Celebrating International Pi Day with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives

Earlier this year, McGill’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives celebrated International Pi Day with a talk from mathematician Dr. Edward Doolittle followed by a student panel on Indigenous experiences in STEM and, of course, some delicious pie.

Organized in conjunction with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics as part of the OII's Winter Indigenous Speakers Series, the event began with an opening from Kanien'kehá:ka Elder Mike Loft followed by introductions from Celeste Pedri-Spade, Associate Provost of Indigenous Initiatives, and Laura Nilson, Associate Dean (Graduate Education) of the Faculty of Science.

Professor Rustum Choksi, Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, welcomed Dr. Doolittle prior to his talk and moderated the Q&A that followed. A member of the Mohawk nation from Six Nations in southern Ontario, Dr. Doolittle is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at First Nations University of Canada. His research encompasses the intersection of mathematics, Indigenous knowledge, and education.

“It was an honour to have Dr. Doolittle visit McGill and share his wisdom on mathematics in Indigenous communities, and particularly his personal relationship with the ubiquitous number pi,” said Choksi. “Mathematics is about the understanding, utilization, and beauty of structure. Dr. Doolittle eloquently taught us how mathematics has existed for thousands of years in the Indigenous communities across Canada and the rest of the world.”

Following Dr. Doolittle’s talk and the pie reception catered by BerryLicious, Professors Diane Dechief and Rosalie Belanger-Rioux moderated a student panel discussion. Five McGill students - Gracie Diabo, Dane Malenfant, Juliann Wray, Janelle Brown-Walkus, and Caleb Moses - discussed their experiences as Indigenous students in STEM fields.

Malenfant, a citizen of Métis Nation Saskatchewan and a master's student in Computer Science, said participating in the panel was a “rewarding” experience, and that it gave him a platform to share his experiences transferring from Saskatchewan to Montréal for studies with other first generation Indigenous students.

“In terms of STEM, humanity's collective culture is increasingly being altered by new technologies and scientific discoveries, but the underrepresentation of Indigenous people in STEM means that traditional culture of Indigenous peoples is not necessarily being considered or included,” said Malenfant. “I hope what was discussed during the panel and presented by Dr. Doolittle allowed the audience to reflect on what was science and how can we improve access and inclusion for Indigenous students in the STEM fields to improve the scientific processes as a whole.”

Visit the Office of Indigenous Initiatives’ website here.