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I can’t help but chuckle and not for the first time ponder on why on earth Coyote makes fun of me in my own dream…vision… whatever this is.

“Let me answer your question” Coyote says and has somehow manifested some tea and bannock. He pours a cup of tea and waits for me to nod as he holds up cream and sugar.

“I haven’t asked a question yet, Coyote” I point out.

“Well, you’re here and that means you have a question. Things will always be a struggle… how you engage in the struggle Is up to you. Balancing the TRUTH, stories and unlearning feels like a lot of hats to juggle. Making safe spaces for discussions around unlearning, pushing boundaries and making change is so important and do it with an open heart.  Bring people together with story… Remember not every story is meant for everyone. I mean every time I visit with your Auntie she tells the funniest stories about you… “ Coyote chuckles.

Coyote pulls some jam out of… a pocket? Does he have a pocket? And why is he visiting my Auntie and why are they laughing at me… I turn to ask Coyote a question and he is gone. I am left sitting with my tea and bannock (I decided to pass on the jam) and think about what brought me here.

 

My name is Jennifer Anaquod and I am Anishnaabe and Nehiyaw from Muscowpetung First Nation located in Treaty 4 territory. I am a mom, aunty , sister , grandma , friend and curriculum specialist and educator. I have grown up on Coast Salish territory and am a close friend with Marny Point who is a co-consultant. I met Marny when I returned to school as a mature student and she taught me what it looks like to educate from the heart. She started out as my program coordinator, then a colleague , friend and we are now as close as sisters. We approach our work in the same way through relationships, humility and with an Indigenous heart and mind. So weclcome to our Conversations with Coyote blog. I started writing with Coyote during my Masters degree as a way to unpack the rigidity of some of the work I was doing in class. During these conversations with Coyote I would unpack the research part of my writing and share spaces of discomfort. My conversations with Coyote grew over time and he developed his own personality and for some reason that I have never figured out often makes fun of me. Any ways this is where we will share our stories and adventures on our journey through academia. Please stay tuned for some virtual kitchen table talks we will be holding as a way to get to know us and have conversations in a relational way.

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