My Experience at the KWE! Festival

Being able to attend the KWE! Festival in Québec City was not only a privilege but also an unforgettable learning experience. Over the course of the weekend, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the richness of the 11 First Nations in Québec, each with its own unique history, traditions, and culture.

Experiencing my first pow-wow was a particularly meaningful moment that will forever remain engraved in my memory. Throughout the festival, I also had the privilege of engaging in meaningful conversations with people whose stories, perspectives, and generosity will stay with me long after the weekend. From listening to traditional drumming to making my own talking stick, every activity allowed me to learn more about Indigenous cultures and about myself. Being on the ground, meeting people from across Québec and even from around the world is a privilege I do not take lightly. These encounters reminded me of the importance of listening, learning, and embracing different perspectives, all of which ultimately help us grow.

Later in the summer, I had the opportunity to present our research project, which was built in part on the experiences and insights we gained at the KWE! Festival, at the United Nations in Geneva and at the University of Cambridge. During our trip to Geneva, we had the privilege of presenting our findings to the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva, as well as to the Faith for Rights (Faith4Rights) community an initiative of the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) that engages religious leaders, faith-based actors, and civil society in support of universal human rights. These experiences deepened my understanding of the importance of kindness, open-mindedness, and meaningful dialogue in the world we live in today.