Indigenous Initiatives and Services Librarian at OC
Q: What is your name?
A: Kajola (pronounced key-you-la) Morewood
Q: What is your role at Okanagan College?
A: I am the Indigenous Initiatives and Services Librarian and you can find me at the Kelowna campus.
Q: Have you always worked with students or in post-secondary?
A: Previous to coming to OC, I spent 25 years working at Emily Carr University of Art and Design in various student services-type positions including accessibility services and academic advising. My background is in fine arts and at times I’ve had my work in exhibitions and have participated in arts festivals. I also have experience in the fields of make-up artistry and woodworking.
Q: We appreciate not all Indigenous peoples have access to learn their language, but if you’re comfortable sharing, how would you say hello or give a welcoming greeting in your language?
A: I am trying to learn Inuktitut! Depending on when someone is reading this, I might say ullaakkut (good morning), ullukkut (good afternoon) or unnukkut (good evening).
Q: What band(s)/nation(s) are you from?
A: Inuit don’t have bands but my birth mother is from Kuujjuarapik in Nunavik.
Q: Do you have any credentials or achievements you would like to share?
A: In 2020, I was invited to participate in the Inuit Futures in Arts Leadership mentorship program. I assisted Lindsay McIntyre in the process of making Ajjigiingiluktaaqugut (we are all different), an animated film about Inuit identity. The film is part of INUA, the inaugural exhibition at Qaumajuq at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. All the Ilinniaqtuit (student learners) also helped to create the audio guide – writing their thoughts about different pieces and recording them at home. I really recommend checking out the virtual tour of the exhibition!
Q: When was the last time you learned something new? Would you like to share what it was?
A: I’m always learning!
Q: Indigenous stereotyping is toxic and needs to end. How would you invite allies to support us in shifting that narrative?
A: I would invite people to speak up when they hear or see something they know is wrong. Be willing to have uncomfortable conversations with family, friends, co-workers. Write letters to organizations. On social media, watch for the #settlercollector hashtag so that you can step in and move harassing conversations away from Indigenous peoples. I know that some Indigenous people are anxious about others amplifying racism on Sept. 30. Check out this CBC article about #settlercollector here.
Q: What do you do on your free time?
A: For awhile now I’ve tended to spend my free time going out looking for birds.
Q: What is your favourite part(s) about your culture or your Indigenous identity?
A: I love the language! When I was working at Emily Carr, the Indigenous Gathering Place arranged for Inuit artist Shuvinai Ashoona to come and speak about her work. Afterwards, I said to her that even though I can’t understand Inuktitut, I love listening to it. She then launched into a long story in Inuktitut!