In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we’re connecting with Ann-Marie Smith, Elders Program and cultural activities coordinator, to talk about her work at the college.
Ann-Marie shares how art and cultural practice can help break down barriers, encourage new perspectives and foster meaningful relationships.
*This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Tell us about your roles as Elders Program coordinator and cultural events coordinator.
I feel very honored to work closely with our local Elders at the college. Our Elders help guide us in the work that we do in supporting students and faculty. My role with them is to help organize their classroom visits, special event openings and to mediate between them and requests that they receive and help assure that they have what they need to meet the requests.
My other role at the college, cultural events coordinator, gives me the opportunity to meet with students and employees from all campuses and offer a safe place for people to experience/share culture through art, dance, song, storytelling and food.
How does coming together through art and creativity help us deepen our understanding of each other?
For me, art has always been away to express myself and share the things that are closest to my heart, when we can add our cultural practices to that, we are at our most vulnerable self. When we all come together in that state of being, barriers and prejudices are torn down and healing happens. A sense of belonging is formed for everyone.
Having a space like the Gathering Place offers everyone a way to experience culture and have those difficult conversations without the fear of judgement.
You have guided the college community through so many amazing art projects. Where did you gain this knowledge?
I have been very blessed to have many Elders and Knowledge Keepers in my life who taught me so many things, but I need to give the most credit to my grandmother. Growing up she lived with us, and every Sunday, she would have the local Elders and all her friends over and they would craft, tell stories and laugh.
I didn't realize at the time just how special those days were but the teachings I learned are precious to me today. I should also mention that in my Ojibwa culture, our practice is to get permission from the person who has shared these teachings with you before you share them and to always acknowledge where they come from.
Can you share a meaningful project you've worked on or connection you've made at Selkirk College?
Wow, this is a tough one as there have been so many throughout the years. I think being able to facilitate the Ojibwa Seven Sacred Teachings has been the most rewarding for me.
Watching participants transform, open up and embrace new ways of being, and incorporate them in their lives, well, there are no words for that. Also, each week at Cultural Connections, being able to watch students come out of their shells, create amazing creations, support one another, form meaningful relationships and celebrate each other’s successes truly is magical.
I also want to mention the amazing team we have in Indigenous Services. I feel very blessed for my connection to each of them. The work we all do can be difficult at times, but their support and understanding makes it easier and so worth it.