McMaster community members are invited to celebrate the launch of the Indigenous Studies Department at a series of free events next week.

Most of the events are open to students, faculty, staff and members of the community.

Undergraduate Research Symposium “Community Building in Indigenous Research”

 Ceremonial Room (1025), L. R. Wilson Hall | Monday, March 27, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Indigenous Studies Department is kicking off the week-long celebration with the second annual Indigenous Studies Undergraduate Student Research Symposium, focusing on community building in Indigenous research.

The event will be led by assistant professor Adrianne Lickers Xavier, the 2021 recipient of the Petro Canada-McMaster University Young Innovator Award.

Indigenous students and students enrolled in an Indigenous Studies program are invited to register to share their research or to participate in the student workshops.

All are welcome to drop in and join the opening ceremonies Monday at 9:30 a.m. or to come to the student presentations from 10:30 a.m.

“The Celestial Bear: The Six Nations’ Night Sky”

W.J. McCallion Planetarium  | Monday, March 27, 12 p.m.
and Tuesday March 28, 12 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“That is how I heard the story, so I thought that is how you would hear it as well…”

Join a fascinating show that blends local culture, history and modern-day astronomy that shares the Six Nations’ sky lore and language through traditional indigenous night-sky stories.

With narration and visuals by a live presentation and pre-recorded excerpts (in English, Mohawk and Cayuga), learn about the story of the bear and the brothers and how it is retold every year with the rotating patterns in the night sky.

See the same stars with a completely different understanding and appreciation. This show was collaboratively produced by members of the Six Nations, McMaster’s Indigenous Studies Program, and the McCallion Planetarium.

This event is free and open to McMaster students, staff, faculty, and members of the public community, but seats are limited. Registration is open now.

imagineNATIVE Short Film Screening Fest

Concert Hall, L. R. Wilson Hall | Wednesday March 29, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
(Reception: 5:30–6:30 p.m.; Film Screenings: 6:30–8:30 p.m.)

The Indigenous Studies Department will host a film screening night featuring Rotinonhsión:ni Ironworkers, an animated short film co-written and directed by Allan Downey, associate professor, Indigenous Studies.

This will be followed by screenings of Generational Legacies, a dynamic selection of six short films created by Indigenous filmmakers, all of which were presented at the 2022 imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival. This short film program reflects on the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next and honouring where you and your ancestors have come from.

This event is free and open to McMaster students, staff, faculty, and members of the public community, but seats are limited. Click here to learn more or register.

Powwow drumming, dancing, Indigenous foods, and Indigenous Vendor Market

CIBC Hall, McMaster University Student Centre | Thursday March 30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A day of celebration in honour of the Indigenous Studies Department featuring powwow drumming, dancing, Indigenous foods and an Indigenous vendor market.

The market will feature 10 local Indigenous artists and vendors, and the menu includes three sisters soup, frybread tacos, and strawberry juice.

All are welcome and no registration is needed.

Indigenous Menu Items at La Piazza

La Piazza, McMaster University Student Centre | All week

McMaster Hospitality will feature a special menu of Indigenous foods at La Piazza, including three sisters stew and wild rice, sumac salmon, bison chili with bannock, wild rice chicken casserole, and wild blueberry chicken.