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The insights of a leading scholar on the history and 20^th century contributions of ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ people in Canada will highlight UCalgary’s celebration of ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ Week, Nov. 10 to 16.

The Office of Indigenous Engagement has invited special guest  for its Celebrate ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ Week webinar on Nov. 14 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Based on her research, Stevenson, from the  will share a presentation titled ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ Communities in the West: Policy and Place.

Stevenson is the Gabriel Dumont Research Chair in ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research program seeks to build a comprehensive history of the diverse ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ communities that emerged in western Canada in the 20^th century, looking at scrip records, homestead records, and government documents along with oral histories. 

This profoundly important period witnessed the cultural, political and collective re-emergence of a devastated people — a time when ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ leaders went on to transform the intellectual, cultural and political landscape of Canada.  

²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ Week in Alberta is an opportunity to delve into the colourful history and multifaceted heritage of the ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ in Canada.  In honor of Louis Riel, ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ Week is a both a celebration of ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ culture and an occasion to learn more about the complex role and ongoing contributions of the ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ.

On Nov. 16, 1885, ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ leader Louis Riel, who led the Red River and North-West ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ resistance in defence of ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ rights, was executed for treason in Saskatchewan. To coincide with Louis Riel Day, the ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ Nation of Alberta has declared the week surrounding the anniversary of Riel’s execution as ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ Week, a time to honour and pay tribute to ²Ñé³Ù¾±²õ cultural heritage. This year,  will see several celebratory gatherings and learning opportunities taking place.

UCalgary welcomes Elder Doreen Bergum for opening prayers to start us off in a good way. The presentation and discussion will be moderated by Gerald Ratt, specialist, Indigenous Intercultural Initiatives for the Office of Indigenous Engagement.

The webinar will be presented virtually via Zoom, please register