In December 5, McGill University’s Aboriginal Sustainability Project hosted a benefit concert in support of the people of Attawapiskat and to raise awareness of the housing issues that First Nations communities across Canada face. The Aboriginal Sustainability Project is supported at McGill by First Peoples’ House, the Social Equity and Diversity Education Office and the Office of the Dean of Students.
The concert featured four performers, including hip-hop performer Joey Shaw and DJ Mad Eskimo, both of whom are Inuit and originally from Iqaluit.
A number of people also shared their stories and experiences living both on and off reserve, including three McGill students of Cree descent (Elma Moses, Mary Shem and Natasha Latter), and Professor Michael Loft, a Mohawk who, as a member of McGill’s Faculty of Social Work, is deeply involved in the study of First Nations issues.
While the concert raised just over $400, other fundraising and awareness-raising activities by the Aboriginal Sustainability Project are well underway, which not only focus on the housing crisis in Attawapiskat but also an array of other First Nations issues. The project will continue to collect donations for Attawapiskat up until December 31.
For more info, visit www.facebook.com/AboriginalSustainabilityProject
