Champions for Change 2013 Conference Highlights

In 2013, SNP celebrated 20 years of community-based education success. Six Nations Polytechnic is an Indigenous-controlled institution focused on three strategic objectives:

Increasing engagement of Six Nations people in the cultural, social and economic systems and structures that sustain our existence.
Closing the knowledge gap that exists in society with respect to the history of Canada, the experience of Indigenous Peoples, the impacts of colonization and trauma, and the outstanding obligations that remain to be addressed (access to lands, resources, cultural and language revitalization, etc.) and
Contributing to a sustainable future for all.

On November 7-8, 2013, “Champions for Change” was introduced as the inaugural launch of SNP’s strategy for Institutional Advancement and a celebration of our 20th Anniversary as an Indigenous Institution. It is with great pleasure we share the highlights of the first Champions for Change conference with you!

Recognition Ceremony: Indigenous Knowledge Guardians, Association Professors and Community Scholars

In 2008 Six Nations Polytechnic instituted a program to recognize and honour Indigenous Knowledge Guardians and Scholars. Two Indigenous Knowledge Guardians were honoured in a ceremony held at the Conference Luncheon Gala. The Indigenous Knowledge Guardians are Indigenous experts – Indigenous knowledge authorities by fields/specialization.

Kevin (Bubba) Martin, SNP Board Chair
Kevin (Bubba) Martin, SNP Board Chair
Leroy ‘Jock’ Hill, Bear Clan, Sub-Chief and Faith Keeper
Leroy ‘Jock’ Hill, Bear Clan, Sub-Chief and Faith Keeper
Germaine General-Myke, Cayuga, Faithkeeper, Sour Springs Cayuga Longhouse
Germaine General-Myke, Cayuga, Faithkeeper, Sour Springs Cayuga Longhouse

Six (6) Community Scholars and one (1) Associate Professor were all recognized and honoured during the opening ceremonies of the Conference. The Associate Professor was presented with a unique piece of Mohawk Pottery. Associate Professors are acknowledged for their work in supporting the research work of the Deyohahá:ge Indigenous Knowledge Centre of Six Nations Polytechnic. 

Associate Professor

Dr. Carrie Dyck, Memorial  University of Newfoundland,  Linguistics Professor   Presentation by: Rebecca  Jamieson, CEO and Linda Parker, Director of Institutional Advancement
Dr. Carrie Dyck, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Linguistics Professor. Presentation by Rebecca Jamieson, CEO and Linda Parker, Director of Institutional Advancement

Six (6) Community Scholars were presented with a silver commemorative pin.

Community Scholars

Seated, Left to Right: Diane Hill, Rebecca Jamieson, Cindy Martin Back row, Left to Right: Tehotakera:ton (Jeremy Green) Tehahenteh (Franklin Miller), Keith  Jamieson, Arnold Jacobs
Seated, Left to Right: Diane Hill, Rebecca Jamieson, Cindy Martin Back row, Left to Right: Tehotakera:ton (Jeremy Green) Tehahenteh (Franklin Miller), Keith Jamieson, Arnold Jacobs

Presentations and Activities

Plenary Presentations

Rick Hill, Sr. Project Coordinator Deyohahá:ge Indigenous Knowledge Centre
Rick Hill, Sr. Project Coordinator Deyohahá:ge Indigenous Knowledge Centre 

A balance of plenary, panel, workshops and group activities were incorporated into the conference.

Decolonization in Haudenosaunee Country

Bob Antone
Bob Antone

Change Makers Panel

Ellie Joseph, Suzie Miller, Paul General, Diane Hill, Amos Key Jr., Doug Doolittle
Ellie Joseph, Suzie Miller, Paul General, Diane Hill, Amos Key Jr., Doug Doolittle

Each panellist held a workshop immediately following their panel presentation to go more in-depth on their specific areas of experience and expertise.

Participant Engagement

A major aspect of the conference was incorporating strong participant engagement, networking and participation. One of those activities included preparing group Vision Boards centred on how Six Nations Polytechnic as an educational institution can support positive change within the community.

Participants creating group vision boards. Each table worked as a group. Each individual group presented their vision board
Participants creating group vision boards. Each table worked as a group. Each individual group presented their vision board.

Theatrical Performances

Two scripts were prepared by Rick Hill, Sr. Project Manager at Six Nations Polytechnic Deyohahá:ge: Each morning of the conference, a skit was delivered to ignite participant engagement. 

These plays provided a new medium for delivering a dynamic and emotionally driven message on the history and impact of western education and indigenous education.

Herbie Barnes, Theatrical Director Rick Hill, Playwright
Herbie Barnes, Theatrical Director Rick Hill, Playwright
 Trial of Duncan Campbell Scott
Trial of Duncan Campbell Scott
Emergence: Story of the Cave
Emergence: Story of the Cave