the contributions of Indigenous knowledge to education.

The theme of this year’s Indigenous Education Week is “We are our Stories, Come Share with us.” The Office of Indigenous Initiatives has invited four guests to share their stories with students and the community throughout the week.

One story is of Member of Parliament Jody Wilson-Raybould, who will join Melissa Ireland, director and interim senior advisor of Indigenous Initiatives at Laurier, in a virtual conversation on Oct. 28.

Wilson-Raybould, member of We Wai Kai Nation and Member of Parliament of Vancouver Granville, will discuss her recent book From Where I Stand, which details the reconciliation process in Canada.

“We are excited for Jody Wilson-Raybould and other guests to share their knowledge and celebrate Indigeneity during Indigenous Education Week,” said Ireland. “Although we can’t gather in person this year, we are eager to expand our perspectives and learn how our stories connect us, even when we’re apart.”

Wilson-Raybould has served in public office for over a decade, including as Regional Chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations and Member of Parliament. She was appointed to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, making her the first Indigenous person to serve in this portfolio.

The following is a list of events taking place through Zoom for Indigenous Education Week: 

Tuesday Oct. 27 - Public Lecture with Janet Rogers
11 a.m. to noon

Janet Rogers, poet, author, broadcaster and documentary producer, will read from Ego of a Nation and discuss a number of literary issues, publishing, self-publishing, media and poetry.

Wednesday Oct. 28 - Conversation with Jody Wilson-Raybould
10 to 11 a.m.

A conversation about From Where I Stand and the reconciliation process in Canada between Member of Parliament Jody Wilson Raybould and Melissa Ireland, director and interim senior advisor of Indigenous Initiatives at Laurier.

Thursday Oct. 29 - Through Pandemics and Trauma: Indigenous Futures Cannot be Stopped and Here's Why
1 to 2 p.m.

Author and educator Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair will provide an overview of the specific methods that Indigenous cultures and communities use to resist, create, and re-create their communities – and how these can be shared in order to support their future mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual selves today.

Friday Oct. 30 - Public Lecture with Lee Maracle
10 to 11 a.m.

Author and mentor Lee Maracle returns to speak with the Indigenous Student Centre about the importance of storytelling.

All events are free and open to the public, but registration is limit. Details, including how to register, including how to register, are available online. Each presentation will run for an hour and include a question and answer period.