All My Relations Newsletter | | | Pellc7ell7ullcwten - November |
As the colder days approach, it is time for families to settle into their c7es7ístkten̓ (winter homes) and prepare for the season ahead. Men spend time fixing their pexpíxem (hunting), fishing and trapping tools, while women make and mend clothing to keep everyone warm. It is a time of coming together, sharing responsibilities and ensuring families are ready for the winter months.
| Indigenous Veterans Day - Honoring Service and Sacrifice, November 8th | |
November 8 has been designated as Aboriginal Veterans Day. This is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice made by our indigenous Peoples and their commitment to Canada. We honour the memory of those who have fallen in battles from our First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities who fought alongside other Canadians, in many global conflicts, for the preservation of peace and security. We also honour those who continue to serve this great country. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
- Mr. Robert Thibeau,
Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones
| Portrait of the late Indigenous veteran Private (retired) Philip Favel by Ottawa artist Elaine Goble | |
This month is dedicated to Indigenous Veterans who served in Canada’s military, often at great personal cost and without receiving equal recognition at home.
Thousands of Indigenous people served in the First and Second World Wars, yet many returned to face discrimination and were denied benefits and opportunities available to other Veterans. Their stories are an important part of Canada’s history and deserve to be remembered with honesty and respect.
Indigenous Veterans Day invites us to recognize these sacrifices, listen to Veterans’ stories, and honour their enduring contributions to their communities and the country (Loth, 2025).
| True Patriot Love Remastered Memories | |
As time goes on, our knowledge of the past fades from memory. We’ve lost soldiers to age, service and suicide, and their acts of bravery are being lost along with them. But there’s one place their stories live on:
In the letters they wrote from the front lines.
For the first time, these letters have been unearthed from the archives and read by an image-generating algorithm, which has turned each of their words into a work of art. Each piece paints a fuller picture of a Canadian soldier’s service and sacrifice, helping preserve their memories for generations to come.
| You can further explore on relevant and engaging resources surrounding the lives and significant events of Indigenous Veterans by clicking on the following links below: | Indigenous elders and soldiers in the uniform of the Canadian Expeditionart Force, ca. 1916-17 | |
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc invites the community to join in honoring Indigenous Veterans and their service.
Date:November 8, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Tk̓emlúps Pen Pen (St. Joseph’s Church)
Light refreshments to follow inside the church.
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Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc invites the community to come together in remembrance and to honour all those who have served and sacrificed.
Date: Wednesday, November 11th, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Tk̓emlúps Pen Pen (St. Joseph’s Church)
Light refreshments to follow inside the church.
| Dispelling Common Myths About Indigenous Peoples | |
The Dispelling Common Myths About Indigenous Peoples eBook examines nine common misconceptions and explores the realities behind them. It offers readers an opportunity to challenge assumptions, deepen their understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and build cultural awareness that supports more informed and respectful conversations within their communities.
| Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) | |
November also shines a light on Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM), in drawing more recognition of the experiences of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people living with disabilities. This month encourages greater awareness of the barriers Indigenous people with disabilities may encounter, while celebrating their strengths, contributions, and diverse experiences.
IDAM calls on communities and organizations to move beyond awareness and work towards meaningful inclusion, equal opportunities, and greater accessibility. It is an opportunity to listen, learn, and help create environments where Indigenous people with disabilities are respected, supported, and included in decisions that affect their lives.
| Inclusion BC - Indigeneity and Disability in our Schools | |
Indigenous communities value every one of their members for their gifts and talents, beyond their challenges and differences; it is a community effort. We have much to learn from Indigenous perspectives on disability and inclusion.
This film calls educators to welcome the gifts of Indigenous students with disabilities and to recognize their culture as part of the who they are and how they learn. Indigenous self-advocates, family members, educators, and knowledge keepers explain cultural approaches to inclusion and disability and the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge and ways of being and doing, in the education of all children.
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Indigeneity and Disability: The Teachings of our Ancestors and Being in Relations Towards Harmonious Outcomes
What can Indigenous ancestral teachings reveal about disability, care, and our relationships with one another? In this thoughtful piece, Sandra Yellowhorse explores Diné teachings and the importance of caring for all our relations, offering a different way to understand disability through community, connection, and responsibility.
| Disability Indigeneity, and Art | |
How can art open up new ways of thinking about disability, Indigeneity, and the ways we create, communicate, and care for one another? For Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, join transdisciplinary artist Bailey Macrabe (nêhiyaw + Ukrainian) and Disability Studies scholar Dr. Eliza Chandler (Toronto Metropolitan University) for a conversation exploring the intersections of disability, neurodivergence, Indigenous knowledge, and artistic practice.
Date: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM PST
Location: Online
| Discover below some networks of Indigenous-led Organizations and initiatives that offer support | All My Relations Highlight | We had the opportunity to host a storytelling workshop for Masters in Education students in the Curriculum, Teaching and Learning course. As a collaborative initiative with Ted Gottfriedson and Sharon Gottfriedson, this session engrained the use of storytelling as a pedagogical tool in decolonizing academia as well as amplifying cross-cultural learning in a diverse environment. Following the guidance of the Stsptekwll teachings, students were able to grasp a better understanding on some of the values of the Secwépemc, in relation to land, language, and traditions. It was an amazing experience to have the class be engaged through discussions, curiosity and creativity. | Connecting Indigenous Research to Policy - University of Toronto | All My Relations Associate Director Jeneen Herns-Jensen and Research Associate Chuying Jiao had the opportunity to share the centre's work at an event hosted by the Ontario Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR). The gathering brought together Canadian Institutes of Health Research-funded scholars to exchange ideas and explore how meaningful research can inform future mental health policies and better support communities. | All My Relations Resources | This month we would like to share the following collection of books that offers in depth Secwépemc histories and culture, Indigenous futurisms, and storytelling. |
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Secwépemc People, Land, and Laws: Yerí7 Re Stsq'ey's-kucw
This collaborative ethnography explores thousands of years of Secwépemc history through ancestral stories, language, and Indigenous knowledge. The book reveals how the land, laws, and relationships with the natural world shaped by Secwépemc values and beliefs, while honouring the resilience of a people who continue to uphold their traditions, identity, and connection to the land.
This serves as an ideal resources for new comers keen on deepening their understanding of Secwépemc history, laws, and cultural knowledge, while strengthening appreciation for Indigenous relationships with the land and the importance of ancestral teachings.
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Me Tomorrow; Indigenous views on the Future
Discussing everything from Language renewal to sci-fi, this powerful and important collection is a genre-bending expression of imagination rooted in social critique, cultural experience, traditional knowledge, activism and the multi-faceted experiences of Indigenous people on Turtle Island.
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We Survived the Night; An Indigenous Reckoning
Julian Brave NoiseCat weaves together family history, personal reflection, Indigenous storytelling, and the lasting effects of colonialism. Through the complicated relationship between a father and son, he explores inherited trauma, cultural identity, and the resilience of Indigenous Peoples. The book also celebrates the stories, traditions, and movements keeping Indigenous cultures alive and shaping the future.
| Knowledge Maker Alumni Janna Wale - Clean 50 Award | Congratulations to one of our Knowledge Makers Alumni Janna Wale, Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) Indigenous Research and Partnerships Lead, on being named a 2027 Clean50 Emerging Leader! This recognition celebrates her work advancing Indigenous-led climate research and building collaborative partnerships that centre Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and priorities in climate action. | | |
Let's Learn Secwépemctsín: | |
c7es7ístkten̓
winter homes
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The people were visited at their winter home by a messenger
| | Red Ribbon Round It; A Ceremony into Tomorrow | | |
On Friday, November 6th, the Stinesten Gallery will be celebrating it's 1 year anniversary with the opening reception of Red Ribbon Round It: A Ceremony into Tomorrow.
About the event:
Opening reception will be 5PM - 7PM at our gallery at 140 Laburnum Street (please follow the signage to the side entrance of the building). Sage & Plate will be catering our snacks, and there will be coffee, tea, and cold drinks available.
About the Exhibition:
What does it mean to be an Indigenous woman? Visibility and erasure, strength and tenderness, reclamation and grief. A life of contradictions, of being too much, or not enough, of existing in multitudes.
Lesley Garlow, a Cayuga artist currently living in Nelson, worked with the Indigenous Resurgence Project's artists to create a reflective and provocative dialogue on the intricacies of being a contemporary Indigenous woman.
Through multi-media approaches and collaboration, this exhibition addresses sexual reclamation as sovereignty, anger as release, and the impact of the absence of voice in media, in policy, in academia, and community. This exhibition presses the comfort of the audience and the artist, challenging viewers to think critically, and challenging artists to balance expressing heavy themes with unconventional approaches to art-making.
Gallery Hours:
Thurs & Fri 2PM - 6PM, and Sat from 10AM - 2PM
This exhibition is on showcase from Nov 6 - Dec 19, 2026
| | Secwépemc Master Storyteller Kenthen Thomas | |
Join Secwépemc Master Storyteller Kenthen Thomas for a gathering of stories, teachings, laughter, and connection.
Through storytelling, knowledge is shared, relationships are strengthened, and culture is carried forward across generations.
All are welcome. Bring your people!
Hosted by the Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice class, Indigenous Ways of Knowing, at Thompson Rivers University.
Date: Friday, November 20th, 2026
Time: 10am-11am
Location: TRU, CT 200 (Alumni Theatre, Clock Tower Building).
| Yecwminte re Xqwllint | Take Care of Baby Basket Society | | |
The Seasonal Round, LIwélsten (Fall) will feature an Information Fair with booths sharing the work of the Society. Wellness activities will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Open to members of Yecwminte re Xqwllint, Take Care of Baby Basket Society.
To register, please email Rolene Sam, Executive Knucwmen, at lecetemc@tcbbs.ca.
Dates: Saturday, November 7th, 2026
Time: 12PM - 6PM
Location: Delta Hotel, 540 Victoria Street, Kamloops BC
| | Indigenous Women Outdoors - Rooted and Rising Fundraiser Evening | | |
Join Indigenous Women Outdoors November 21 at the Bill Reid Gallery in Vancouver for an evening of storytelling, community, art, and celebration in support of the organization.
Date: Saturday, 21st November, 2026
Time: 6:00PM – 9:30PM
Location: Bill Reid Gallery, Vancouver
| | Upcoming Conferences, Field trip and Webinars | | |
TRU John Hull Memorial - Italy Field School |
- Do you want to learn about food, wine, and outdoor lifestyle tourism?
- Do you want to experience hands-on learning with cooking classes and visits to farms and workshops of local food and wine crafters?
- Do you want to go hiking and foraging?
- Do you want to learn about how food and sport can support local identity?
- Do you want to go to Tuscany?
Contact Professor Kellee for more information! kcaton@tru.ca
| John Hopkins - Native American Heritage Month; Returning to Balance: Indigenous Youth, Arts and Healing | | |
This Native American Heritage Month, we are honoring Indigenous knowledge, art, creativity, and the generations of wisdom that continue to guide pathways toward health and healing.
On November 12, the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health will bring Indigenous artists together in Washington, D.C to share their voices through music, theater, dance, and storytelling.
| | Indspire – National Gathering | | November 18-20, 2026| Winnipeg, Manitoba | | The National Gathering is Canada’s largest event dedicated to advancing Indigenous education. This is where educators, Elders, policy-makers, and community leaders come together to share, learn, and collaborate. | | Lowitja Institute - Understanding Artificial Intelligence for First Nations health and wellbeing workers | | November 26, 2026| Online | | |
Join the online webinar ‘Understanding Artificial Intelligence for First Nations health and wellbeing workers: Risks, safety and opportunities for our mob’.
In collaboration with Wellmob, Lowitja Institute will bring together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare leaders from Thirrili, SIRO, and The University of Queensland to discuss Indigenous design and governance, and the risks and opportunities AI brings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Whether your workplace or community is impacted by the changing nature of AI or you want to learn more about how AI is influencing healthcare, this webinar is an opportunity to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and be part of the conversation.
Facilitated by David Edwards, hear from speakers Paul Stewart, Tanja Hirvonen, Dr Andrew Goodman, and Dr Lucy Shinners.
Date: Thursday, 26th November 2026
Time: 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM (PDT)
Location: Online event
| | Performing the Past, Witnessing (for) the Future: Memory in the Posthumanist Era | | May 3-5, 2027| Balsillie School of International Affairs, Waterloo, Ontario | | |
The conference invites proposals exploring memory, performance, witnessing, and futurity through a critical posthumanist lens, considering how memory is transformed when we move beyond human-centred understandings of embodiment, mediation, environment, technology, and agency.
Topics may include memory and the more-than-human, AI and memory, Indigenous knowledges and futurity, decolonisation, Holocaust memory, climate witnessing and ecological grief, trauma, posthumanist cinema and literature, commemorative landscapes, transcultural memory, and more.
Submit: Title + abstract (max. 500 words) and short bio (max. 250 words)
Deadline: Tuesday 15th, December 2026
| | NACCA Indigenous Prosperity Forum | May 4–7, 2027 | Hotel Lac-Leamy | Gatineau, Quebec | | Join more than 300 Indigenous business leaders and delegates from across Canada for world-class speakers, thought-provoking panels and a vibrant vendor showcase. Connect, share ideas and be part of the conversations shaping Indigenous prosperity. | | Call For Applications and Submissions | | Explore these opportunities for scholars, students, and community partners to connect, present, and grow Indigenous-led research and community engagement. | | Healing Pathways Youth Call-out | |
Calling all Indigenous youth 14-29 interested in shaping Shkaabe Makwa's programs!
Shkaabe Makwa is asking you to share your ideas and experiences to adapt their Healing Pathways program that is focused on healing from trauma for Indigenous youth.
Your voice matters! All participants will receive honoraria for attending the engagement session.
Date: Tuesday, November 10th, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EST
Location: Virtual on Zoom
For more information, please contact Shay.Colley@camh.ca.
| INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES: Apply to be part of the 2026-2027 series! | | |
If you’re a First Nations, Inuit or Métis, and a researcher, knowledge holder or writer in the climate policy space, we and the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, Inc. want to hear from you.
The case studies in this series explore a wide range of issues, recognizing the diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis perspectives in Canada. Program participants retain full ownership of their research, conclusions, and materials published, and the views and policy recommendations presented reflect the research and conclusions of the individual case study authors.
Application period: September 14 to November 6 by 4:30 p.m. PST
Research stipend: $15,000 CAD
Application criteria: Lead applicants must be First Nations, Inuit or Métis. A letter of introduction must be submitted in the application package.
| | Indigenous Health Administration and Leadership Program (IHALP) at UBC | The UBC Certificate in Indigenous Health Administration and Leadership is a one-year, part-time program grounded in Indigenous perspectives, cultural values, and traditional teachings. Build your knowledge and skills to help lead and deliver holistic health and wellness programming in Indigenous communities and organizations. | International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) | |
Indigenous Human Rights Art Movements (IHRAM) are seeking firsthand experiences from original thinkers and land stewards, factual retellings, and personal reflections that shaped the writer’s adulthood, valuing the native voice and Indigenous history. This magazine will also explore the relationship between spirituality, myth, dreams, memory, culture, identity, resistance, and Indigenous voices. We welcome submissions from writers around the world, regardless of gender or identity.
Deadline: Tuesday, 1st December 2026
| | Grant Opportunities, Awards and Scolarships | | We recognize the importance of equitable access to education and research funding for Indigenous learners and scholars. Below are current/ongoing opportunities you may qualify for — be sure to check each for deadlines, eligibility and how to apply. | | |
TRU In-Course Undergraduate Awards Application
Undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for the TRU In-Course Undergraduate Awards Application. A single application allows students to be considered for all eligible awards, bursaries, and scholarships. Some awards may require additional information through a Conditional Awards Appendix Application, which must also be completed during the application period.
Campus Students
Students become eligible to apply after completing their first year of study (9 TRU undergraduate credits).
Students may also be considered for faculty-nominated awards (unless otherwise stated). These awards do not require an application and are paid in the Winter semester. Students should contact their faculty early in the Fall semester for information on nomination processes and deadlines.
Open Learning Students
Open Learning students may be eligible to apply if they:
- Are enrolled in an Open Learning program; and
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Have completed at least 9 TRU undergraduate credits as a returning Open Learning student.
Eligible Open Learning students should email studentawards@tru.ca during the application period to request access to the application.
International Students
International students are eligible for merit-based awards, including scholarships, awards, fellowships, and prizes. Financial need is not considered for these awards.
International students must complete the In-Course Awards Application (International) through their myTRU account between August 15 and September 30.
Like domestic students, international students may also be considered eligible for faculty-nominated awards, which do not require an application.
To apply:
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Log in to myTRU
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Select Awards & Financial Aid
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Click Apply for an Award
For any further specific questions regarding applications, contact the Student Awards office at studentawards@tru.ca.
| | Indigenous Youth Roots - Climate Action Funding Stream | | |
The Climate Action Project Funding Stream will provide funding of up to $30,000 over two years ($15,000 per year) to Indigenous youth-led projects and groups that are increasing awareness and action related to climate. Projects must be led by 2+ Indigenous youth (ages 15-29) who are meaningfully involved in project guidance, planning, implementation and/or evaluation.
Deadline: Sunday, 15th November 2026
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