solidarity

AUFA members launch Indigenous research podcast kikapekiskwewin

A team of AUFA members have launched a new podcast series “kikapekiskwewin”, a Cree word referring to a future conversation. kikapekiskwewin began with a two-day online and in-person event in June 2022 hosted by a team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, and now continues as this podcast.

At the heart of each podcast, Indigenous cultural values in the context of post-secondary research ethics are discussed by Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples who presented at the event or were members of the organizing team. These podcasts are a contribution to the body of work on Indigenous research methodologies.

The kikapekiskwewin team is Josie Auger, Nisha Nath, Myra Tait, Carolyn Greene, Makayla LeSann, Tracy Powell, and David Powell.

You can listen to kikapekiskwewin by clicking the below link, or through your favourite podcast service.

https://anchor.fm/kikapekiskwewin

In Memoriam: CKUA Event for Executive Director’s Father-in-Law

As some of you know, my father-in-law Clayton Schamehorn passed away suddenly November 20, 2021. He was up hunting on his farmland in Northern Alberta when he suffered a massive heart attack and died instantly. Clayton treated me like I was his own son, and his death has significantly impacted me.

Clayton worked as an electrician for Suncor in Fort McMurray and had no issues standing up to management and fighting for anyone who was mistreated in the workplace. He was a strong union man and inspired me to get more active in my own union, which played a huge role in inspiring me to do the work I do now on behalf of all AUFA members. He encouraged me to be a shop steward for UFCW 401 and was proud of me when I was asked to become a relief union rep for the union. I can definitively say that if it were not for Clayton, I would not be your executive director today. He made sure I never forgot why I do this work: for the workers.

Clayton loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved his union, and he loved music. His family has donated an hour of programming to CKUA in his honour. It would mean a lot to me and my family if any AUFA member were to tune-in to Clayton’s donated hour on Friday, April 15, from 10-11 a.m. You can listen to CKUA online.

Please also consider donating to CKUA, if you can! They do amazing work sharing and spreading good and diverse music. Thank you all so much. I love this association and all its members.

Solidarity!

Richard Roach

Executive Director