Above all else, I want to send my thoughts and prayers to all of the little ones that have been recently found in mass graves and for all the other little ones still waiting to be discovered so they too can finally be brought home. I know for many of us, our hearts are heavy as this is a lot to process.
To our First Nation, Métis and Inuit students, student leaders, and researchers, you must know we are wrapping you with a virtual hug. We are collectively praying that you find space to grieve, to get angry, to talk, to pray, to share about how you are feeling in a safe way. This may bring up trauma for you, this may trigger many mixed emotions. You do not need to unpack this alone, we are here for you. We collectively honor you for your courage to continue on, knowing that our Elders, kokums and mosums are praying for you. Your ancestors will continue to guide you with love. So, please if you need any form of help you need to know that the Dean of Students office, with all the many diverse support services, are here to support you with whatever you need.
To our First Nation, Métis and Inuit colleagues, know even as you grieve, process and absorb all of this, that you find space for yourself to unpack and destress. As you are grieving you are still educating and caring for others so, we thank you for your humility and love that you carry through your work every day.
To our beautiful allies, who have not remained silent, who have used their voice to raise awareness on social media platforms or simply through conversations with friends and family of the traumatic events that have been unfolding and will continue to unfold. For the ones who checked in on your First Nation, Métis and Inuit colleagues, friends and neighbors. For the ones who have stood in solidarity every day alongside us, we collectively thank you for your heart and speaking truth.
To all of the future First Nation, Métis and Inuit students, leaders, and researchers still yet to journey here at the University of Alberta. Just know I loved you in advance, just as my ancestors did for me.
To all of our ancestors, kinanâskomitin in the deepest way I can express my gratitude to you for your courage, wisdom and your strength. You left us the language, that is our gift. Through the language you left us encouragement that teaches us to keep going even in the most difficult times of grieving. You never gave up because you knew we would still be here. So, we hear you telling us all right now, ahkameyimok.
In the words of the beautiful Bernadette Iahtail, who recently stated in an on-line conference "how are we the First People, and how did we get so small.” This sent chills down my whole body, because that is the truth first. We are the First People and here I am writing on a trauma deeper than I can articulate here today in this white box.
Tanisi nitotemtik. miyo kisikaw. Shana Dion, nisyigasun. nehiyaw iskwew, kehewin cree nation ochi niya maka niwikin amiskwaciwâskahikan. nôhtâwiy, George Dion ekwa Nikaway Arlene Dion. Nikosis Delton. Niya nêhiyawêwin comes from nôhkom (my grandmother) Sarah Youngchief. It is important that I introduce myself in nêhiyawêwin, because it grounds me in who I am, where I come from, and who I am accountable to. It’s really important for all of us to remember that there were many languages that have been spoken here for thousands of years, numerous tribal languages inclusive of nêhiyawêwin (Cree language) that were here before you. I need to acknowledge this as it was all part of cultural genocide, the removal of our language. nôhtâwiy George Dion is my warrior, in his memory I will continue to do the heart work I set out to do 12 years ago within the University of Alberta community.
What I need all of the First Nation, Métis and Inuit students to know is that I loved you in advance. I will be a voice to the ones who have become silenced along the way, until you find your voice. I will speak up and out on racism. I promise you I will do my best each day to break the barriers that hold us back, because I loved you in advance.
Love is an act of courage.
Shana Dion - Assistant Dean (First Nations, Métis & Inuit Students)
Tânisi osâwâw acâhkos nehiyaw iskwew niya Kehewin Cree Nation ochi niya. Hello, my spirit name is 'yellow star', and I am a Cree woman from Kehewin Cree Nation. It is important that I introduced myself in Cree because it grounds me in who I am, where I come from and who I am accountable to. I am a mother to a beautiful soul named Delton. As Assistant Dean (First Nations, Métis and Inuit Students) I am dedicated to supporting, guiding and delivering holistic supports for First Nation, Métis and Inuit learners. I believe that practicing traditional ways and sharing traditional knowledge on campus will provide the space to bring together the larger campus community to engage, educate, and embrace our communal history.