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About Indigenous Awareness Weeks: 2023 Edition


Learn, raise awareness, and initiate an exchange of ideas…​

Each year, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) coordinates two weeks of events in September involving Indigenous academics, artists, and community members.

Indigenous Awareness Weeks (IAW) provide the ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ community an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous cultures, histories, and societies. They also help foster a dialogue about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit topics important to individuals and their communities. Since 2011, invited guests have included academics, community members, Elders, and students. 

This year's series marks the 13th annual Indigenous Awareness Weeks at ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ. It will take place from Thursday, September 19th to Wednesday, October 2nd 2024.  


Opening words by Otsi'tsaken:ra (Charlie) Patton 2023

On Monday, September 18, 2023, at the Opening Ceremony and Keynote Event of Indigenous Awareness Weeks, Kanien'keha:ka Faithkeeper Otsi'tsaken:ra (Charlie) Patton offered the Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen—the "words that come before all things." Otsi'tsaken:ra's words opened Indigenous Awareness Weeks with gratitude and greetings to the natural world.

We invite you to watch Otsi'tsaken:ra's video below, produced in 2021 with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives.

The 2nd Annual Legacy Game (Lacrosse)

Lacrosse players in orange

Join ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ Athletics and the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at the Percival Molson Stadium for the 2nd Annual Legacy Game: Honouring the Indigenous Roots of Lacrosse.

¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ's 22nd Annual Pow Wow

First nation dancer in traditional outfit

Join the First Peoples’ House for the 22nd Annual ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ Pow Wow. This is a free public event featuring local vendors, dancing, drumming, singing, and fun for all members of the community. 

Truth and Reconciliation Day

Headshot of Beverly Jacobs

Join Dr. Beverly Jacobs, Senior Advisor to the President on Indigenous Relations and Outreach and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Windsor, for a keynote address.

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