The next in a series of vital conversations and in response to the calls for action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, The Partnership for Truth & Reconciliation in Oakville is presenting a panel discussion on Cultural Appropriation.
“Taking aspects of a culture and using it without context, permission or an understanding of its significance reinforces stereotypes that are often a source of discrimination, and undermines efforts to engage in meaningful cultural exchanges,” said Stephen Paquette, a traditional knowledge keeper and host of the panel discussion.
The issue of cultural appropriation has made headlines over the past year in the areas of art, fashion, journalism, sports, and most recently in a new version of the video game Civilization. The panelists will help shed light on what is right and what is wrong when it comes to using clothing, art, sacred artifacts, spiritual process, or ideas from Indigenous cultures.
“Reconciliation is about respect, but it also about moving forward with mutual understanding,” added Sherry Saevil, Indigenous Education Advisor for the Halton Catholic District School Board. “It is important for all Canadians to listen and learn as we all have a role to play in fighting stereotypes and taking positive steps towards truth and reconciliation.”
The event will take place on Thursday, March 1, 2018 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Culture’s Black Box Theatre, located at 2302 Bridge Road in Oakville.
Panelists:
Lindsay Lickers:
- Haudenosaunee/ Anishinaabe, multi-media artist and arts administrator originally from Six Nations of the Grand River, with ancestral roots to Mississaugas of the New Credit
Elijah Williams:
- Indigenous initiatives co-ordinator at the Sheridan Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support at the Trafalgar Road Campus, Cayuga Artist
Chief Lady Bird (Nancy King):
- Mnjikaning Rama First Nation and has paternal roots in Moosedeer Point First Nation in Ontario, visual artist
Aura Last (Monique Bedard):
- Haudenosaunee (Oneida Nation of the Thames) woman working as an artist, art facilitator and muralist