Gathering around the kitchen table

In the home, a kitchen table performs many duties. Yes, it’s where meals are eaten but it’s also where schoolwork might be done, projects worked on and important conversations had. No matter how it is used, the kitchen table is an important place of rest, comfort and connection.  It is with these notions in mind that lead the Werklund School of Education’s Phyllis Steeves to devise The Kitchen Table: An Indigenous Gathering Place.

Located on the third floor of the Education Classroom Block during the annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, the kitchen table was a spot for guests to sit comfortably and quietly, engage in conversation as desired, meet new people and reconnect with others, enjoy tea, coffee and snacks, and get creative - and meditative - with beading supplies.  

“When reflecting back on my attendance at previous Congresses, one of the things that stood out was the lack of a designated place to catch up with colleagues or just put up my feet and get a cup of good tea,” explains Steeves. 

The room was inaugurated with a blessing by elder Kerrie Moore and during the four days it was open, visitors were welcomed by Steeves and other Indigenous hosts including Werklund School graduate students Trenton Fox, Victoria Bouvier and Gabrielle Lindstrom. 

Glass colored beads in numerous colors, bone tubes, memory wire and artificial sinew for stringing were provided so that attendees could make lanyards and bracelets.  “Despite the use of a simple base design it is amazing how distinct the end products were, each one reflecting the individual who created it.”

Beyond physical nourishment, Steeves says her hope was that anyone who stopped by the kitchen table came away with a refreshed and rested spirit.  Based on her interactions with some of the dozens of visitors, she accomplished her goal.

“Many people expressed appreciation for the room.  They were thankful for the chance to feed their body, soul, intellect and spirit while others were grateful for the reflective space and sense of belonging they experienced.”

In addition to assistance from the Indigenous graduate students, Steeves says the initiative was successful as a result of support from Werklund School staff, Suncor Energy Foundation and the Canadian Association for the Study of Indigenous Education (CASIE) executive.