Mi’kmaw artist Alan Syliboy named 2016 Coady Chair in Social Justice at StFX University

by pmnationtalk on May 3, 2016441 Views

  • Artist, filmmaker, musician and social justice advocate is first Indigenous person to hold the Coady Chair.
  • Chair will engage StFX /Coady Institute students and faculty, along with the broader Antigonish community.

ANTIGONISH, May 3, 2016 – Internationally renowned artist Alan Syliboy of Millbrook, Nova Scotia has been named the fifth Coady Chair in Social Justice at StFX University.

In his capacity as the Coady Chair, Syliboy will prompt important conversations, art and study related to Indigenous history, cultural revitalization, reconciliation, and the evolution of Mi’kmaw art as forms of expression.

Syliboy’s art has been critically acclaimed around the world. He has received many awards, including the 2002 Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. His 2010 film ‘Little Thunder’ has been screened at international film festivals and received the Best Animation Film award at the First People’s Festival in Montreal. A giant mural he created is seen daily by thousands of travelers as they enter and leave the Robert Stanfield International Airport in Halifax.

QUOTES:

“The Coady Chair in Social Justice plays a unique role in the StFX and Antigonish communities, by stimulating conversation, debate and exchange about matters of social justice in our contemporary world. We are looking forward to working with Alan Syliboy, as the fifth Chair, given the unique contribution we know he will bring.”
– Dr. June Webber, Director of Coady Institute

“My plan is to initiate discussions on several issues currently affecting First Nation communities, such as education, housing and the environment. My art will be used as a vehicle to assist in expressing our ideas.”      – Alan Syliboy, 2016 Coady Chair in Social Justice

“We are honoured to welcome Alan Syliboy to this important appointment. As an internationally-renowned artist and cultural icon, his ideas and influence will be invaluable to further strengthen the connections between the StFX community and First Nation communities  – a long-standing partnership that dates back decades.”
– Dr. Kent MacDonald, President and Vice-Chancellor, StFX University

QUICK FACTS:

  • The Coady Chair in Social Justice honours the spirit of Dr. Rev. Moses Coady and the leaders of the Antigonish Movement by bridging local and global concerns, involving the community, and encouraging an interdisciplinary approach to issues.
  • Key elements of the Chair include public presentations, seminars and workshops that bring students, faculty, community members and citizen-leaders together for shared learning.
  • Mr. Syliboy will be on campus during October and November 2016. A schedule of his events will be shared at a later date.

Media contact

Richard Perry
Coady Institute
Tel: (902) 867-4933  Cell: (902) 870-9662
Email: rperry@stfx.ca
Skype: richardstfx

NT5

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