CivicTechWR Hacknight #118 - with Yumi Numata & Kelsi-Leigh Balaban

Join our weekly meeting where we tackle civic issues using technology and design! All skill levels and backgrounds are welcome.

This we we welcome guest speakers Yumi Numata and Kelsi-Leigh Balaban who will present Behind The Yellowhead Treaty Map - Reclaiming Indigenous Perspectives on Treaties in Canada.

Treaties are the highest law of the land but in Canada, their histories are often erased or mal-interpreted in order to facilitate the ongoing material dispossession of Indigenous peoples.

The Yellowhead Treaty Map is an intervention, an accessible introduction to Indigenous perspectives on treaties, illuminating real and often obscured obligations and relationalities in Canada.

Join two Treaty Map producers for a short presentation on how and why the map was conceptualized and developed.

Yumi Numata is the Director of Operations at Yellowhead Institute; she holds a Hons BA from the University of Toronto in Equity Studies and a MA from New York University in Media, Culture, and Communications. Yumi is Chinese-Japanese settler.

Kelsi-Leigh Balaban is of Métis and Eastern European ancestry from Treaty 6 territory. Her family is from wâwâskesiwisâkahikan (Lac La Biche) with roots in Red River. Kelsi has a BA in Psychology and Native Studies, a certificate in Indigenous Governance and Partnership from the University of Alberta and a MA in Political Science from the University of Toronto.

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Agenda

5:45pm: Doors Open
Come find us in the Clubhouse (3rd floor). Swing by earlier, make yourself comfortable, grab some food and do some casual networking while we set up.

6:00 - 6:15pm: Dinner & introductions
We kick it off with brief introductions and announcements.

6:15 - 6:45pm: Guest speakers Yumi Numata and Kelsi-Leigh Balaban
Join us for a presentation with two of the producers of The Yellowhead Treaty Map, Yumi Numata and Kelsi-Leigh Balaban, as they share how and why this project came to life, and what it reveals about treaty realities in Canada today.

6:45 - 7:40pm: Breakout groups
Decide which project or topic interests you and join that breakout group. As a team, you decide where to take it from there.

7:40 - 8:00pm: Progress report
We'll reconvene and give each group a chance to report back on their progress.

OPTIONAL post-hacknight hangout
You're welcome to stick around to continue working on your project or to socialize. Bring your own drinks; we usually have snacks to share!

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What is CivicTechWR?

CivicTechWR brings together people from different sectors and industries to actively solve issues facing our local community. We welcome people with all types and levels of skills. Even though "tech" is in the name, everyone is welcome and everyone has a skill or experience that is valuable. We're here to empower people to work together, exchange ideas and tools to improve the lives of the residents in and around Waterloo Region through civic technology.

Code of Conduct

At Civic Tech Waterloo, we are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all participants, regardless. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind, including verbal abuse, intimidation, or bias based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic.

If something or someone is making you feel uncomfortable, please reach out to one of our organizers so we can address this.

Notice of Photography and Filming

Please note that photography and video filming will take place during this event for promotional and archival purposes. The photographs and recordings made are likely to appear on our social media, website, printed and online publicity, press releases or funding applications.

If you don't want to be photographed or recorded, please inform one of our organizers. Otherwise, by attending this event, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction.