Posted on February 21, 2019 by Justina Black
BushKids is exploring the ethical space between Indigenous education and Western education principles in Yellowknife, NT.
BushKids co-founders are both trained as forest and nature school practitioners. Chloe Dragon Smith is a Dënesųłiné – Metis woman from Yellowknife, who grew up learning on-the-land through the Indigenous education principles of her family. Wendy Lahey is a non-Indigenous educator trained in the Western education system and has lived in the north for a long time. The two women are committed to working with the community, as possible, to create a curriculum that equally honours these systems of teaching and learning on the land.
The goal of BushKids is ultimately to affect the public education system and ensure all northern students spend regular time on the land throughout the school year. Programming is currently offered throughout the school year for pilot classes of all ages, from early childhood to high school. BushKids educators also work with teachers in public education systems with the goal of enabling them to bring their classes outside as part of their learning.
Posted on February 20, 2019 by Tina Trombley
A Nakota language initiative that seeks to revitalize and re-awaken the Nakota language on White Bear First Nation.
Sarah and Shayna McArthur of White Bear First Nation began the group, Mato Ska Nakona bi Linguistics Inc. to work with community members in order to revitalize and restore the Nakota language. By using language acquisition methods like Total Physical Response and Native American Hand Signs, the McArthur’s hope to increase the number of Nakota language speakers in their community. By learning Nakota people can reconnect with their spirituality and traditional ceremonies in order to heal from past trauma. This initiative is helping Nakota community members, of all ages, to be proud of their identity and history. The Nakota people, now more than ever, must be committed to learning their language and reconnecting with their identity – the Mato Ska Nakona bi Linguistics Inc. is able to support this work.
Posted on by Charity Gladstone
The Bakuemgyala Language Group is a community based group working collectively to revitalize the Kwakwala/Likwala language.
The Bakuemgyala Language Group has been undertaking substantial updating of its community-based program and conducting extensive discussions on the approach with key stakeholders such as local Elders, mentees and youth. The community-based program has been developed recognizing that languages are in crisis and that urgent action is required to address the loss of language in our families, homes and communities. Thus, to advocate the preservation of Kwakwala/Likwala language, culture, traditional arts and history. Ultimately, the programs goal is to increase the number of Kwakwala/Likwala language speakers.
Posted on by Charity Gladstone
Elder involvement is an essential element in the development of programming for the Qwallayuw Head Start Preschool Program.
Qwallayuw Head Start Preschool Program provides two half-day sessions four days a week that prepare Indigenous children for their school years by meeting their spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs. They provide programming in six core areas: education and school readiness, Indigenous culture and language, parental involvement, health promotion, nutrition, and social support. Thus, it is an essential consideration to involve Elders for early learning programs in the Qwallayuw Head Start Preschool Program when developing programming. Elders, like Sophia Hansen, are very important members of the Laichwiltach Family Life Society. The term ‘Elder’ refers to someone who has attained a high degree of understanding of First Nation history, teachings, ceremonies, and language. Elders have earned the right to pass this knowledge on to others and to give advice and guidance on personal issues, as well as on issues affecting their communities and nations. It is also important to work collaboratively with the Elder in understanding the specific teachings and beliefs for the Laichwiltach Family Life Society as it relates to Kwakwala/Likwala language.
Posted on February 18, 2019 by claraakulukjuk
Meeka is a well-known teacher of education, healing, and Inuit culture. She started teaching children in 1971, and moved onto adult education at Nunavut Arctic College for 18 years. Meeka believes that elder knowledge from experience is necessary have a foundation for living an Inuit life as our ancestor did. She hopes that healing and education from Inuit go a long way.
Meeka is a well-known teacher of education, healing, and Inuit culture. She started teaching children in 1971, and moved onto adult education at Nunavut Arctic College for 18 years. Meeka is also a member of various organizations that focus on Inuktitut and Inuit culture. Meeka believes that elder knowledge from experience is necessary have a foundation for living an Inuit life as our ancestor did. She hopes that healing and education from Inuit go a long way. Some of her work can be found online as Inuit Wellness and Healing videos – Meeka Manuals. The manuals she has developed are applicable to adults, families and education.
Posted on January 31, 2019 by Julian Stonechild
Rikki Wylie is part of the management team at Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Center. Located in Nanaimo, BC, Tillicum Lelum has a number of programs that are used to help the community. Rikki oversees several of the year-round programs to ensure the participants are getting everything they need to grow in their community.
Rikki Wylie is part of the management team at Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Center. Located in Nanaimo, BC, Tillicum Lelum has a number of programs that are used to help the community. Rikki oversees several of the year-round programs to ensure the participants are getting everything they need to grow in their community.
Posted on January 28, 2019 by Jeremiah Sharpe
Elder Audrey Bone’s perspective on healing, education, and reconciliation.
Elder Audrey Bone discusses Urban Circle Training and its holistic methodology. She emphasizes the role of ceremony and the need for purpose, recognizing that the healing of reconciliation is needed for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples alike.
Posted on by Jeremiah Sharpe
Urban Circle uses multigenerational holistic education in efforts of reconciliation and healing.
Urban Circle is a community organization operating in the North End neighborhood of Winnipeg. Urban Circle takes a holistic attitude towards education, working with its stakeholders to achieve its goals, and prioritizes engagement with its elders.