AHVS 384: Northwest Coast Indigenous Art and Colonization

Fall 2024

Instructor: Sm Łoodm ‘Nüüsm (Dr. Mique’l Dangeli), Ts'msyen Nation of Metlakatla, Alaska,
She/Her.
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Mondays 10 am-Noon Office: FIA 135
Class times: T/W/F 12:30pm-1:20pm Class Format: Face-to-Face Location: Cornett, Rm
A121

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Sm t’oyaxsu da sigidm hanaa'na̱x, smgyigyet, ada tx'anii gyet da Lək̓ʷəŋən int haboolda na
laxyuupt asda 'wag̱ayt la'ooy. Luk'wil ayaatlga'nm wila waalm a wuk'wootga gwa̱'a̱. Gani
si'aamł waalu ndm gwiniits’a łoomsk da gyigyedm Lək̓ʷəŋən ada WSÁNEĆ, na laxyuubt, ada na
ḵ'ala akst.

In Sm’algya̱x (my people's language), I've stated:

My heartfelt gratitude to the matriarchs, chiefs, and all of the Songhees and Esquimalt peoples
who are caretakers of this land which is their people's unceded territory since time immemorial.
We are fortunate to be guests here. I will always do all that I can to show the utmost respect
to Lək̓ʷəŋən and WSÁNEĆ peoples, their land, and waterways.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course examines the histories, politics, power relations, and other forces that shape the lives
and art practices of Northwest Coast First Nation peoples today. Students will study a wide array
of Indigenous visual and performing art practices in order to critically engage with historical and
ongoing settler colonialism, Indigenous resistance, resurgence, and the politics of decolonization,
indigenization, and reconciliation, as well as pressing issues concerning land rights, language
revitalization, sovereignty, museums, and repatriation

LEARNING GOALS:
• Describe how settler colonialism impacts Indigenous cultural and artistic practices along
the Northwest Coast.
• Develop a strong understanding of the resistance and resilience of generations of
Indigenous people who continued to practice their ceremonies, art forms, and speak their
languages while enduring genocidal attempts by colonial forces (including corporal
punishment and criminalization) aimed at their assimilate into Euro-Canadian and Euro-
American culture.
• Identify Indigenous art practices and artists from the Northwest Coast, with an emphasis
on aesthetics, function, as well as persistence and change in form, methods, and
technology.
• Discuss a wide variety of issues, viewpoints, and topics related to Northwest Coast art.
• Critique mainstreams misunderstandings of Northwest Coast art and the ways in popular
views tend to marginalize a wide range of artists and artistic practices.

AHVS 384 Draft 1 – September 2, 2024 1

 • Apply your learning to your everyday life as you live side-by-side First Nations people
from the Northwest Coast and are surrounded by a wide variety of their visual and
performing arts.
• Demonstrate self-reflexivity in relation to course materials, research, and your own
processes of learning and unlearning.
• Engage in experiential learning outside the classroom through researching art in public
spaces
• Practice facilitating small group discussion on assigned readings.
• Develop curatorial and collaborative skills through group-based exhibition projects.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN AHVS 384

This content-rich course utilizes a range of media to bring forth and privilege multi-vocal
Indigenous perspectives histories, cultures, and artistic practices of First Nations people on the
Northwest Coast. Course content includes readings, films, music, podcasts, current news to
deepen our study of visual and performing arts in this area. Classes will combine all the above
plus lecture, class discussions, guest speakers, group work, and other activities. Please anticipate
spending 3-5 hours per week outside of class reading, watching, listening, researching, and
writing.

READINGS
You are not required to buy books for this course. Readings, links to films, and other content will
be provided on Brightspace.

CONTACTING THE INSTRUCTOR:

The best way to contact me is by email at [email protected] or to speak with me directly
before or after class. When you email me please include AHVS 384 in the subject line of your
email. Do so will expediate my response. I will email you back during working hours Monday-
Friday. If you do not hear back from me within 24 hours of your email, please re-send your
message. Please do not use Brightspace to send me messages. You are also welcome to stop by
my office (FIA 135) during my office hours on Mondays from 10am to noon. If you would like
to meet over Zoom, I'm happy to arrange meetings (one to two Zoom meetings max per student)
outside of my office hours at a time that is convenient for you.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT & due dates

ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION….……….....……........…........................................…20%
RESPONSE PAPERS.....Due every Monday (with exception of holidays) by Noon......…....30%
FIND & RESEARCH ON-CAMPUS PAPER ….…Due Thurs. Oct. 3rd by Noon.....….......5%
FIND & RESEARCH OFF-CAMPUS PAPER .....Due Thurs. Oct. 17th by Noon................5%
FIND & RESEARCH REFLECTION PAPER……...Due Thurs. Nov. 28th by Noon..........5%
DIGITAL EXHIBITION PROJECT (3 group assignments and a final paper written
individually)..................See Due Dates & Percentage Breakdown on the next page...............35%
TOTAL: 100%

AHVS 384 Draft 1 – September 2, 2024 2

DIGITAL EXHIBITION PROJECT - Due Dates & Percentage Breakdown
1) Proposed Artists (group work)................Due Thurs. October 31st by noon........................5%
2) Theme Development & Artwork Selection (group work)........................................................
...................................................Due Thurs. November 14th by noon.........................................8%
3) Exhibition Presentations (12 mins max, group work) Nov. 26th, 27th, 29th, & Dec 3rd & 4th
....................................................................................................................................................10%
4) Final Paper (5-7 pages, NOT group work) Due Mon. Dec. 17th........................................ 12%

ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION 20% (.5 points for each class [34 sessions = 17 points
possible] + 1 point for completing student profile + 1 point for leading the reading in small group
discussions [2 points possible])

Lecture does not duplicate information provided in assigned reading, films, and other course
content. It builds upon that knowledge in order to deepen and expand your understanding. As
such, you must complete assigned content (readings, films, etc.) and your written response
paper prior to attending class. Fulfilling this requirement will greatly enhance your ability to
engage with and learn from the lecture, to make relevant contributions to class discussion by
draw upon the assigned course content and previous lectures. All of which significantly
contributes to your ability to do well in this course.

Students who do not attend at least 50% of the classes from September 4 to December 4 will be
assigned a final mark of N. Students who must be absent for more than 50% of classes due to
extenuating circumstances may want see whether or not they qualify for an "Aegrotat" mark,
"Withdrawal under extenuating circumstances" status, or other Academic Concession. See:
https://www.uvic.ca/students/academics/academic-concessions-accommodations/request-for-
academic-concession/index.php - :~:text=Aegrotat%3A circumstances affected your
performance,toward your grade point average.

If you do not attend class, do not assume that your have been dropped from this course or any
other by the instructor. Courses that are not formally dropped will be given a failing grade,
students may be required to withdraw and will be required to pay the tuition fee for the course.
Here is the link to CAL’s attendance guidelines:
https://www.uvic.ca/accessiblelearning/instructors/accommodations/attendance/index.php

PLEASE NOTE: Below are the requirement for your Response Papers (due every Monday by
noon, with exception of holidays). All other assignment handouts and the Course Calendar are on
Brightspace.

RESPONSE PAPERS 30% (10 papers x 3 points each)

Each week, students are required to turn in a one page written responses (200 min-250 word
max) to assigned course content (readings, films, etc.) by Noon on Mondays through
Brightspace. Your response must consist of critical questions, issues, and/or ideas from the
readings, films, etc. that you would like to discuss further in class. To keep current with class
discussions, your responses will be accepted up to one week past the due date at the latest.

AHVS 384 Draft 1 – September 2, 2024 3

It is critical to your success in this course that you stay up to date on the response papers as
completing them before class will prepare you for class discussion and other activities. DO NOT
ASK FOR AN EXTENSION unless more one week past due and with proof of extenuating
circumstance.

Come to class prepared to discuss your response paper. I will select a few response papers
to use as discussion points in class. Your response papers as an opportunity to shape your
learning and this course! Your response papers inform the topics that I address in my lecture and
the works of art and artists that I choose to discuss. Take the opportunity to ask questions! I will
do my best to address the questions that are raised in your responses papers during my lectures
and our class discussion. This is a safe space to ask questions and to bring up difficult topics. If
you wish for your name to remain anonymous because an issue makes you uncomfortable or for
any other reason (which you do not have to explain), please write the word “anonymous” at the
top of the page and if I decided to share your question or a portion of your response I will do so
without including your name. Please be aware that not having your name attached to your work,
does not mean that you can be any less kind or respectful.

Do not summarize the assigned readings or films in your response paper for the simple
reason that I know what I have assigned and I want to hear from you about your thoughts
on the reading, film, and other content. Use your own words to demonstrate your
understanding and to discuss the issues and points that were raised. Think about how the
readings and films relate one to another. What aspects stood out (both positive and negative) and
why? Ask questions about the readings or films that you would like to discuss further in class.
You can also choose to express how the reading(s) and or film(s) strengthened your own
perspectives/opinions or changed them. You may relate the reading(s) to your own experiences.
If you are having trouble with writing your response paper, try using the 3-2-1 reflection method
to craft your response: Describe 3 things you learned. Ask 2 questions. Share 1 thing that either
most surprised you or that you wished everyone knew.

You not allowed to bring in outside sources in your Response Papers, therefore
bibliographies are not required. To receive full credit, it must demonstrate your knowledge
and understanding of the both the course content (assigned readings, films, lecutres, etc.) as well
as demonstrate critical thinking, communicate clearly, efficiently, and concisely.

Citing Film in Your Response Papers: Even if you are not directly quoting someone from the
film(s), citing the title of the one you're referring to will help to distinguish which film you are
referencing. For example: In the film "Voices of the Native Northwest Coast,"....This type of
citation is called an in-text reference. To make clear which part of the film you're talking about,
mention the name of the person being interviewed. For example: In the film "In the film "Voices
of the Native Northwest Coast," Nika Collison states....

A Final Note on Citing Your Sources: Golden rule of university is "Always cite." It's an
essential aspect of university-level writing. The more you do the easier it will become.

AHVS 384 Draft 1 – September 2, 2024 4

The more specific your references or citations are the better clarity your writing will have. When
you quote an author directly, use quotation marks followed by a parenthetical cite (author last
name, page or paragraph number). When you paraphrase the author’s ideas, you must also credit
them by using a parenthetical cite. When you cite a film, include the films name and be as
specific as possible about the person, place, and/or event. If you have any questions about how to
cite your sources, refer to the MLA citation style guide on UVIC's website:
https://www.uvic.ca/library/help/citation/index.php

CLASS POLICIES

Class Discussions and Safety:

As many of the issues discussed in this course are often highly controversial, politically charged,
and often emotionally challenging, we need to work together to ensure this is a safe space for
everyone. Please be respectful of the rights of others to their own opinions and beliefs. Please
keep in mind that many of the issues we discuss in class are the lived experiences of people,
some of whom may be in this class, not just theoretical concerns. Be kind to one another, even in
disagreement.

Please give each other time to speak and avoid interrupting by raising your hand. This will also
help ensure that you will be called upon in a timely manner. Whether or not you raise your hand,
be prepared to answer questions, or provide insight from previous classes, and/or your
perspective.

Some of the subjects presented in the course may be familiar to some, and completely unfamiliar
to others, depending on students’ varying levels of knowledge about First Nations histories.
While I will do my best to facilitate discussion in a generative way, there may be times where the
gap in knowledge becomes an issue between students. I ask that students are mindful of each
other and respectful of all levels of knowledge and experience.

Online Student Conduct

The University of Victoria is committed to promoting critical academic discourse while
providing a respectful and supportive learning environment. All members of the university
community have the right to this experience and the responsibility to help create such an
environment. The University will not tolerate racism, sexualized violence, or any form of
discrimination, bullying or harassment.

Please be advised that, by logging into UVic’s learning systems and interacting with online
resources, you are engaging in a university activity. All interactions within this environment
are subject to the university expectations and policies. Any concerns about student conduct
may be reviewed and responded to in accordance with the appropriate university policy.

If a student feels they are being harassed or knows of other students in the class who are
behaving inappropriately according to the policy, there is an email managed by Student Life
where these incidences can be reported: [email protected]

AHVS 384 Draft 1 – September 2, 2024 5

Submitting Assignment:
All assignments will be submitted over Brightspace unless otherwise specified.

Format for All Written Assignments

Please note: Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a deduction from your grade on
written assignments.
- Save your WORD or PAGE document with your last name, first name Response Paper
#
For example: Dangeli, Mique'l AHVS 384 Response Paper 1
- Using the header function, write your first and last name at top left corner of the page.
- Use double-spaced 12 pt. Times New Roman or Arial font.
- One inch/2.5 cm margin around pages.
- Number all pages in the bottom right corner.

Late Assignments and Extensions

All assignments (response papers, digital exhibition assignments) will not be accepted once they
are overdue by one week, unless there are extenuating circumstances (e.g. illness, bereavement,
family emergency) that students wish discuss with me during my office hours. I may require
documentation in order to grant you an extension. Extensions will be granted on a case by case
basis. If you expect you will not be able to complete an assignment on time and have a legitimate
reason to ask for an extension, please speak to me as soon as possible.

Generative AI and Academic Integrity

You are not authorized to use any form of generative AI in this course. In order to successfully
complete course assignment and activities, generative AI, such as ChatGPT, among others that
use AI for content generation, is not required nor welcomed. Please note that you can
successfully complete all the course requirements without the use of generative AI. In this and all
courses, please be aware of the following: • Generative AI does not fact check • Generative AI
may provide bias and inaccurate answers • Generative AI hallucinates and may provide false
or/and made up information • Generative AI does not cite the sources of information •
Generative AI does not critically analyzed content.

As UVIC's Academic Integrity Policy states “Academic integrity requires commitment to the
values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility.” Therefore, I expect you to comply
with the course outline and I encourage you to enhance your academic experience in this course
by refraining from using generative AI. If you have any further questions, please see the
University's full policy on academic integrity here:
https://www.uvic.ca/calendar/future/undergrad/index.php -
/policy/Sk_0xsM_V?bc=true&bcCurrent=08 Policy on Academic
Integrity&bcGroup=Undergraduate Academic Regulations &bcItemType=policies

GRADING
All grades at UVIC must be submitted as a percentage. For an up-to-date grading scale, please
visit the below link:
https://www.uvic.ca/calendar/future/undergrad/index.php#/policy/S1AAgoGuV?bc=true&bcC
urrent=14%20%20Grading&bcGroup=Undergraduate%20Academic%20Regulations&bcItemTyp
e=policies

AHVS 384 Draft 1 – September 2, 2024 6

STUDENT RESOURCES

IMPORTANT CAMPUS WIDE DATES:

https://www.uvic.ca/calendar/dates/

Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL)

University of Victoria is committed to creating a learning experience that is as accessible as
possible. If you anticipate or experience any barriers to learning in this course, please feel
welcome to discuss your concerns with me. If you have a disability or chronic health condition,
or think you may have a disability, you may also want to meet with an advisor at the Centre for
Accessible Learning (CAL). Find out more about CAL here:
https://www.uvic.ca/accessible-learning/index.php"

Academic and Learning Supports

https://www.uvic.ca/students/academics/academic-and-learning-supports/index.php

Student Wellness Centre

https://www.uvic.ca/students/health-wellness/student-wellness-centre/index.php

SupportConnect – Mental Health Support for Students. Anytime. Anywhere.

https://www.uvic.ca/services/counselling/resources/supportconnect/

Centre for Accessible Learning:

https://www.uvic.ca/accessible-learning/index.php

Academic Accommodations
https://www.uvic.ca/accessible-learning/students/accommodations/index.php

Online Learning and Technical Support

• For online learning and other resources: Learn Anywhere oac.uvic.ca/learnanywhere

• Help for computing issues to do with university systems: Computer Help Desk:
https://www.uvic.ca/systems/about/clientservices/servicecentre/index.php; email:
[email protected]

Centre for Academic Communication (located in the McPherson Library, rooms 135J-M)
provides a wide range of resources and support services to help you excel in your studies. For
more information see: http://www.uvic.ca/learningandteaching/cac/

Elders' Voices: The Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) has
the privilege of assembling a group of Elders from local communities to guide students, staff,
faculty and administration in Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
https://www.uvic.ca/services/indigenous/students/programming/elders/index.php

Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response at UVic: We encourage students to learn

more about how the university defines sexualized violence and its overall approach by visiting
www.uvic.ca/svp.

AHVS 384 Draft 1 – September 2, 2024 7

COURSE EXPERIENCE SURVEYS

Your feedback on this course is very important to me. I utilize what your share to development
of my future courses and to improve the methods I utilize in the future. Towards the end of
term you will have the opportunity to complete a confidential course experience survey (CES)
regarding your learning experience. Not only is this survey is vital to providing feedback to me
regarding the course and my teaching, it help the AHVS Department improve the overall
program for students in the future.

When it is time for you to complete the survey, you will receive an email inviting you to do so.
If you do not receive an email invitation, you can go directly to http://ces.uvic.ca. You will
need to use your UVic NetLink ID to access the survey, which can be done on your laptop,
tablet, or mobile device.

I will remind you nearer the time but please be thinking about this important activity, especially
the following three questions, during the course.
- Describe the strengths did I demonstrate that helped you learn in AHVS 384?
- Share specific suggestions as to how I could have helped you learn more effectively.
- Provide specific suggestions as to how AHVS could be improved.
For more information about the CES, please check the below link:
http://www.uvic.ca/learningandteaching/faculty/resources/ces/

COPYRIGHT

All course content, i.e. video lectures, and materials (assigned readings) are made available for
educational purposes and for the exclusive use of students registered in the class. The material
is protected under copyright law, even if not marked with a ©. Any further use or
distribution of materials to others requires the written permission of the instructor,
except under fair dealing or another exception in the Copyright Act. Violations may result
in disciplinary action under the Resolution of Non-Academic Misconduct Allegations policy
(AC1300).

AHVS 384 Draft 1 – September 2, 2024 8