Posted on mars 30, 2019 by Melissa Oskineegish
Melissa Oskineegish speaks to Peter Cameron, a classroom teacher at St. Elizabeth school in Thunder Bay. Peter describes how the Junior Water Walkers program seeks to honour Elder Josephine Mandamin, who, as a water walker, travelled over 25,000km around the Great Lakes bringing awareness to water conservation. In this interview Peter shares how the Junior […]
Melissa Oskineegish speaks to Peter Cameron, a classroom teacher at St. Elizabeth school in Thunder Bay. Peter describes how the Junior Water Walkers program seeks to honour Elder Josephine Mandamin, who, as a water walker, travelled over 25,000km around the Great Lakes bringing awareness to water conservation. In this interview Peter shares how the Junior Water Walkers program was incorporated into this class and how it continues to evolve. A link to the Junior Water Walkers program and Josephine’s story is found below.
Posted on 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 mars 29, 2019 by Crystal Osawamick
Ways of being on the land come with great responsibility.
Ways of being on the land come with great responsibility.
Posted on by Crystal Osawamick
There is more to our existence within this physical realm.
There is more to our existence within this physical realm.
Posted on mars 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 by Dene Basil
The Indigenous Land Guardians program is designed to train local Dene people to become knowledgeable in their local culture and traditions as well as current conservation and monitoring practices.
Josh Barichello shares about the Indigenous Land Guardians program in Ross River. The program is still in the development stage and Barichello is a part of the development team for the program. The program is designed to train local Dene people to become knowledgeable in their local culture and traditions as well as current conservation and monitoring practices. The program will utilize traditional and ecological knowledge with scientific knowledge to build a bridge between both worlds so that their land, wildlife, and water is being well managed.
