Thursday, June 11th
10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Paul-Émile-Boulet Library
Activity open to individuals registered for the Forum.
University libraries and archival services hold rich documentary collections that contain knowledge from Indigenous Peoples. Across all disciplines, these collections encompass thousands of historical books, monographs, scholarly articles, geographic maps, musical scores, images, videos, and more, produced across different periods and intended for teaching and research.
These collections sit at the intersection of two knowledge systems: Western scientific knowledge and traditional Indigenous knowledge. How can university collections meet the needs and realities of these two worldviews in teaching and research?
Guy Sioui-Durand
Sociologue de l’art (Ph.D), membre de la nation des Hurons-Wendat
Guy Tsie8ei 8enho8en yatshih, Wendat endi’, Yänariskwa’ iwayitiohkou’tenh, Wendake ekwayehtih, Teyiatontariyeindare
A Wendat from Wendake, Tsie8ei 8enho8en Guy Sioui Durand is a member of the Yänariskwa’ (Wolf) clan. A sociologist (PhD), art critic, and independent curator, he develops a practice of performative speech rooted in orality. His work focuses on contemporary Indigenous art and the decolonization of imaginaries as a force for transforming relationships. An engaged thinker, he promotes the vitality of Indigenous art as a way to change the world. He is the author of Je donne le tabac (2025) and L’esprit des objets (2013). As a curator, he has led major projects such as YÄ’ATA Indigenous Total Art (2022–2023) and RIAPA (2018). He is an associate professor at UQAM and collaborates with Kiuna, UQAT, and UQTR.
Suzanne Brillant
Bibliothécaire – Découvrabilité et terminologie respectueuse, Université Laval
Susanne Brillant began her career as a reference librarian at the National Assembly (2001–2011). She then led user services at Université Laval’s library for ten years and now works there as a controlled vocabulary librarian within the Répertoire des vedettes-matière (RVM) team. Since 2021, she has been actively involved in revising terminology describing Indigenous Peoples in the RVM, with outcomes visible in French-language library catalogues across Canada. Co-creation with Indigenous partners is central to her approach. She is proud that this project supports Université Laval’s commitment to First Peoples.
Marie-Pierre Gadoua, Ph.D.
Anthropologue, conseillère en engagement et innovation sociale aux bibliothèques de l’Université de Montréal
Trained as an anthropologist and archaeologist (BSc, MA, PhD), her doctoral research (2016) bridged academic scholarship and Indigenous traditional knowledge through interviews with Elders from Nunavut and Nunavik, centered on archaeological and ethnographic collections. She has led socio-cultural mediation projects, notably with Indigenous people experiencing homelessness or receiving medical care in Montreal. At BAnQ, she developed partnerships with Indigenous cultural and literary communities in roles focused on cultural action and social mediation. As a researcher and consultant, she has contributed to work on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, urban Indigenous realities, and Nunavik heritage. She is currently Advisor in Engagement and Social Innovation at Université de Montréal Libraries, working to advance recognition of Indigenous knowledge.
