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First Nations School of Toronto

The First Nations School of Toronto focuses on decolonizing and indigenizing education at the Toronto District School Board. Educators, administrators and support staff work specifically with K-12 students and their families.

The First Nations School of Toronto focuses on decolonizing and indigenizing education at the Toronto District School Board. Educators, administrators and support staff work specifically with K-12 students and their families.

Dawn Wemigwans – Best Practices in Indigenous Education at St. David Catholic Elementary School

Dawn Wemigwans speaks to how including student voice and community into education helps to build better relationships. She also speaks to how this helps shape Indigenous education for both non-Indigenous and Indigenous students, parents, family, community as well as educators.

Dawn Wemigwans speaks to how including student voice and community into education helps to build better relationships. She also speaks to how this helps shape Indigenous education for both non-Indigenous and Indigenous students, parents, family, community as well as educators.

“Fostering a sense of identity”: χpey̓ Elementary, The Vancouver School Board’s Indigenous Focus School

χpey̓ Elementary School was developed by the Vancouver School Board in 2012 in response to calls from the community for an education that was culturally relevant for Indigenous youth and encompassing of local and surrounding traditional Indigenous knowledges. χpey̓’s students are largely Indigenous, although the school also has many non-Indigenous students who attend. The teachers […]

χpey̓ Elementary School was developed by the Vancouver School Board in 2012 in response to calls from the community for an education that was culturally relevant for Indigenous youth and encompassing of local and surrounding traditional Indigenous knowledges. χpey̓’s students are largely Indigenous, although the school also has many non-Indigenous students who attend. The teachers at χpey̓ are each Indigenous and bring their own cultural knowledge and experiences to the school. They infuse Indigenous pedagogies into the BC curriculum with the aim of providing classrooms and teaching which encompass a holistic model of education. The school is focused on teaching “the shared worldviews of Indigenous people and environmentalists” and aims to “honour the shared values, experiences and histories of all Indigenous peoples as well as the aspects that make each nation unique.”

Transition Year Program (TYP)

A one year university access program for Canadian Aboriginal Students who may not be prepared to enter a faculty through regular admissions. This is not an upgrading program, but a full-time university program offered by the Aboriginal Student Services Centre and Open Studies.

A one year university access program for Canadian Aboriginal Students who may not be prepared to enter a faculty through regular admissions. This is not an upgrading program, but a full-time university program offered by the Aboriginal Student Services Centre and Open Studies.

Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society’s Joey Blood speaks on the roles indigenous education can play in youth and family healing

Joey Blood, of Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society’s Family Preservation and Youth Mentorship program, shares on its work supporting indigenous youth and their families in accessing cultural activities and learning opportunities, and the importance of bringing families into indigenous education programming. ”Offers community based programming available for community access, referrals are NOT necessary. Admission is open […]

Joey Blood, of Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society’s Family Preservation and Youth Mentorship program, shares on its work supporting indigenous youth and their families in accessing cultural activities and learning opportunities, and the importance of bringing families into indigenous education programming.

”Offers community based programming available for community access, referrals are NOT necessary. Admission is open and based on need and availability.

Our Program Goals:

  • Children are safe

  • Children will foster positive self-identity

  • Children will be connected to their community

  • Parent/Caregivers will be involved with their children.” from the website  https://www.opokaasin.org/programs-services

Community Education Programs at Regina Treaty Status Indian Services (RTSIS)

Erica Beaudin has been the Executive Director of the Regina Treaty Status Indian Services since 2007 and she discusses the importance of the organization’s community education programs.

The Regina Treaty Status Indian Services (RTSIS) is an organization owned by the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council and the File Hills-Qu’Appelle Tribal Council. RTSIS is the only Indigenous owned services agency providing services for Urban First Nations and First Nations transitioning to and from reserve. RTSIS is committed to honouring the Treaty and inherent rights of Indigenous people in Treaty Four territory by offering a variety of programs and training opportunities which support each nation’s language, culture, and identity. Specifically, their community based education programs include: the Red Feather Youth Integration Program, which supports youth transitioning from the criminal justice system and reintegrating into society; the Treaty Four Education Centre offers adult education with individualized learning plans based on interests and abilities; and the Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program addresses emotional health and wellness through both front-line services as well as through workshops on suicide prevention, parenting skills, intergenerational addictions, etc. For more information about RTSIS and their programs please visit http://fhqtc.com/rtsis/.

St. Augustine School: Building Capacity through Collaboration

St. Thomas Aquinas School Division (STAR) and Nipisihkopahk Educational Authority (NEA) have entered into a education partnership through an Alberta Education Grant- “Building Capacity Through Collaboration.” Together, these schools are sharing, teaching, learning and collaborating on best practices in education.

St. Thomas Aquinas School Division (STAR) and Nipisihkopahk Educational Authority (NEA) have entered into a education partnership through an Alberta Education Grant- “Building Capacity Through Collaboration.” Together, these schools are sharing, teaching, learning and collaborating on best practices in education.

Social Media as a Language Teaching Tool

Solomon Ratt uses Facebook to engage students and community members in learning Cree.

Solomon Ratt, Cree Language Professor at First Nations University of Canada, discusses how his Cree Language Facebook group has helped students and community members learn Cree. A few years ago, Solomon began engaging his Cree language student’s, outside of regular class time, by creating Cree language videos for them to learn and practice. He uploads Cree language videos to the Facebook group, and now the group has grown from students to community members, and eventually to global learners. A community formed within the Facebook group and now more people than ever are logging on and engaging in learning Cree. Solomon hopes that alongside technological developments the Cree language will be revitalized and reclaimed.