Walking Together: Snowshoe Innovation & Design

Indigenous snowshoe innovation has shaped engineering for generations

Join us for a hands-on, collaborative workshop exploring the design and innovation of Ojibwe snowshoes. These traditional designs reflect generations of Indigenous knowledge about winter climates, travel and materials, as well as engineering principles such as weight distribution and flotation across deep snow.

Together, we will explore how snowshoe design reflects relationships among Indigenous communities, engineering and the land. Using the Engineering Design Process, participants will work collaboratively to learn about Ojibwe snowshoe design, build snowshoes and reflect on knowledge shared across generations of living with and caring for the land.

This workshop is hosted by Indigenous Engineering Outreach and SciXchange, bringing together Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being and engineering education to explore the innovation, creativity and knowledge that Indigenous communities have shared across generations.

This event is part of Treaties Recognition Week

This event is part of Indigenous Education and Treaties Recognition Week at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).

Programming throughout the week aims to deepen understanding of Indigenous experiences, treaty rights and treaty relationships in Canada, as part of the ongoing work of reconciliation.

Treaties Recognition Week highlights the importance of treaties and offers students, faculty and staff opportunities to learn about their significance today. In 2016, Ontario passed the first legislation (external link)  of its kind in Canada, designating the first full week of November as Treaties Recognition Week.

Accessibility

This event is wheelchair accessible. TMU is committed to the accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities. If you require any additional accessibility accommodations to ensure your full participation.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email Alacea Yerxa at alacea.yerxa@torontomu.ca.