Chelsea Vowel is Métis from manitow-sâkahikan (Lac Ste. Anne) Alberta, residing in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). Parent to six children, she has a BEd, LLB, and MA.
Chelsea is a nêhiyawêwin (Cree) language instructor, public intellectual, writer, and activist educator whose work intersects language, gender, Métis self-determination, and resurgence. Author of Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Métis & Inuit Issues in Canada, and the short-story collection Buffalo is the New Buffalo, she and her co-host Molly Swain produce the Indigenous feminist sci-fi podcast Métis in Space, and co-founded the Métis in Space Land Trust.
Chelsea Vowel Speaking Topics
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Law for the Apocalypse: Order out of Chaos Kinship out of Fracture
In contrast to mainstream apocalyptic narratives that emphasize individual survival, this presentation draws on Indigenous principles to prepare for an already occurring present/future marked by climate disaster, mass migration, and societal fractures. Indigenous Peoples have navigated multiple world-endings and disruptions throughout history, offering valuable insights into resilience and community.
The focus will be on the importance of relationality as a foundational principle for reconstituting our communities in the face of potential upheaval. Instead of waiting for an apocalypse to spark change, we can actively engage in practices that strengthen our connections to one another and the natural world.
This talk explores how Indigenous worldviews can inform our approaches to climate and social change, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and collective responsibility. By expanding our systems of relationality, we can develop more sustainable, equitable responses to the challenges ahead.
Above all, this presentation aims to inspire a proactive mindset, encouraging us to re/pair and reconstitute our societies through collaboration and shared values, rather than succumbing to fear and isolation. Attendees will leave with practical insights and strategies for building resilient communities grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, ultimately fostering a more hopeful and interconnected future.
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Indigenous Peoples and the (In)Justice System
Delve into the complex relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian justice system with this examination of historical and contemporary issues of systemic injustice, colonialism, and possible paths towards a more just future.
This presentation explores the roots of colonial policing and its intersections with the residential school system, the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, ongoing environmental degradation, and the skyrocketing overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the prison system.
Emphasizing restorative justice practices, the role of traditional Indigenous laws, and the importance of cultural competency within legal processes, attendees will gain a deeper awareness of the barriers faced by Indigenous Peoples and insights into ongoing efforts for reform and reconciliation, inspiring dialogue about creating a more just system for all Peoples living on these lands.
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The “Act” of Reconciliation: From Farce to Future
In this critical examination of reconciliation in Canada, this presentation challenges the prevailing narrative that positions reconciliation as a genuine and effective process for addressing Indigenous issues. Rather than accepting the status quo, we will delve into why reconciliation, as it currently stands, is often perceived as a farce.
We will explore the systemic barriers and ongoing injustices that hinder true progress for Indigenous Peoples, recognizing that what are commonly labelled as “Indigenous issues” are, in fact, Canadian issues—central to the very fabric of this nation-state. By shifting our perspective, we can understand that these matters cannot be relegated to the periphery; they are integral to the future of Canada itself.
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Transforming DEI Initiatives: Recognizing and Preventing Indigenous Burnout
This presentation explores the complexities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, focusing specifically on the recognition and prevention of Indigenous burnout within these frameworks. While DEI aims to foster an inclusive environment, it often overlooks the unique challenges faced by Indigenous individuals, leading to feelings of exhaustion and disillusionment.
We will examine the concept of Indigenous burnout, identifying the signs and symptoms that can arise from systemic inequities, cultural misunderstandings, and the emotional toll of advocacy. The discussion will also delve into how specific beliefs and behaviours inherent in dominant Euro-Western Canadian frameworks can inadvertently hinder Indigenous advancement. This includes exploring the impact of tokenism, the pressure to perform cultural representation, and the challenges of navigating predominantly non-Indigenous spaces.
By the end of the presentation, participants will leave equipped with the tools to foster genuine inclusivity, advocate for systemic change, and create supportive spaces that prioritize the mental and emotional health of Indigenous individuals.
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Beyond Territorial Acknowledgments: Working Towards Justice on Stolen Lands
This presentation seeks to transform the conversation around territorial acknowledgments, exploring how we can shift from a settler model to an Indigenous model that emphasizes justice and accountability on stolen land. While education is a crucial first step, it is only the beginning of a much larger journey toward meaningful structural change.
Participants will delve into the educational potential of territorial acknowledgments, recognizing their role as a foundation for deeper discussions about Indigenous rights, histories, and ongoing injustices. However, we must also acknowledge that education alone is not sufficient for enacting real change. The conversation must evolve over time, adapting as new information and perspectives emerge.
This session will provide practical strategies for moving beyond surface-level acknowledgment to engage in actions that support Indigenous communities and their rights. Attendees will learn how to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into their practices, fostering a commitment to justice that extends beyond acknowledgment to meaningful allyship and advocacy.
By the end of the presentation, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to advance the conversation, actively contribute to the pursuit of justice, and challenge the status quo in their respective spheres of influence. Together, we can work toward a future that honours the truth of our shared history and supports Indigenous sovereignty and resilience.
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âniskôhôcikan/Like A String of Beads: Indigenous Futurisms
This presentation explores Indigenous futurisms as a dynamic movement that transcends traditional literary genres, encompassing a rich tapestry of art, music, video games, fashion, and various media that express Indigenous perspectives on the past, present, and future. Far from being merely a form of science fiction, Indigenous futurisms offer innovative ways to envision and engage with the world, challenging dominant narratives and reimagining possibilities.
Participants will delve into the foundational concepts of Indigenous futurisms, examining how they integrate traditional knowledge with contemporary creative expressions. We will explore how artists and creators are using these mediums to reflect Indigenous worldviews, reclaiming narratives and space while addressing pressing social and environmental issues.
The session will highlight key examples across various forms of media, demonstrating how Indigenous futurisms provide unique frameworks for understanding time as non-linear and interconnected. By expanding our perceptions of time and space, Indigenous futurisms invite us to think and act otherwise—creating pathways for resilience, healing, and social justice.
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Am I a Settler? Exploring Systems and Relationality
In this thought-provoking presentation, we will delve into the complexities of settler colonialism and challenge the binary notions of Indigenous and settler identities. By examining the historical context of the transatlantic slave trade and ongoing global migration, we’ll explore how these systems intersect and shape our understanding of land, identity, and belonging.
Together, we will consider the nuances of relationality, recognizing that identities are not fixed but are influenced by a myriad of historical and social factors. This session aims to foster a deeper understanding of how colonial histories impact contemporary relationships and responsibilities, urging us to reflect on our own positions within these narratives.
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kinisitohtên cî: Do You Understand? Moving Beyond Colonialism in Publishing
For generations, Indigenous authors have been forced to reshape their words and stories to be legible to a non-Indigenous audience. Increasingly this practice is shifting as Indigenous peoples assert our worldviews within mainstream publishing. Authors, editors, and publishers must embrace discomfort, and integrate ongoing cultural learning into their work so as to not purposely or even accidentally work at odds with authentic voices. What does this look like, when there is such a diversity of Indigenous cultures?
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Worldbuilding Through Creativity
Join Chelsea for an inspiring exploration of how embracing various creative avenues can enrich our lives and help us make a difference in the world. In this presentation, Chelsea will share her own work as examples of how storytelling—whether through writing, podcasting, or other mediums—can connect us and foster understanding.
We’ll discuss the value of pursuing diverse interests, from teaching and community initiatives to innovative projects in technology and the arts. By engaging in multiple forms of expression, we can discover unique ways to contribute to our communities and advocate for positive change.
This session aims to inspire you to explore your own creative paths and consider how your passions can intersect to shape a better world. Let’s come together to celebrate the power of creativity and the potential we all have to make a meaningful impact!
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Confronting Indigenous Stereotypes
Free money? Free housing? No taxes? One with nature?
This presentation is aimed at addressing and debunking the most common myths about Indigenous Peoples in Canada. We will explore the origins and persistence of these stereotypes, examining how they shape perceptions and contribute to systemic misunderstandings.
Through evidence-based insights and real-life examples, we will dismantle these myths, exploring how they distort understanding of Indigenous cultures, identities, and histories. Participants will gain a clearer perspective on the lasting impacts of these stereotypes and how they contribute to systemic inequalities and the marginalization of Indigenous communities.
This interactive session encourages open dialogue and reflection, inviting participants to consider their own beliefs and assumptions. Together, we can work toward fostering a more accurate and respectful understanding of Indigenous Peoples and their rights, promoting pathways to reconciliation and justice. Join us for this vital conversation!