Wampum Learning Lodge - WesternU

Miigwech, yaw^ko, anushiik, thank you to Dr. Munir Nuseibah for visiting the Wampum Learning Lodge and sharing his knowledge, stories, and insights on human rights, international law, and transitional justice in Palestine. It was wonderful hearing your stories of relationship-building with First Nations friends and colleagues during your visits to Canada.

We are grateful to everyone who joined the conversation and reflection on justice, accountability, and global solidarity.

Western's guidelines for land acknowledgements has been updated 🌱

Following consultation with local Indigenous communities, Western has updated its land acknowledgement guidance to better reflect community perspectives.

Thoughtful land acknowledgements are one way we can support learning, accountability, relationship-building, and the ongoing work of truth-telling.

Learn more: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/knowledge-building/land-acknowledgement.html

What does the future of Indigenous research look like? Here's a glimpse. 💪

In July, we gathered to celebrate our second-year Head & Heart Research Fellows as they presented the results of their 10-week summer research projects. 🧠❤️

The symposium showcased the fellows' hard work, learning, and contributions to community-focused and Indigenous-led research. Through their presentations, they shared insights from their projects and reflected on the relationships, experiences, and knowledge gained throughout the two-year program.

Congratulations to the second-year cohort on successfully completing their projects and presentations. We are so proud of all that you accomplished and look forward to seeing the impact of your work in the future. 👏

We’re so excited to welcome everyone back to campus next month 💜

Please join the Department of Geography and Environment's EDID Committee and the Centre for Transitional Justice for a public presentation by Visiting Scholar Dr. Munir Nuseibah, whose research focuses on forced displacement, international law, and transitional justice.

In this talk, Dr. Nuseibah examines the grave human rights abuses in occupied Palestine alongside the role—and limitations—of international legal mechanisms and human rights organizations in resisting them. Looking toward the future, the presentation highlights how the ongoing documentation and advocacy efforts of these organizations are building a critical foundation for accountability and redress. Ultimately, the talk explores how this work will inform and shape eventual transitional justice mechanisms when the opportunity for systemic accountability arises.

The talk will be followed by a moderated discussion with Sakihitowin Awasis, exploring how the struggle for transitional justice in Palestine connects to broader movements for decolonization and global Indigenous solidarity.

📅 Tuesday, August 11, 2026
⏰ 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM EST
📍 Wampum Learning Lodge (1137 Western Rd.)

Munir Nuseibah is a human rights lawyer and legal scholar based at Al-Quds University in Jerusalem, Palestine. He is an assistant professor at Al-Quds University’s faculty of law; the director (and co-founder) of Al-Quds Human Rights Clinic, the first accredited clinical legal education program in the Arab World; and the director of the Community Action Center in Jerusalem.

Event page: https://www.uwo.ca/events/2026/08/tj-and-human-rights-orgs-with-dr-munir-nuseibah.html

Did you like the look of the first 5 weeks of the Head and Heart Indigenous Research Fellowship?

As the program came to a close, first-year fellows continued to grow their confidence, strengthen their connections, and deepen their understanding of Indigenous research opportunities.

Here’s a glimpse of what they were up to:
🔬 Pathology lab tour with Dr. Rebekah Jacques, a forensic pathologist
🔥 Atlohsa Community Fire and Sweat Lodge Rebuild
🛰 Built replica satellites at the Space Mission Control Facility
📚 Visit to Weldon Archives and Collections, discussing language in archival descriptions with Cody Groat and Jason Dyck
🍓 Heard from Biindigay Deleary about his experiences working in and for community
🛶 Guided kayak tour along the Grand with Six Nations Tourism
🦌 Caribou hair tufting workshop with Lauren September
👩‍🏫 Learned about initiatives across campus, such as the Scholars of Teaching and Learning with Charys Martin
🤝 Reflecting on themes and lessons between readings, the land, and guest speakers throughout the program!

Over ten weeks, fellows challenged themselves to step outside of their comfort zones, embrace new perspectives, and learn in ways that extended far beyond the classroom.

📸 Take a look at some moments from the final weeks of the fellowship.

Learn more about the program here: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/initiatives/hh-research-fellowship.html

Last chance to apply - job posting closes at the end of the day today!

See the full application at workingatwestern.uwo.ca under 'Employment Opportunities'; search job ID 43820

We’re hiring an Administrative Assistant for the Wampum Learning Lodge!
- 35 hours/week, 1-year contract
- Salary: $52,000-$54,000, salary aligned with experience
- Posting closes: July 31, 2026
- WesternU Job ID: 43820

The Wampum Learning Lodge is hiring an Administrative Assistant who provides warm, welcoming support to Lodge staff and visitors and ensures smooth day-to-day operations. The role supports community engagement activities, programs, and events, including coordinating logistics for gatherings and visits from Elders and community members and serving as a key point of contact for staff, faculty, and community members to ensure the successful delivery of the Lodge’s programming and engagement activities.

Qualifications:
- 2-year college diploma in Office Administration or related field

Experience:
- 3 years of experience providing administrative or customer service support in an office
environment
- Experience supporting event coordination, community engagement activities, or
programming in a post-secondary or community-based setting
- Experience supporting Indigenous communities and organizations

This is an Indigenous-specific position and job candidates must have their Indigenous Citizenship/Membership documents verified via Western’s MAPP Policy 1.58 – Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship and/or Membership.

View the full job description and apply to the job posting via workingatwestern.uwo.ca under 'Employment Opportunities'

Do you have an Indigenous youth going back to school in London this September?

Registration is now closed. Thank you for supporting this initiative!

Back-to-School School Supplies Drive 🎒

Western University’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives is excited to host our first School Supplies Drive to support Indigenous youth as they prepare for the upcoming school year!

This initiative is open to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth living in London, Ontario. Families living on reserve are encouraged to connect with their local Community Centre or Education Department for similar initiatives and supports available in your communities.

75 registration spots available (25 participants per age group):
JK – Grade 2
Grade 3 – Grade 8
Grade 9 – Grade 12/13

Each successfully registered participant will receive a backpack filled with essential school supplies to help them start the school year prepared and confident.

📌 Important Information
• Registration is first come, first served
• Spaces are limited and expected to fill quickly
• A separate application form is required for each child/youth
• Only fully completed applications will be considered
• Successful applicants will receive an email confirmation with their assigned pick-up time and location.

Happy back-to-school season!

A glimpse of what's to come for Thames Hall... 🎨

Anishinaabe artist Jeannette Ladd is bringing a new permanent installation to life, and we're excited to share this sneak peek of the work in progress!

Join us this September for the official unveiling and artist talk. More details coming soon.

The Anishinabek Nation is accepting donations on behalf of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (also known as Collins First Nation) to help the community navigate and recover from the wildfire crisis. All monetary donations will assist with emergency supplies, temporary shelter, and essential resources.

Donations can also be made by credit card through PayPal or Canada Helps with further information at https://an7gc.ca/donate/

The Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity (Registered Charitable # 895952471RR0001) is the official charitable-fundraising arm of the Anishinabek Nation and its 39 First Nation communities. A tax receipt will be issued for all monetary donations, they are the only official charity accepting donations at this time.

The Anishinabek Nation stands in solidarity with Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, which has experienced devastation from the recent wildfires, displacing all citizens from their homes and community.

In the spirit of Ngo Dwe Waangazid Anishinaabe (One Anishinaabe Family), the Anishinabek Nation is accepting donations on behalf of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation to help the community navigate through this crisis. If you are able to, please donate via e-transfer to: [email protected]

Donations can also be made by credit card through PayPal or Canada Helps with further information at https://an7gc.ca/donate/

Please note that tax receipt will be issued for all monetary donations.

Other ways to help:
▪️Share this post to spread this message
▪️Offer thoughts and prayers of healing for those affected by the wildfires
▪️Reach out to surrounding food banks and inquire what support they require (i.e., food, feminine products, essential supplies, clothing, shelter, etc.)