Luther invites all to pause for Settler Work, and more

Jan. 29, 2021

In the ongoing work of decolonization, Martin Luther University College is hosting an online time of contemplation dubbed Settler Work. 

"We view art from Inuit, Métis, and First Nation artists,” said Allen Jorgenson, the school’s assistant dean and facilitator of Settler Work. "We listen to poetry or prose from Indigenous authors whose work calls us into right relationship with the Creator, the land, and one another.” 

This is the second year the program is focusing on the calls for justice contained in the Final Report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). 

Settler Work is part of a slate of activities Luther is offering most weekdays 12:30 to 12:50 p.m. 

Contemplative Pause, as the program is called, is co-ordinated by Debbie Lou Ludolph, Luther’s dean of chapel. 

“We offer this time to honour the wisdom of pausing and shifting our gaze in the midst of work and studies,” Ludolph said, adding that everyone is welcome to participate in the virtual meetings. 

All events are free. Pre-registration is required only for yoga sessions on Mondays. The series runs to Friday, April 9. 

Contemplative Pause 

Mondays: Yoga. 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Contact: nquehl@uwaterloo.ca

Tuesdays: Reflections on the apocryphal Book of Judith, with Mona Tokarek-LaFosse 

Wednesdays: Contemplative music (once a month) with Gerard Yun and guests. Visit our YouTube playlist for Contemplative Music Pause offerings posted during the spring 2020 term. 

Thursdays: Multifaith teachings (Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim). Each Thursday offers a different perspective. 

Fridays: Settler Work alternates with Eco-consciousness 

For themes and Zoom links, please visit Luther’s online events calendar.