Lunch and Learn: Introduction to Indigenous Protocols
At our inaugural Lunch and Learn session in November 2022, the Office of Indigenous Engagement commenced a dialogue that addressed issues and shared knowledge relating to tobacco offerings, honour song protocols, opening prayers and the University of Winnipeg Elders Policy. This will be an additional session for UWinnipeg faculty, staff and students, with more information and more time for a Q&A period.
Our guest, UWinnipeg alumni Angela Lavallee, will also offer some perspectives as a respected knowledge holder and Keeper of the Spirit coordinator for the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Inc. You will be able to submit your questions in advance of the event with your registration or submit them anonymously during the session.
Our Facilitator: Angela Lavallee is a First Nations woman, mother, grandmother, sundancer and graduate of University of Winnipeg Bachelor of Arts program majoring in Conflict Resolution and Criminal Justice. She graduated with Master of Social Work – Indigenous Trauma and Resilience from the Factor Inwentash School of Social Work at University of Toronto. She is a woman who has overcome many forms of violence and has taken a journey that led her to healing from her painful experiences. Angela is an active community member currently residing in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 2015, Angela’s nine-month-old granddaughter, Zaylynn Emerald Rain entered the spirit world. Like so many of our Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited, the loss of Zaylynn came with many forms of injustices and unanswered questions. As challenging as it was, it was the death of her loved one that ignited the passion for Angela to work towards a journey of healing and completing university degrees. She is currently the Sacred Connections Coordinator at the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre. The name Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata translates from Ojibway into the phrase, “we all work together to help one another.” “Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre is a strength and value-based family resource organization delivering community-based programs and services within the philosophy embodied in our name.”
Angela is a trauma informed facilitator specializing in conflict resolution, grief and loss and trauma informed care. She is a certified trauma therapist who makes space for people who seek out trauma support. She incorporates the Indigenous ways of knowing and being into the heart work. Angela volunteers her time supporting women, girls and two-spirited folks who are faced with battling all forms violence, inequality, addictions, systematic injustices and who need a safe space to be acknowledged, loved, empowered, and valued. She is also part of Collective of Voices who had initiated the vision of the Redress Warming Hut “Rainbow Butterfly”. Her work, volunteer and education decisions are led by her passion to help others. She does her volunteer work with the support and love of her community.
Contact: Sarah DeLaronde, Project Manager, Office of Indigenous Engagement