July 20, 2016
Since our last update to you, the Advisory Committee: Annie Smith St. Georges, Jesse Wabegijig, Kenneth T. Williams, Reneltta Arluk, and Dave Jenniss along with Sarah Garton Stanley, Brittany Ryan, have been enjoying the Summer.
On July 8th, 2016 Reneltta Arluk gave birth to Carver, so our Advisory Committee has grown in numbers since we started!
As well, Robert, Annie Smith St. Georges, husband, has recently been acknowledged as a Métis Elder by the youth at the Canadian Federation of Students, Aboriginal caucus. A great honour and a wonderful resource both to Annie and the youth.
Not too long ago, Annie and Robert got in touch to share this video by DAREarts: https://youtu.be/V7fDbOVr3C4
Throughout our conversations on the committee, one of the key themes is about youth and how to always be working towards as much youth engaged opportunity as possible. Recent events in Attawapiskat and across this land are a sharp reminder of the work that is yet to be done. And we feel it’s important to underline the links between the struggles of #BlackLivesMatter and Indigenous concerns in Canada.
Sarah and Brittany have also been working with folks, right across the country, to consider ways for preparing the NAC for the arrival of Indigenous Theatre. The NAC has made a commitment towards education for the whole institution, and in keeping with the model of The Cycle, we are looking at some smaller pilot projects before the NAC moves into a fuller, longer term proposal for education.
We are really excited that the first of the pilots will be led by Suzanne Keeptwo on September 1st, 2016. Not only will Suzanne be working with a broad cross section of NAC employees, she also intends to deliver her teachings in English and French as part of the same session!
Finally, the committee will be meeting in August in Ottawa for an all-day working session. We will be getting close to the moment where our recommendations for the hiring committee will be passed along to Human Resources. It is anticipated that the official posting for the position will go out in November.
As always, we welcome your feedback, questions and thoughts!
You can always reach us through brittany.ryan@nac-cna.ca. We hope you will.
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