Reflections From Our Partners: Dr. Wenona Hall
On March 12, 2024, Dr. Wenona Hall shared her PhD research findings on Indigenous Governing Principles alongside si:ya:m Charlene Aleck and Rueben George from s蓹lilw蓹ta涩 (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). The speakers shared their experiences, teachings and knowledge in abiding by our Xw茅lmexw Governing Principles even while living under a colonial regime. As part of the 2023/24 President's Faculty Lectures, SFU Public Square was privileged to work closely with Dr. Hall as a partner for the event. The evening was beautiful, insightful, and deeply moving鈥揳nd it remains a favourite event for many of our team members. Watch the full recording on our website.
When asked about her experience working with SFU Public Square, Dr. Hall shared the following:
Hello, my ancestral name is Ts'qwelemot and I am from the Sq'eqweyl First Nation located in Chilliwack BC. I am also known as Dr. Wenona Hall and I joined SFU as an Associate Professor in the Indigenous Studies Department in November 2022 after spending ten years at the University of the Fraser Valley. My transition to SFU was challenging and I was given the impression my research would not be accepted or recognized for how important it is to me and Indigenous efforts of resurgence that recognize Indigenous sovereignty and epistemologies. So I was surprised to be invited by the President of SFU Dr. Joy Johnson to be a part of her 2024 Faculty Lecture series.
I was hesitant however as I did not think there would be much interest in my research, however when I met with Seth from SFU Public Square he let me know I could hold my lecture wherever I liked including in community. I met with Charlene Aleck from s蓹lilw蓹ta涩 (Tsleil-Waututh) as her father, mother and uncle had been instrumental in my research. I asked if selilwetat would be interested in hosting my "share" with community and if she would be interested in joining me as part of the conversation as she has spent many years as a leader for her community. She graciously accepted and even requested her brothers Rueben and Gabriel join us as well.
Leading up to this community share in s蓹lilw蓹ta涩 there were many meetings between SFU Public square, myself and employees from s蓹lilw蓹ta涩 to ensure we did this visit in a good way. The SFU Public Square staff were extremely respectful and more than willing to put in the extra work to ensure we could host this lecture in community and follow community protocol. What I did not realize was this would be the first time Dr. Johnson would be visiting s蓹lilw蓹ta涩 so this became extra special for me.
Although it involved a large amount of technology, the evening went on without a hitch. As our venue was only big enough for community members to come in person, we invited others to join us via zoom so there was a rather complicated set up of screens and cameras but it didn't over-take the intimacy of our visit. I personally did not have to contend with any of the technological aspects of the presentation; I was able to visit and just be present as I could tell the SFU Public Square staff had everything under control.
There was something very powerful to have this small intimate conversation with the President of SFU and two highly respected Si:ya:m (Leaders) from s蓹lilw蓹ta涩, in s蓹lilw蓹ta涩. My daughter, her grandma and Aunty Amy traveled with me and I do believe I was more nervous presenting my research in front of them than the President of SFU! The whole evening was heartfelt and it felt right to bring my research back to where I started, it was such an honour for me and only possible thanks to the professional and highly skilled staff at SFU Public square who were so kind and helpful from start to finish. My hands are raised to them as no matter how many more shares I give, this one for many reasons will always be my favourite. Yalh yexw kwasho:y