Date: Apr 24
7:00 pm
- 9:00 pm
Where: Theatre
Indigenous Speaker Series
What does it mean to “re-language”? Barbra Meek offers this term as a proposal and an approach toward change within and across disciplinary fields that investigate linguistic form and practice holistically. To exemplify re-languaging as a process for addressing marginalization, Meek reconsiders previous fieldwork in three parts: language documentation, language and cultural revitalization, and language in media. Meek shows that re-languaging happens whether or not we recognize it in the moment through the non-conforming voices, perspectives and linguistic forms that are often the “noise” in a dataset. It also occurs in relation to the narratives and relationships to people and land that are part of revitalization efforts and expressions of Indigenous self-determination. Additionally, re-languaging addresses the call to “decolonize” the academy by recognizing the limits of decolonization in settler-colonial contexts. In tandem with reflexive research and collaboration, re-languaging confronts the marginalizing effects of a settler-colonial, “Western” gaze.
The Indigenous Speaker Series is a platform that facilitates conversations about Indigenous identity, resurgence, linguistic reclamation, and belonging, featuring prominent Indigenous scholars, artists, storytellers, and activists from across Turtle Island.
This program is free, but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
About the Presenter:
Barbra A. Meek is a citizen of the Comanche Nation, professor of anthropology and linguistics, and associate dean for the social sciences at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She received her PhD in the joint program for Anthropology and Linguistics from the University of Arizona (2001). Her research spans child language socialization, Athabaskan sociolinguistics, language revitalization, and ethno-racial semiotics of Hollywood media. She currently chairs a task force for the American Anthropological Association charged with addressing the enduring residue of settler-colonialism in Anthropology’s approaches to research with, and defining of, Native American communities.
The series is presented by Memorial University Department of Anthropology in partnership with The Rooms.
Join guest curator and host, Jenelle Duval for an engaging conversation with panelists, Jordan Bennett, Samaqani Cocahq, Kayla Stride, and Nelson White.
The featured artists will reflect on their work as part of Duval’s exhibition, Tekweywinen tel weljesultiek (Be with us in our Joy), a uniquely interactive and play-based experience that showcases the works of seven Indigenous artists based in Wabanaki*—inviting you to explore their (and your) individual interpretations of joy.
For generations, Wabanaki artists have thrived and are known to be resilient and strong. Yet, it's not only their endurance that sustains them—laughter, spirit, and humour have been vital to their artmaking.
This exhibition is a celebration of that vibrant spirit, offering a space to uplift each other and collectively embrace the joy inherent in Indigenous culture. What brings joy to your inner child? How can we spark curiosity, invite wonder, and see the world with fresh eyes and an imaginative mind?
*Wabanaki, translated as “People of the First Light” or “Dawnland,” includes five nations: the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Abenaki. The region stretches from parts of Newfoundland to the Maritime provinces, Maine, and Quebec.
This is a free event but a ticket is required. Pelase reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090.
This program is in partnership with First Light in celebration of Spirit Song.
Presented with PictureNL, we’re shining a spotlight on some of Newfoundland and Labrador’s superb films and filmmakers! Each month we’ll present a different local feature film on our big screen. Gather with friends and film buffs to celebrate home-grown talent.
Next up:
A Q&A will follow the screening.
This year-long monthly series is presented by PictureNL in partnership with The Rooms as part of Year of the Arts celebrations.
Stay tuned as each monthly screening date is announced!
Tickets: $12 plus HST. Tickets are available online or by calling 709-757-8090.