In 2017, the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies launched the popular landmark course, Indigenous Canada, a 12-part exploration of Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada – from an Indigenous perspective.
In the wake of 2020’s Black Lives Matter protests, Canadian actor, writer, and producer Dan Levy was inspired to relearn history and encourage others to do the same. Levy reached out to the course’s then academic lead, Tracy Bear and offered his social media platform.
Joined by Paul Gareau, an assistant professor in the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies, the three co-hosted 13 weeks of “Weekends at Levy’s,” a series of weekly video segments based on the course modules shedding light on key issues facing Indigenous-settler relations.
Now, on the first anniversary of the launch of the Weekend at Levy’s series, Bear – the recently appointed director of the McMaster Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI) and an assistant professor with joint appointment in the Faculties of Social Sciences and Health Sciences -Gareau, and Levy are reuniting to reflect on the past year and hear from graduates of the program about how the course has provided them with the skills to be advocates and actors for change, among other topics.
“With the continuous uncovering of the gravesites of Indigenous children, Canada has reached a tipping point,” says Bear. “This is a critical time to invest and engage in ‘Truth for Reconciliation.
In this age of Truth for Reconciliation, it is imperative that communities come together to learn not only about the histories but how these histories continue to impact the current social realities of Indigenous Peoples.
I invite the McMaster community to join us as we recognize this milestone, exchange knowledge and experiences, and talk about the potential of our collective future,” says Bear.
This virtual event, organized by the University of Alberta Alumni Office in partnership with the Faculty of Native Studies, takes place on Friday, October 1 @ I:00 p.m. EST.
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Named the most popular online course in Canada, Indigenous Canada has reached over 389,000 registrants and continues to educate the public about Indigenous histories and contemporary realities in Canada.
This special event coincides with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
Learn more about McMaster’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation virtual events