Region 5 Conference

Friday - 05/03/2024

9:15 am - Highschool Student Registration (Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Center)

9:30 am - 9:50 am Morning Blessing with Elders (Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Center)

10:00 am - 11:00 am Highschool Session 1: Travious Building (University of Saskatchewan Bowl)

11:00 am - 12:00 pm Highschool Session 2: Rocks and Fossils (Museum of Natural Sciences University of Saskatchewan)

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch (Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Center)

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Highschool Session 3: Coding and Anechoic Chamber (University of Saskatchewan College of Engineering)

2:30 pm - Closing Highschool Remarks (Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Center)

4:00 pm - Conference Check-in & Information Desk (Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saskatoon East)

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Welcome Banquet Dinner (Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saskatoon East)

Featuring:

• Fiddling from Jordan Daniels
• Keynote speech from Dr. Lee Wilson
  • Sustainable Chemistry for Achieving Harmony & Water Security- My presentation will provide an overview of ongoing research at the University of Saskatchewan aimed at addressing water security using sustainable chemistry as part of a strategy to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) challenges that are relevant to water, food, and energy security. The concept of Harmony is at the center of sustainability, which is a recurrent theme for my research group. We employ locally available biomaterials and carry out structural modification by employing green chemistry strategies to improve the contaminant removal efficiency via sorption methods. My research program has demonstrated the design of unique sorbents that can be used for the controlled removal of environmental contaminants or target chemicals of interest. This includes various diverse chemical species (e.g., organics, minerals, and heavy metals) from industrial effluent that impact human health, along with strategies for the separation of valuable chemical species from complex mixtures. Our research is centered on the development of sustainable materials with tailored properties that can be varied using green chemistry. We develop modified biosorbents to gain an understanding of their structure-function relationships that contribute to enhanced physicochemical properties such as sorption processes. In turn, we can address scientific challenges related to the environment using sorption science and technology to meet water security challenges, described by the UN SDGs. This research aligns with our pursuit to address key Signature Research Areas in Water and Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan to benefit Canada and beyond.

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Networking Event – AISES Professional Chapter (Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saskatoon East)

Saturday - 05/04/2024

8:30 am - Conference Check-in & Information Desk (Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Center)

9:00 am - 9:30 am Morning Blessing with Elders (Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Center)

9:30 am - 10:00 am – Erin Baril and Azaria Tottenham (Neatby Timlin Theatre (Room TBD)

• Abstract: As two Indigenous STEM students who have been heavily involved in beading circles throughout our university experiences, we have seen the benefits of regularly held beading circles and wish to share how they have impacted us and our community. As an artistic and cultural activity, beading helps as a therapy, a community builder, and a learning opportunity for students across disciplines. Holding a beading space in a colonial university institution deconstructs typical practices and gives a chance for students to connect socially and culturally. We would also like to share tips and ideas for people to bring these practices back to their own university communities.

9:30 – 10am – Dr. Janet Tootoosis (Room TBD)

10:00 am - 4:00 pm - Exhibitor Booths (Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Center)

10:00 am – 11:00am – Dr. Steven Rayan (Neatby Timlin Theatre (Arts 241))

• Abstract: Powerful new quantum technologies are attracting significant attention from universities, industry, and governments. At the forefront of these is quantum computing. Quantum computers represent a revolutionary new form of computing that leverages quantum physics, novel mathematical ideas, and advanced engineering to achieve results that would be extremely difficult — or even impossible — to obtain through classical computers. In this talk, I will motivate quantum computing as a concept, describe the state of the art, discuss some potential applications, and finally take a peek at what the future may hold in this exciting area. I will mention some of my own research in the process.

10:00am – 11:30am - Guided tour of NRC research facilities on campus at USask

• Abstract: The National Research Council Canada has research facilities located on campus at USask, specialized in the research, innovation, and technology related to aquatic, crop and resource development. The NRC is proposing to host a guided tour of the NRC Research facilities (~60 minutes), where students can engage with NRC researchers and learn more about the NRC and employment opportunities through the NRC Indigenous Student Recruitment program.

11:00am-12:00pm – Dr. Jordan Woodsworth (Neatby Timlin Theatre (Arts 241))

• The Western College of Veterinary Medicine is the veterinary training institution for 3 Western Provinces and Northern Canada. The WCVM is the only veterinary college in Canada with designated seats for Indigenous candidates. The WCVM recognizes the value of Indigenous knowledges and worldviews to the health of animals, people and the environment, and is committed to creating and sustaining good relations with Indigenous communities and individuals through our work. This presentation will address the breadth of animal health professional fields, and link these to the theme of Harmony in the spirit of reconciliation. Requirements for admission to the WCVM will be discussed, along with tips for Indigenous students interested in animal health and welfare careers on how to navigate the path to these fields. Speakers Dr. Jordan Woodsworth (settler, she/her, Director of Northern Engagement and Community Outreach) and Tannicka Reeves (Tlingit, she/her, 4th year DVM student) will highlight the current work being done at the WCVM to create safe and equitable spaces for Indigenous students, and answer questions from attendees about the program and its benefits, challenges and opportunities. Other projects at the WCVM conducted with and for Indigenous communities will also be highlighted.

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm - Lunch (Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Center)

1:30 pm – 2:00pm – Kimberly Lebel (Neatby Timlin Theatre (Arts 241))

• Abstract: The face of nature conservation on Turtle Island is changing; from its origins as a mechanism of colonial interests to today where Indigenous leadership in nature conservation and land stewardship is beginning to take hold. I believe that a more harmonious model of nature conservation is possible by prioritising Indigenous leadership and valuing Indigenous Ecological Knowledge. Conservation of land and animals needs to be about more than economic interests; it must move beyond a perspective of “ownership of resources” and toward a reciprocal, symbiotic relationship with the land and animals. By educating the public on the importance of this new paradigm in land stewardship, by increasing Indigenous leadership in conservation roles, and by collaborating with government agencies in a meaningful way, Indigenous Nations will continue to revolutionise nature conservation in what is now known as Canada. Together we can take action to safeguard a future where true harmony with nature is the norm, for generations to come.

2:00 – 3:00m – Katira Crow Shoe (Neatby Timlin Theatre (Arts 241))

• Abstract: This session will be about the Buffalo and how future generations can continue to ensure that Buffalo Ways are carried forward. International Buffalo Relations Institute is committed to the implementation of the articles of the Buffalo Treaty with the objective of raising Buffalo Consciousness. This is done with the intent to create systemic change in the areas of conservation, education, food sovereignty, climate change and holistic wellness. The session will share the importance of Buffalo presence among Indigenous peoples, land, and other species.

3:00pm-4:00pm – Lily Desjarlais – Yehaw Yoga (Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Center)

4:00 pm – Break

5:30-6:15 Exhibit and Traditional Game Tours at Wanuskewin

6:30 pm – 8:30 Banquet (Wanuskewin) featuring:

7:00-8:00pm Keynote speech from Danii Kehler the Aunty of Antarctica

Abstract: Back in 2022 I was the “first” First Nations person from Canada to be a participant of the 2041 ClimateForce Antarctic Expedition and have since became an ambassador for the Antarctic charged with making a stand in the fight against anthropogenic climate change. I have been working in the energy/sustainability sector for the past 4 years and am passionate about youth empowerment and advocacy within this spaces, especially in regards to having Indigenous representation, which in my experience is little to none. I have recently been asked to work with a group of lawyers and scientists from around the world in developing a new initiative aimed at protecting Antarctica through the lens of Indigenous ways of knowing called Antarctic Rights. Antarctic Rights is working to build worldwide support for the adoption and implementation of an Antarctica Declaration. The draft Declaration calls on all nations and international bodies to recognise Antarctica as an independent legal entity with the right to be represented in decision-making that affects it —such as climate change negotiations— and to regenerate and evolve free of human disruption. It is vital that we protect Antarctica, not only to safeguard the species that live within it, but also to maintain the living conditions of humanity and other species throughout the world. Our role as humans is to act with appropriate humility, respect and consideration in relation to Antarctica. The Declaration will give expression to this perspective. The Antarctic Rights initiative is part of a rapidly growing global Rights of Nature movement transforming how humans relate to Nature. Over 200 laws and policies that recognise Nature’s rights already exist in nearly 40 countries. For example, the Constitution of Ecuador, and laws in Aotearoa / New Zealand recognise that rivers, mountains, and forests are not property to be exploited, but legal subjects which humans have a legal duty to respect and protect. I am a founding member for Antarctic Rights and would like to share my knowledge with others on the crucial importance that Antarctica plays in the regulation of the worlds climate.

8:00-8:30pm – Dance Performance (Wanuskewin)

Sunday - 05/05/2024

9:00 am - Morning Blessing with Elders (Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Center)

10:00 am - 11:00 am - Regional Caucus Meetings and additional sessions (Rooms TBD)

11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Closing Circle (Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Center)

12:00 pm – Lunch (Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Center)