We’ve all experienced it. Call it “session fatigue” – that moment you realize that, as compelling as the topic may be, your mind and body need a break from paper presentations. Thankfully, Congress includes plenty of innovative cultural programming that will provide such a break. The Cultural Connections series will give attendees an opportunity to learn, reflect, network, and be entertained through events that creatively bridge the social sciences, humanities, and the arts and build on the Congress theme, “Gathering diversities.”
These events will showcase the University’s strengths in the areas of art and technology, music, theatre, film, and visual arts, and build connections with Regina’s arts community at large.
“There is a wide array of Cultural Connections events for Congress 2018, including musical performances, theatre, cultural workshops, tours, and film presentations. We have a particularly strong lineup of events that present Congress attendees with a valuable opportunity to deepen their appreciation for Indigenous culture and knowledge,” says André Magnan, Academic Convenor for Congress 2018.
One such event is Beaded Blanket Collage hosted by beadwork artist and Bachelor of Human Justice student, Katelyn Ironstar. Ironstar will demonstrate how to do Indigenous beadwork while encouraging participants to contribute to a collaborative art piece.
Another event, Saskatchewan medicinal plant and languages traditional knowledge residency includes a residency at the First Nations University of Canada Cultural Activity and Medicine Room featuring medicinal plant and languages learning circles carried out by First Nations Elders and other traditional knowledge keepers. Organized by the First Nations University Regina Cultural Committee, elders and knowledge keepers will discuss medicinal plants of the Southern Saskatchewan prairie and their traditional uses.
For a full listing of Cultural Connections events and times, see the lineup here.