On May 29, OCAD University welcomes Amy Kelaidis, an Anishinaabe-kwe of the Eagle Clan of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, as its new Executive Director of Indigenous Engagement (Oshkaabewis).
“I am thrilled that Amy will be joining OCAD U in the new role of Executive Director of Indigenous Engagement (Oshkaabewis),” says President and Vice-Chancellor Ana Serrano. “Amy’s career in Indigenous education and advocacy spans nearly two decades. She has shown incredible commitment to supporting the movement towards reconciliation and a new relationship between Indigenous nations and Canada. She will be an excellent addition to our senior leadership team.”
Kelaidis will report directly to the President and Vice-Chancellor, and will be responsible for maintaining and growing relationships between the University and Indigenous communities through reconciliation and respect.
Working collaboratively with the University and external partners, she will support Indigenous success within the institution while contributing to the decolonization of University practices, policies and structures through advocacy and community-building.
“With this new role, we are prioritizing the Anishinaabe term Oshkaabewis, which acknowledges the important role of ‘Helper’ as determined by many Indigenous Nations across Turtle Island. The Oshkaabewis is a recognized role that supports the production of Indigenous Knowledge and experience, as well as actively contributing to shaping future Indigenous Knowledge and experience within institutional systems. This new position recognizes and prioritizes the important work of supporting the development of Indigenous artistic knowledge and skill within the art and design university context,” says President Serrano.
ABOUT AMY KELAIDIS
Kelaidis has worked in Indigenous education for 17 years, with most of her career in Indigenous post-secondary education. At Mohawk College, she held numerous positions in Indigenous Initiatives, Education and Student Services, and served as part-time faculty in the Continuing Education department.
She has worked with the Indigenous Visual Culture programs at Six Nations Polytechnic and OCAD U, and with the Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. Prior to her roles in education, she was the Associate Producer for Native Women in the Arts in Toronto.
With her academic background and teaching qualifications, Kelaidis has supported the design of Indigenous courses, programs and curricula, and the creation of arts and cultural spaces in institutions and the community.
“I am honoured to be serving my community in this role and to ‘lead by helping’ which represents Oshkaabewis in a good way. To be able to use my gifts as an artist and a helper to create pathways that will form learners and reform the institution is, in short, a lifelong dream. I look forward to developing meaningful relationships and contributing to the vibrant OCAD U community in the efforts to increase Indigenous ways of knowing and doing,” says Kelaidis.
“OCAD U has strong Indigenous representation and inclusion from the Indigenous Education Council, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and team members who have served Indigenous learners, community members, and partners. They have paved the way for the good work that is to come. Miigwech for this opportunity," she notes.
Kelaidis holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art and Art History (Honours), with a minor in Theatre and Film, from McMaster University, a Bachelor of Education from Brock University and a Master of Education specializing in Indigenous Education from Queen’s University.