Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Aboriginal Law Students’ Association Fall Feast, 2016

By Deanna Roffey and Douglas Varrette, ALSA Co-Chairs

On October the 19th, the Aboriginal Law Students’ Association (ALSA) held its annual Fall Feast.  The Fall Feast is a potluck-style gathering hosted yearly by ALSA in celebration of the Fall Harvest.  Though not the first time the event was held in the Rowell Room, this was the first Fall Feast inside the new Jackman Law Building.  Students, staff, faculty, and alumni were invited to participate in the tradition, and many of them brought dishes of their own to share in addition to the food brought by ALSA members.

Aboriginal Law Students’ Association Fall Feast, 2016

Grandmother Dorothy Peters opened the Feast with a smudge and delivered teachings intended to help bring an understanding as to why we celebrate the Fall Harvest.  The Feast was brought to life with traditional fiddling music played by Alicia Blore from the Métis Nation of Ontario.  Her music filled the Rowell Room and surrounding Faculty of Law space, attracting and entertaining guests, and the Rowell Room brimmed with energy and camaraderie.

Later that day in the Rowell Room, the Aboriginal Law Program hosted the Blanket Exercise.  The event was facilitated by KAIROS Canada volunteers Judith Ramsey, Kathi Tanel and Elder Bob Phillips.  KAIROS is an ecumenical organization committed to social change, justice and peace. 

ALSA Blanket Exercise

The Blanket Exercise is an interactive learning experience where participants represent Indigenous peoples and blankets represent Turtle Island (North America).  The exercise explores the history of colonization and its effects on Indigenous people, lands and communities.

Participants at the law school expressed how impactful the exercise was, as they were confronted with history from a new perspective.  For some, it was a difficult experience.  Participants shared that they were grateful for the opportunity to participate in such an important event.  The Faculty of Law will be running the Blanket Exercise again in the New Year.

ALSA Blanket Exercise