Posted on March 30, 2019 by Evangeline Clifton
Albert Dawson has participated and completed the Aboriginal Ecotourism Training Program (AETP).
The AETP is a program that is delivered in partnership with Heiltsuk Tribal Council, Vancouver Island University (Nanaimo), and North Island College (Comox). This program is an opportunity for Indigenous students to obtain 33 transferable credits to a university and a variety of certificates including; wilderness first aid, CPR level 3, Radio Operators Certificate – Maritime, first host, as well as kayak/canoe/stand-up paddleboard. This program delivers monthly 7-9 day condensed courses, through a 9-10 month period, and takes place in various communities where participants have the opportunity to meet local business owner/operators obtaining hands-on, lived experiences that simply cannot be learned within a classroom. The AETP has a 100% graduation rate, and has contributed to returning to University, as well as, led to a variety of seasonal and full-time employment for its students.
Posted on by Evangeline Clifton
Terry Reid is dedicated to learning the cultural traditions and languages from his Heiltsuk and Oweekeno speaking grandmother who is a knowledge keeper and knows much about traditional medicines.
Terry Reid is of Heiltsuk (Bella Bella) and Oweekeno (Rivers Inlet) decent. Throughout the past couple of years, Reid has dedicated his time to learning cultures and traditions from his grandmother Evelyn. Evelyn is a fluent speaker of both Heiltsuk and Oweekeno languages and was a language teacher at the Bella Bella Community School. Evelyn is a knowledge keeper and a champion of traditional medicines. Reid has relocated to Oweekeno to learn about culture, best practices and techniques in teaching cultural traditions from his grandmother Reid shares his insights into what he has learned; what works and what may not. Reid has a passion for learning about the culture and hopes that one day he will have the knowledge needed to assist the continuance of our ways of life. Reid has recognized the importance of language to culture and hopes to preserve the uniqueness of the Heiltsuk Nation on the west coast of BC.
Posted on by Sara Fulla
Post-Secondary Education, Indigenous Education
The Office of Aboriginal Education and Engagement works collaboratively with Services for Aboriginal Students at Vancouver Island University to support Indigenous students, and foster their successes. Cultural activitives are offered throughout the academic year, including the Na’tsa’ maht Shqwaluwun, One Heart, One Mind – Understanding Indigenous Perspectives Learning Series.
Posted on March 27, 2019 by Mary Ellen Simon
Ashley Buch speaks about the importance of identity, space, and fostering relationships with Niagara College staff to support Indigenous students.
Ashley Buck works to create a culturally sensitive space and to provide services to Indigenous students that are important to their success within both of the Niagara College campuses. This program acknowledges that students are the experts (TRC Calls to Action), and uses their input and knowledge to shape the services provided. Utilizing Indigenous student voices taps into knowledge that they have been given by their ancestors which empowers students while promoting leadership to shape education and campus culture.
Living in two worlds can be a challenge to an Indigenous student, especially for those living in an urban centre for the first time. The Indigenous lounge is a physical space where peer support and community is fostered. Buck explains that mirroring the support of an Indigenous community is a goal of the program. Such support enables students to make the transition to a college atmosphere easier and increases their ability to achieve success in their studies. Taking the lead from students, this mirroring has involved smudging, talking circles, meetings with Elders, and soup luncheons. The program seeks to advocate for Indigenous awareness within the college by hosting their 2nd annual Indigenous Awareness Month.
Posted on March 26, 2019 by Jiah Dzentu
All grade 7 and 8 students attend this fall culture camp in Wood Buffalo National Park. Here they learn land-based skills, canoe safety, traditional medicines and much more. This camp is supported by the local school board and community.
All grade 7 and 8 students attend this fall culture camp in Wood Buffalo National Park. Here they learn land-based skills, canoe safety, traditional medicines and much more. This camp is supported by the local school board and community.
Posted on March 25, 2019 by Jiah Dzentu
PWK Highschool in Fort Smith holds an annual winter expedition where students learn traditional trapping, fishing, and hunting in a safe, continuous manner. The facilitators are local Elders and knowledge keepers.
PWK Highschool in Fort Smith holds an annual winter expedition where students learn traditional trapping, fishing, and hunting in a safe, continuous manner. The facilitators are local Elders and knowledge keepers.
Posted on March 22, 2019 by Kelsey Jaggard
Kelsey Jaggard speaks with Catherine Rae who is the program coordinator at the Gabbius Goodman Learning Centre in Sandy Lake, Ontario. The Gabbius Goodman Learning Centre provides community members in level education requirements. Catering to all ages, the learning centre also aims to make connections between community members and post-secondary education opportunities by partnering with […]
Kelsey Jaggard speaks with Catherine Rae who is the program coordinator at the Gabbius Goodman Learning Centre in Sandy Lake, Ontario. The Gabbius Goodman Learning Centre provides community members in level education requirements. Catering to all ages, the learning centre also aims to make connections between community members and post-secondary education opportunities by partnering with other initiatives in Ontario.
Posted on by Jiah Dzentu
PWK Secondary School Chipewyan classroom.
This Chipewyan language classroom for grades 7-12 teaches more than just the language. Paul Boucher passes on cultural values and laws, teaches traditional crafts, and hopes to instill a sense of cultural pride in his students.
Posted on March 18, 2019 by Laura Forsythe
The Winnipeg School Division is proud to initiate bilingual Cree language and Ojibwe language programs exclusively at Isaac Brock School.
The Winnipeg School Division is proud to initiate bilingual Cree language and Ojibwe language programs exclusively at Isaac Brock School.
The 2016 school year welcomed students in Kindergarten, while the 2018-19 school year will have program entry points in Kindergarten to Grade 2.
The Cree and Ojibwe Programs will center around ancestral teachings of the Grandmother Moon and the thirteen moons she carries. The programs have a land-based component as this is an important part of language learning. Culturally, there is a strong connection to the land and all the life it encompasses. In the Kindergarten Program, students will be fully immersed in the Cree or Ojibwe language. The Grade 1 and 2 program will be bilingual with 50% of instruction in Cree or Ojibwe and 50% in English.
