Two-eyed seeing: Representatives from Grenfell and Qalipu come together to learn

Grenfell Campus's faculty, staff and students engaged with the Qalipu First Nation in a day of sharing and learning from one another.

"Etuaptmumk: Two-eyed seeing in an all-day campus/community collaboration workshop," was held in the Arts and Science atrium, Grenfell Campus. A cultural celebration was held the evening prior to the event in the Qalipu community room for all participants.

The concept of two-eyed seeing is about learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledge and ways of knowing, and learning to use both these eyes together, for the benefit of all. It is about learning to give equal consideration to diverse Indigenous and non-Indigenous worldviews such that one worldview does not dominate or undermine the contributions of others.

"We were excited to bring these two groups together," said Dr. Jeff Keshen vice-president (Grenfell Campus). "Indigenization is important to our university and this campus in particular. More than 20 per cent of Grenfell students identify as Indigenous and we are working every day to further understand the cultural needs of this group, and to embrace the opportunities that are presented through collaboration with Qalipu band, members and staff. During the event, dialogue was open and honest, and we’re looking forward to cultivating these relationships."

All Nations Powwow held at Grenfell Campus in September 2019.

Etuaptmumk provided the space for representatives from the university to participate in workshop-style activities with representatives from the Qalipu First Nations, exploring possibilities for collaboration in a variety of areas, including health and wellness, education, entrepreneurship and the environment.

Participants also benefited from a KAIROS blanket exercise. The KAIROS Blanket Exercise is an interactive learning experience that encourages participants to take on the roles of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Standing on blankets that represent the land, participants walked through pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization and resistance, and were drawn into the experience by retelling events that ultimately determined their outcomes.

The conference keynote address was delivered by Erica Samms-Hurley, nurse educator, adjunct professor with Grenfell's humanities program, and Qalipu vice-chief. Breakout sessions in the areas of health and wellness, natural resources and the environment, and entrepreneurship and innovation also took place.