UNIVERSITY OF SUDBURY
Paying it Forward for the Future: Anishinaabe Maanjidowin: The Continued Spirit of Indigenous Studies

From March 5-7, 2020, Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, faculty, students and community members gathered at the University of Sudbury to celebrate Anishinaabeg/Indigenous thought, heart, reality, and spirit in relation to the discipline of Indigenous Studies. The three-day gathering celebrated the many contributions of key knowledge keepers and change-makers from across Turtle Island (North America) who had their beginnings at the U of S, particularly those who were at the forefront of the collective Indigenous revitalization and resurgence movement.

In the spirit of the event, the organizing committee wanted to acknowledge the past, while looking to the future. With the finances of the event relying on community donations, it was decided any surplus funds would go back to Indigenous people/communities in the form of bursaries for Indigenous students and in the form of a donation to Akinoomoshin, a local Anishinaabe land-based immersion school that does not have a capital funding base. We wished to assist them with their endeavors in educating Anishinaabe children, particularly within the context of Anishinaabemowin or the Ojibway language. 

Because of the generosity of many, we are proud to announce that the Anishinaabe Maanjidowin: The Continued Spirit of Indigenous Studies event  raised $5000.00 for Akinoomoshin! Your investment into Indigenous children's land-based education will ensure the spirit and intent of looking to the past for the future is realized. If you wish to support Akinoomoshin directly, please contact Julia Pegahmagabow, Director, at julia.pegahmagabow@gmail.com.

In addition, we have five (5) "The Continued Spirit of Indigenous Studies Legacy Bursaries" of $250 each. The funds will be made available immediately to Indigenous students at the University of Sudbury who require emergency funds. The organizing committee recognizes the current pandemic situation can increase financial challenges, and so with the generosity from the donations to Anishinaabe Maanjidowin, we are happy to be able to assist students in this manner.

Miigwech to all who attended the memorable event! Chi-miigwech to all the sponsors and supporters who gave so generously, to the Elders and Knowledge Holders who shared wisdom and stories with all those in attendance, to the dedicated volunteers, and to all those who contributed to the event. Coming together made the event possible and memorable, and more importantly, made these donations a reality.