Dr. Melanie Griffith Brice (left), poses with students in the Education Students' Association and Werklund Professor, Dr. Yvonne Poitras Pratt (right). Photo Courtesy: Sophia Lopez, Werklund School of Education
Led by the Education Students' Association (ESA) and co-hosted by the Werklund School of Education, Faculty of Nursing and Faculty of Social Work, Kokum Calls You is an event that focuses on the Kokum scarf, "Kokum" meaning grandmother in Nêhiyaw/Cree. The scarves represent the longstanding relationship between Indigenous peoples and Ukrainian people who faced discrimination upon arriving in Turtle Island in 1891. Ukrainians gifted these scarves in gratitude, and today, Kokum scarves represent solidarity against oppression.
This year, the event brought more than 400 attendees together on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour and learn from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
"I know that for me and all those who show up, we carry a commitment to carry these teachings into our future professions: teachers into their classrooms, nurses to their patients, and social workers to the clients," says ESA President and Werklund Bachelor of Education student Manar Al-Yasiri. "We hope that those who show up at our event will be similarly inspired to continue learning and finding out how to give back."
The event featured Métis Elder Maria Campbell, Kainai Elder Wanda First Rider, Cree Grandmother Doreen Spence, Métis/Cree Elder Kerrie Moore, and Kainai Knowledge Holder Ahstanskiaki Sandra Manyfeathers. Their teachings provided attendees with opportunities to learn about and reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action.
Prior to the gathering at the Red and White Club, students helped bring the spirit of Kokum Calls You to life through volunteer roles that ESA call "work bees." Through drop-in sessions, students from the three hosting faculties came together to learn more about the Elders and Knowledge Keepers involved in the event, while sewing Kokum scarves that were displayed across campus and around the event venue as a symbol of solidarity and connection.
In 2023, Werklund professor Dr. Yvonne Poitras Pratt, PhD'11, presented the concept of crafting Kokum scarves to Elder First Rider for approval as a learning project for the Indigenous Education: A Call to Action Master of Education program cohort. Following First Rider's blessing, the initiative has continued to flourish.
"Our collective efforts have resulted in over 200 feet of kokum scarves sewn together to surround the room and envelope the elders in a symbol of our love and commitment," says Al-Yasiri. "We could only do this under the guidance of Dr. Yvonne Poitras Pratt, as well as Werklund, Nursing, and Social Work members, Dr. Melanie Griffith Brice, Dr. Michelle Scott Paul, Dr. Liza Lorenzetti, and Deandra Neufeld. We are grateful for their ongoing support."
This event received support from a Students' Union Quality Money grant.
Kokum Calls You is a public event that showcased speakers, activities, and the tales that once sparked and today fuel reconciliation - brought more than 400 attendees together on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour and learn from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
