Shirley Greenberg Annual Lecture: Indigenous Acts of Resistance – A Vital Conversation with Katsi’tsakwas Ellen Gabriel

Mar 11, 2025 — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Conference

Speaker Series

Indigenous

The history of Indigenous resistance is one of memory, justice, and the ongoing struggle for the recognition of rights. How do Indigenous peoples continue to fight for the preservation of their lands, cultures, and identities in a world still shaped by the lasting impacts of colonialism?

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Description

These crucial questions will take center stage at the Shirley Greenberg Annual Lecture 2025, featuring Katsi’tsakwas Ellen Gabriel, a prominent Indigenous rights advocate, in conversation with Professor Audra Simpson, a distinguished Mohawk anthropologist.

Held annually, the Shirley Greenberg Annual Lecture amplifies the voices of committed activists and influential thinkers tackling issues of social justice and human rights.

In 2025, this event will be an essential reflection on Indigenous resistance, featuring two major figures in the fight for Indigenous self-determination. Through an insightful and inspiring dialogue, Ellen Gabriel and Audra Simpson will offer a critical perspective on past and present struggles, as well as the challenges ahead.

Katsi’tsakwas Ellen Gabriel

Keynote speaker

An artist, documentary filmmaker, and activist for Indigenous and environmental rights, Katsi’tsakwas Ellen Gabriel is a key figure in the ongoing fight for Indigenous sovereignty.

She rose to prominence in 1990 when she was chosen by the Kanehsatà:ke Mohawks to serve as the community’s spokesperson during the Oka Crisis, a pivotal moment in Canada’s history of Indigenous resistance. Since then, she has dedicated her life to defending Indigenous rights, protecting lands, and revitalizing Indigenous languages.

She is the author of When the Pine Needles Fall: Indigenous Acts of Resistance and continues to advocate for Indigenous peoples to reclaim control over their narratives and futures.

Audra Simpson

Special Guest

A professor of anthropology at Columbia University, Audra Simpson is a leading voice in understanding the complex relationships between Indigenous peoples and colonial states.

Her book, Mohawk Interruptus: Political Life Across the Borders of Settler States, has become a cornerstone in Indigenous studies and political anthropology. Through her research and writings, she examines how Indigenous communities negotiate their identities, rights, and sovereignty in states that have historically sought to erase them.

Accessibility

If you require accommodation, please contact the event host as soon as possible.

Why Attend This Lecture?

A powerful dialogue between two leading voices of Indigenous resistance
A unique opportunity to learn, engage, and be inspired
A deep reflection on past and ongoing Indigenous struggles
An impactful event open to all

Whether you are a student, researcher, Indigenous community member, or simply curious, this lecture offers a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insights into Indigenous issues and the ongoing resistance to colonialism.

Don’t miss this vital conversation on memory, justice, and Indigenous self-determination.

Join us and help spread the word!

If you have a questions, please contact us at [email protected] with the subject: Shirley Greenberg Annual Lecture