This presentation explores the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canada and outlines the major historical moments in time. Indigenous Peoples continue to challenge mainstream's accepted version of the past and state for themselves their own - much overdue - understandings of the historical past. This fast and furious journey into history seeks to enlighten and engage audiences, but also challenges learners to sit with uncomfortable truths. The second half of the presentation explores the ways in which settler allies are positioning themselves as collaborators, and co-conspirators to reimagine a different Canada. 

Bio: 

Tracy Bear is a rabble-rouser, Nehiyaw’iskwew (Cree woman) and member of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation in northern Saskatchewan. She is the newly appointed Director for the McMaster Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI) and holds joint academic appointments in the Dept. of Sociology and Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences. Before coming to McMaster, Bear worked at the University of Alberta, where she was the Director of the Indigenous Women & Youth Resilience Project and the academic lead on ‘Indigenous Canada,’ a highly successful online course boasting over 380,000 learners; she was also an assistant professor of Native Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies. 
 
An accomplished academic, Bear has made significant contributions to Indigenous scholarship and the national Indigenous education landscape since earning her PhD from the University of Alberta in 2016. Her current research includes social justice, prison abolition, body and land sovereignty, sexuality, gender and reproductive justice, contemporary Indigenous art, and Indigenous literature. When she is not marking, teaching or enjoying her new role as Kookum (grandmother) you will find her biking around Hamilton’s amazing bike trails.  

Summary:

This presentation will help funeral professionals work with families that have experienced a sudden and tragic loss, including homicide, suicide, and accidents. Lisa will discuss the different styles of grieving, four tasks of mourning, family unit dysfunction, and will provide guidance around communicating with grieving families. Various scenarios and resources will be provided to equip funeral professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate various challenging situations. Lisa will also discuss the importance of self care for funeral professionals.