Meet ii’ taa’poh’to’p’s 2020-21 intercultural capacity building grant recipients

ii’taa’poh’to’p, UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy, is a co-operative effort between Indigenous communities and our Indigenous campus community to inspire distinct projects that support the UCalgary campus on a path of Indigenization.    

For the third year, ii’ taa’poh’to’p has awarded grants of up to $10,000 to groups and individuals in various faculties and units to bring their goals of Indigenization to life.

Here is a look at this year’s inspiring projects:

Allyship with Indigenous Populations

Led by Dr. Adam Murry, PhD, Department of Psychology

Building on the increase in non-Indigenous peoples claiming allyship, Allyship with Indigenous Populations will identify what perspectives exist about allyship and what it means to be an ally to Indigenous Peoples. This investigation into definitions of allyship is unique in that it will draw findings, reflections and observations from the Indigenous campus community to discover Indigenous People's expectations for non-Indigenous allyship.  

“Non-Indigenous people approach solidarity with Indigenous Peoples in different ways," says Murry. “Individuals identify as allies despite significant differences in orientation, with some orientations aligning with Indigenous needs better than others.”

Traditional Knowledge Keepers in Residence Program Phase 2, Cumming School of Medicine

Led by Dr. Lindsay Crowshoe, MD, Cumming School of Medicine

This project offers a unique opportunity to foster relationships between Traditional Knowledge Keepers and the Cumming School of Medicine. Through regular ceremonies and events, Phase 2 of the residence program will strengthen teachings and consultation processes, provide one-on-one meetings with Elders, and support Indigenization on campus.

What does Reconciliation Mean to Me

Led by Dr. Liza Lorenzetti, PhD, Faculty of Social Work and Dr. Patricia Danyluk, PhD, Werklund School of Education

This project seeks to engage the university community in sharing experiences of reconciliation. Participants will submit their stories and commitments of reconciliation, creating a collection of videos demonstrating the diversity of engagement that will empower inclusion and inspire participation.

Virtual Indigenous Film Festival

Led by Dr. Dawn Rault, PhD, Department of Sociology

Four films will be screened virtually throughout 10 months, inviting the campus community to discover different Indigenous perspectives, cultures, languages, and histories. “Film provides a medium to connect with our campus community during these challenging times meaningfully,” says Rault. “The festival aims to promote reconciliation and celebrate Indigenous cinema in a way that is thought-provoking, accessible and welcoming.”

After the film festival, participants who have attended all four screenings will be invited to attend a traditional beading workshop, sharing circle and feast.

Paa pao’oh tsi ma’ahpihkaan (Providing information via electronic source)

Led by Bucky Blair Russell and Amber Clark Wesley

This student-led initiative provides an opportunity for the campus community and the wider Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to interact through a series of online events, each focusing on a different aspect of Indigenous knowledge, literature and governance. There will be an Elder sharing event as well as a music event. This project seeks to create new partnerships between Indigenous communities and the University of Calgary.   

Intake for next year’s grants will open in April 2021. Visit the ii’ taa’poh’to’p website for more information on how to apply.

ii’ taa’poh’to’p, the University of Calgary’s Indigenous Strategy, is a commitment to deep evolutionary transformation by reimagining ways of knowing, doing, connecting and being. Walking parallel paths together, ‘in a good way,’ UCalgary is moving toward genuine reconciliation and Indigenization.