Former integrative biology graduate student Alysha Riquier stands beside the University of Windsor’s first student-designed bird-friendly window mural, which helps prevent bird–window collisions. Bird enthusiasts will have a chance to learn more about birds and their roles in the natural world at an upcoming campus event. (CHERRY THERESANATHAN/University of Windsor)
By Sara Elliott
Bird enthusiasts will have a chance to learn how Anishinaabemowin, the Ojibwe language, describes birds and their roles in the natural world at an upcoming campus event.
The session, Birds of Anishinaabe Aki: Ecology & Language, will explore Indigenous knowledge systems and the ecological connections between language, land and biodiversity.
Joseph Pitawanakwat, Andrés Jiménez and Junaid Khan from Creators Garden will give an online presentation discussing the depth of ecological knowledge that is housed in Anishinaabemowin.
“Join the Creator Garden’s birds' team online presentation for a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Anishinaabemowin teachings and its connection to the natural world,” says Nadia Harduar, sustainability officer.
“While Western scientific naming commonly focuses on visible physical characteristics, geography, or attributes to European culture, Anishinaabemowin bird names embed behavioural, ecological and relational knowledge that guides communities in understanding and caring for bird populations and their ecosystems."
Multiple campus and community partners — including the University of Windsor Sustainability Office, Turtle Island - Indigenous Student Services Centre, Dan Mennill Research Lab, Pelee Island Bird Observatory, Windsor Bird Team and Carolinian Canada — are hosting the live viewing session on campus.
This event is sponsored by Walpole Island Land Trust, Turtle Island - Indigenous Student Services Centre, an anonymous donor and the Office of Sustainability WWF GoWild Grant.
Campus and community members are invited to register online for the free event. Birds of Anishinaabe Aki: Ecology & Language will take place Tuesday, March 10, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Leddy Library Collaboratory.
Light refreshments will be provided by Turtle Island - Indigenous Student Services Centre. Participants are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle or mug.
Non-perishable food items will also be collected for the UWSA Campus Food Pantry.
This event is part of the third annual Sustainability and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID) Month at UWindsor. Visit the website for a list of all the March events.