As we wrap up the year and look towards 2019...
We couldn't have imagined growing so quickly and with so much support when we launched Yellowhead Institute six months ago. But here we are at the end of the year with a record to be proud of.
We started out in June with a critical analysis of the federal government's "Rights Framework" which was taken up by communities far and wide and ultimately influenced a campaign to reverse Canada's approach.
From there, we continued to hold governments accountable and offer useful policy analysis through our Yellowhead Briefs. We published 18 this year!
We also held two events - our official launch event and a fundraiser for the Neskantaga and Eabametoong First Nations - and announced the recipients of the 2018 Art Manuel Awards! (Read on to learn more about these initiatives.)
Finally, we'll start the new year supporting students with two new grants. The first is the Global Indigenous Solidarity Grant, which will send five students to New Zealand for the NAISA conference. The second is an award in memory of Vernon Yellowhead, who we regret to say, passed away this year. Vernon provided his blessing for our Institute to use the Yellowhead name and his family continues offer their generosity and kindness in our work. The Vernon Yellowhead Award will financially support two Indigenous students at Ryerson studying environmental stewardship, Vernon's passion.
In 2019 we'll keep growing and strive to continue to do good work. We hope that you join us.
- Hayden King, Executive Director
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Earlier this month, we announced the inaugural recipients of the Art Manuel Awards. As our Research Director, Shiri Pasternak wrote in her message about Art Manuel's legacy, "Art minced no words about what Indigenous liberation meant to him and often responded to “what’s up” texts with “just trying to get back my land.” This work of liberation happens on multiple fronts through diverse forms of labour and care. Though Art‘s focus was on economic rights, he valued above all the social fabric from which Indigenous communities were woven and especially the role of women in tightening these threads. We are humbled by the opportunity to support the work of NYSHN, Rhoda Quock of the Klabona Keepers, and Judy Da Silva of Grassy Narrows in the name of our dear friend, Arthur Manuel, who we miss dearly."
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Yellowhead Launch: Indigenous Strategies for Transformative Change
On October 23, we marked the launch of Yellowhead with an event and panel discussion on the Rights Framework. We were honored to have Lori Yellowhead, wife of the late Vernon Yellowhead attend, along with Bill McRoberts, Hereditary Chief, Reindeer Clan (Anishinaabe) and Carrier of the Musquakie / Yellowhead Name. Bill reflected on Vernon Yellowhead’s legacy, reminding us that doing things differently but with compassion is part of the Yellowhead legacy.
After a teach in by Yellowhead leadership, Hayden King and Shiri Pasternak, Gordon Peters (Lunapeew, Turtle Clan) Deputy Grand Chief, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians; Courtney Skye (Mohawk, Turtle Clan) Policy Analyst; Khelsilem Rivers (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw) Spokesperson and elected councillor, Squamish Nation Council; and Tanya Kappo (Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation) participated in a dynamic panel session discussion the Rights Framework and strategies for transformative change.
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On November 9, Yellowhead hosted a fundraiser to a packed room, "Into the Ring with Ford" in support of the Neskantaga and Eabametoong First Nations. We welcomed leaders and community members from both Nations to Toronto for the event, and also partnered with Wawatay Radio Network to live audio broadcast the event. We ultimately raised over $6,000 for the two Nations, supporting their efforts to hold Premier Ford accountable to Indigenous laws in their territory. Thank you to all who contributed! |
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Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
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