The Aunties Dandelion

Auntie Dr. Beverly Jacobs (Kanyen'kehà:ka) Justice Activist

Episode Summary

AUNTIE: Wa’tkwanonweráton Sewakwé:kon Today we’re visiting with Dr. Beverly Jacobs - beloved Kanyen’kehà:ka/Mohawk citizen who is Bear Clan, an activist and justice leader for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and land back efforts. She’s a law professor and Indigenous advisor at University of Windsor and Bev’s life and work focuses on Indigenous wellness on a global scale as it intersects with both Haudenosaunee and Western law. Her grounding and inspiration comes from powerful teachers in her own family and our greater communities. BEVERLY: So as I was doing the interviews with the Knowledge Holders and I was asking them about our laws, almost every one of them said it is about our responsibility. And then when we talk about colonial law – all of a sudden it becomes about rights. So that is the visual that I have in my dissertation with the Two Row. In our canoe is responsibilities and in their ship is rights. And that if we are to have a healthy relationship the way it was intended to be, then they would both be working at the same time. AUNTIE: Bev has been walking a long road of reclaiming her power from profound personal and community loss and abuse as she brings those around her with her through her fierce intellect, great humour, and authenticity including that time she dropped an f-bomb in a job interview to see if her future employers could handle some snark. Spoiler alert – they laughed and gave her a job. BEVERLY: But I am just like totally honest. To me being honest to who I am in the situation like I am not holding, I have never held back since I’ve reclaimed my voice. Yep. I am speaking my truth all the time. AUNTIE: I am Kahstoserakwathe Paulette Moore and we are Yeti Nistenha ne Tekaronyakánare – The Aunties Dandelion. We’re thrilled to bring you these visits with Indigenous changemakers who are focused on revitalizing our land, languages and relationships. Wa’tkwanonweráton to Canada’s Indigenous Screen office for their continued support of this podcast and great thanks to you all for stopping by - to listen to your Aunties.

Episode Notes

Dr. Beverly Jacobs - University of Windsor bio