Xàgots’eèhk’ǫ̀ Journal Launch Thebacha

Aurora College will be hosting the Fort Smith launch of the new Xàgots’eèhk’ǫ̀ Journal. The Inaugural issue theme is Education in the North.

Join us on November 28th from 12:00 – 1:00 PM in the Thebacha Campus main foyer to enjoy bannock, coffee and tea while contributors exchange stories, research, philosophy and art from the inaugural issue. We will have an outdoor gathering space, as well as an indoor space, so please dress appropriately for the weather.

Spread the word! Click HERE to download a printable poster!

About the Xàgots’eèhk’ǫ̀ Journal:

• What is Xàgots’eèhk’ǫ̀ Journal?
  Xàgots’eèhk’ǫ̀ Journal is a new, Northern-based, and open access journal that publishes work in multiple genres on topics important to Northern peoples. The journal aims to share, strengthen, and celebrate Northern peoples’ relationships to land, languages, cultures, and ways of life. Xàgots’eèhk’ǫ̀ Journal is a collaborative project led by partners from Aurora College, Hotıì ts’eeda: NWT SPOR Support Unit, and Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning. Development of the journal was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada (SSHRC).
• What does Xàgots’eèhk’ǫ̀ mean?
  Xàgots’eèhk’ǫ̀ means “having a campfire” in Tłı̨chǫ Yatii (Tlicho language). This word was chosen by Tłı̨chǫ Elder Rosa Mantla. This name was chosen because a campfire is where people gather to share stories, seek warmth, and cook food. Like a campfire, the journal is a space to exchange information and bring together voices from across the North.
• What is in the first issue?
  The first issue contains artwork, research and review articles, interviews, personal experiences, program reports, book reviews, and pieces that memorialize Northerners. These works were submitted by youth, Elders, scholars, artists, writers, teachers, and students from different regions. The Co-Editors are Drs. Lois Edge (MacEwan University), and Sara Komarnisky (Aurora College).
• When can I read it?
  The first issue of Xàgots’eèhk’ǫ̀ Journal on the theme of “Education in the North” will be released online and in print in late November 2022. We will have launch events in Fort Smith (planned for Nov 28), Yellowknife (planned for Nov 29), and Inuvik (planned for Dec 1). The journal website is: https://xagotseehkojournal.com
• How often will new issues be published?
  We are hoping to publish 1-2 issues per year.
• Who can contribute/how can people contribute?
  Anyone can contribute work to the journal via our website or by email to the editors (xagotseehko@auroracollege.nt.ca). We accept a range of submissions and if you’re not sure if something would be right for the journal, please reach out. Other ways to be involved are to participate in Editorial or Advisory roles in the journal, or to serve as a reviewer for a piece.
• What led to the creation of the Journal? The creation of the journal started with a research grant application by a team from Aurora College and Hotıì ts’eeda: Pertice Moffitt (Principal Applicant) with Co-Applicants Kerry Lynn Durnford, Jessica Dutton, Kim Lemky, Perez Oyugi, Stephanie-Irlbacher Fox, and John B. Zoe. A graduate student, Janat Ibrahimi, was hired to coordinate the development of the journal. Support for the project was provided by Hotıì ts’eeda, Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning, Aurora Research Institute, the Gwich’in Renewable Resources Board, and the Government of the NWT. The journal concept