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
Education that prepares students to lead successful, productive and healthy lives while enhancing and celebrating their identity and pride through language and culture programs and daily education.
The Campbell River School District and the Aboriginal education Advisory Council are committed to ensuring that Aboriginal students receive a quality education. The District provides educational services to a diverse multicultural population. The support from Aboriginal Education is intended to enhance the experience of Aboriginal students. This support is intended to be in class, in school support that can benefit not only Aboriginal students but all students. The Campbell River School District and the Aboriginal education Advisory Council are committed to ensuring that Aboriginal students receive a quality education. One that prepares them to lead successful, productive and healthy lives while enhancing and celebrating their identity and pride through language and culture programs and daily education.
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 February 19, 2019 by kenthenthomas
Secwepemc Stories and storytelling _ Stsepkwelle “Legends That Teach”
Kenthen Thomas is a storyteller from the Secwepemc Nation. He has been storytelling since he was a youngster. The Secwepemc stories or ‘Stsepetkwll’ – Legends That Teach” are stories that not only provide entertainment but they also provide lessons. Kenthen claims to have about 30 stories in his personal arsenal that are ready to be shared and taught when needed. Performing in schools and other venues worldwide, Kenthen brings the stories of his ancestors to life and gives his due to the real owners of the stories, the future generations.
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.
