Indigenous Canadian leaders joined Anthropology graduate students and staff for symposium to consider practical steps to challenge the impact of colonialism in the workplace.
PhD Anthropology student Faith Decontie with the support from her company Sàgàsige and fellow PhD Anthropology student Laura Goyhenex hosted a symposium called “Decolonising Methodologies and Integrating Promising Practices between the United Kingdom and Canada” at the Sir Duncan Rice Library, University of Aberdeen on September 14, 2024.
This was the first Indigenous Canadian led event intended to discuss how ‘Indigenous game changers’ from Canada and United Kingdom based allies are working towards addressing the darker realities of colonialism in the workspace while making efforts towards empowering Indigenous peoples. This was a step towards addressing practical ways to understand how to improve the current relationship between Indigenous peoples in Canada and the United Kingdom, given the complex colonial history.
The Indigenous game changer panellists work in a range of political and educational spheres and included the Algonquin Grand Chief Savanna McGregor, Mike Diabo, Mona Tolley, the Grand Chief of Eeyou Istchee (Cree Nation) Mandy Gull-Masty, Robin Decontie, Linda Neacappo–Rodrique, Jonathan Parenteau. Settler ally, Robert Wishart, Anthropology, University of Aberdeen, was also a panellist.
Anna Cote, who owns the catering company ‘Birch Bite’ [@eatthebirchbite on Instagram], provided delicious seasonal food inspired by Indigenous recipes, and there was a Cree singing performance by David Hookimaw.