Aimee Bailey
Saturday June 21st marked National Indigenous Peoples Day, recognizing the rich cultures, languages and enduring contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples from coast to coast to coast.
Hundreds flocked to Waterfront park to take in the sights and sounds of the day where there were vendors, kids attractions and tasty treats all in celebration of the region’s many Indigenous Peoples.
Aimee Bailey, Elder In Residence for the Algonquin College Pembroke Campus, talked with myFM on that day about the number of Indigenous people living in the Ottawa Valley Region and the many challenges that face these people. Despite the large number of people, The Indian Act seriously restricts cultural and wellness services to members of The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nations. Bailey comments:
Among the many goals of Indigenous People’s right across the Country is the struggle for Self Governing which has been an issue as far back as the days of Colonialization right up until today. One of the many specific challenges, Bailey explains, is the fact that Government funding does not apply to anyone who lives outside the Nation:
Bailey, who is herself an Alum of Algonquin College, describes her work at The College as “Cultural Education”. In partnership with Jodi Bucholtz from Algonquin, the two spearheaded a program of “Indigenizing” the Campus which included increased signage and actual course content to better reflect and educate those concerned with Indigenous affairs. One of the things that Bailee is most proud of is the installation of an “Indigenous Advisor” of sorts who is on Campus full time:
The acceptance of the staff and Faculty at the College of the programs laid out by Bailey is what keeps her striving for more and better educational tools in order to keep bringing the challenges of Indigenous People’s to light.
(Written By: Richard Evans)