CRISPESH, SALTISE & AQPC happening this week & next
June 1-3
June 2-4:
June 10-11:
An opportunity to make teaching better at SALTISE June 2-4
It’s an understatement to say the last 12 months have been some of the most challenging globally. Among those impacted have been educators and their students. As we begin to turn the corner on the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 virus, more than ever, we each have recognized what is truly important. For us,…
It’s Vernissage Season next week!
Vernissage Season begins on May 26 with a series of virtual events.
Click Read More for the dates and more information.
Highlights of First Peoples Week 2021
First Peoples’ Week, the annual celebration of Indigenous peoples’ histories and cultures, returned to °®¶¹´«Ã½College after being pre-empted by the initial COVID-19 lockdown. The weeklong event took place March 29 to April 1 and featured a great selection of Indigenous knowledge keepers, representing many of the various Indigenous peoples in Quebec.
Event organizers included The First Peoples’ Centre, Campus Life and Leadership, The Decolonization and Indigenization Studies Certificate, and the °®¶¹´«Ã½Peace Centre. This year’s edition was hosted virtually. While it was different from previous years; it was no less of a success.
There were 16 activities in total, ranging from traditional knowledge sharing, painting, musical performances, and a comedy show featuring °®¶¹´«Ã½graduate Tai Leclaire, who has recently made his television-writing debut on the Peacock network sitcom Rutherford Falls.
Other highlights include a presentation from Aronhiaies Herne from Akwesasne, Mohawk Territory, on the ceremony cycle of the Haudenosaunee peoples. In addition, an Indigenous Fashion and Arts Roundtable was held featuring Anishnabe artist Cedar-Eve and Eeyou Elder Joanie Saganash. The round table was moderated by Metis-Salteaux artist Dayna Danger.
Student and faculty participation exceeded expectations, thanks in no small part to faculty who welcomed virtual presentations into their classes. The number of attendees was similar to what we would’ve expected if we were able to be in person. There was excellent student participation as well, which is what makes the programming worth the hard work.
Submitted by Tiawenti:non Canadian, Coordinator of the First Peoples’ Centre, Student Services
Liberal Arts students stage “Philosophy Play” May 14
Never ones to be daunted by a pandemic, a group of Liberal Arts students have been busy this past year writing and rehearsing a Zoom version of the annual "philosophy play."Â The result is an uproarious comedy called B.A.B.O.O.N.,
Using utilitarian algorithms, an AI called BABOON (Beneficent Analytics Behavioural Optimization and Operationalization Network) has determined that a worldwide COVID lockdown will be made permanent. In order to address discontent with its decision, BABOON has convened a townhall meeting of "luminaries" from various areas of expertise. Hilarity ensues... until the discovery of a paradox in BABOON's programming leads to a dark and cataclysmic turn.
For a preview:Â
Earth Week report
The Sustainability Office, in collaboration with departments at Dawson, enjoyed hosting two weeks of Earth Week events from April 19-30, 2021.
Events included:
- Spring beehive opening
- Climate action panel
- Environmental racism
- Eco-anxiety short plays
- Well-being hobbies
- Bike workshop
- Illustration project showcase
- °®¶¹´«Ã½hidden world tour
- and many more!
Although our in-person plans had to be adapted, we were still able to touch on all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our 20 presentations and events attracted close to 400 participants both within the °®¶¹´«Ã½community and externally.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions we could not have gatherings, therefore, Sustainability Office staff and interns planted 300+ vegetable and herb seedlings and recorded the Spring beehive opening.
We want to thank the Earth Week planning committee, °®¶¹´«Ã½faculty, support staff and students who led activities throughout the weeks. Although Earth Week is done, we encourage everyone to continue the conversations and raising awareness on all the issues discussed.
Please support our local eco-friendly vendors by shopping here!
You can also purchase donated student Artwork: /sustainable/wp-content/uploads/sites/175/Student-Earth-Week-Art-Sale2.pdf
All funds raised will go towards the Peace Garden fund of the °®¶¹´«Ã½College Foundation.
Both links will be accessible throughout the month of May - great ideas for Mother’s Day gifts!
Submitted by Jennifer de Vera of the Sustainability Office.Â
Keynote Earth Week talk addressed struggles for environmental justice in Indigenous and Black communities
Earth Week organizers were able to take advantage of our current online reality by virtually bringing in Keynote Speaker Dr. Ingrid Waldron of Dalhousie University, who is also a graduate of °®¶¹´«Ã½(Class of 1983, Social Science).
Click Read More for the report prepared by Diana Rice of the Peace Centre and the Office of Academic Development.
Vernissage Season 2021 begins May 26
One of the beloved springtime traditions at °®¶¹´«Ã½College is Vernissage Season when the graduating students exhibit their work to the °®¶¹´«Ã½community, alumni, industry players and potential employers.
Click Read More for all the dates and find out what's new this year.
Current perspectives in anti-racism on April 28
Dr. Sabrina Jafralie will facilitate a discussion on anti-black racism in Canada and Quebec with a focus on what diversity, inclusion and social equity look like in a variety of cases and situations in educational institutions. She will provide actionable tools for being an ally in promoting anti-racism, and help build a stronger community through dialogue.
With a view to building upon on-going conversations at °®¶¹´«Ã½and in support of professional development and employee engagement articulated in Dawson’s strategic plan, all °®¶¹´«Ã½employees are invited to participate in this presentation. This session builds upon presentations geared towards teachers and all staff including those animated by Shanice Nicole, Rachel Zellers, Tiffany Callender and a variety of speakers hosted or co-hosted by Human Resources.
When: Wednesday, April 28, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Where:
*All employees are welcome to attend this session. Support Staff and Professionals who wish to attend should have approval from their manager.
Dawson’s white pine and its great meaning
For almost two years, Dawson’s white pine has stood near the Peace Garden just west of the main entrance at 3040 Sherbrooke Street West.
Click Read More to find out more about the significance of the white pine and to see a 14-minute video segment of Kanien’kehá:ka storyteller and Sub Chief Aronhiaies Herne's lecture at Dawson. This video is a suggested activity for Dawson's Earth Weeks.Â
Last Modified: June 1, 2021
