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Conferences & lectures

Rocking Those Mocs: Respect vs Cultural Appropriation 


Date & time
Monday, November 15, 2021
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Speaker(s)

Dr. Bimadoshka Pucan, Marie-Celine Charron-Einish, Waasekom Niin and Belle Ken’nikatsi’tsá:á Phillips.

Cost

This event is free

Website

Rock Your Mocs

Where

Online

Moccasins

Since 2011, Rock your Mocs has showcased the diversity of Indigenous peoples by encouraging them to share stories through photos of their moccasins.  

On November 15th, Indigenous Directions is inviting you to join us in celebrating the week-long event by attending Rocking Those Mocs: Respect vs Cultural Appropriation. Dr. Bimadoshka Pucan will host this panel discussion exploring different perspectives on how cultural pride can be found in what we wear. Feature Indigenous voices, panelists will share their thoughts on the creation, celebration and appropriation of moccasins and culture before participating in a Q&A with the audience.  

Speakers

  • Dr. Bimadoshka Pucan

Bimadoshka Pucan is Anishinaabe-kwe from Saugeen First Nation #29 on the eastern shores of beautiful Lake Huron. Saugeen boasts the most awesome sunsets this side of the Ottawa River. Bimadoshka is very proud of her people, her family, and some pretty amazing corn she grew this summer. Hear Bimadoshka recount stories of her people long passed but that continue to live on as long we tell our sacred stories. HOKA!

  • Belle Ken’nikatsi’tsá:á Phillips 

Belle Ken’nikatsi’tsá:á Phillips is Kanienkeha:ka (Mohawk) from Kahnawake.

She is in her second year at Concordia University pursing a BA in Human Relations with a concentration in Community Development and minor in First People Studies.

Belle is part of the founding group of students that created the Indigenous Student Ambassadors at Champlain College St-Lambert. This group worked to help indigenize the campus and offer support to First Nations students.

She also works part-time at Tewatohnhi’saktha in Kahnawake as the Youth Programs Assistant.

  • Marie-Celine Charron-Einish

Marie-Celine is Naskapi from Kawawachikamach, QC, she is a powwow dancer, a Cultural Ambassador, an Indigenous Public Relations specialist, and brings in many years of experience working in Communications and Public Relations in various Indigenous organizations.

Marie-Celine is an alumna, Bachelor of Arts 2012.

  • Waasekom Niin

Waasekom is Turtle Clan Anishinaabe from Saugeen First Nation and the Kettle & Stoney Point First Nations on the southeastern shores of Lake Huron. He is an avid paddler having led 4 ceremonial canoe journeys throughout the Great Lakes to raise awareness about Water, Climate Change, and Indigenous sovereign responsibilities. His journey began in response to the Water Walks where he has been a protector and Eagle Staff carrier on 7 Walks. 

Waasekom is known for starting Picking Up the Bundles Canoe Journey, Niwiijiiwok Doodemak (Gathering of Clans), the Great Lakes Petition, Gganoonigonaa Zaagigan (The Lake is Speaking to Us), and most recently the Elegy of Ancestors. His great passion is in building generational tools and agency for Indigenous led nation building. 

Waasekom was also the recipient of NDN Collective's prestigious Changemaker Fellowship; recognized for his work in restoring Indigenous governance, water protection, and food sovereignty. Waasekom is presently engaged in the formation of an Indigenous Land Trust Charity and in creating the Elegy of Ancestors project. 

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