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First Peoples House (McGill University)

Kakwiranó:ron Cook talks about the First Peoples House and McGill University’s initiatives to support Indigenous students in their academic studies and life on campus.

Since 1997, First Peoples House (FPH) has offered culturally appropriate support services for the university’s Indigenous learners. Often described as a « home away from home, » this dedicated space plays the role of community gathering place, healing, referral, support, tutoring, mentoring and educational guidance and even residence for several students. Some of the activities organized throughout the year include community soup and bannock dinners as well as mid-semester and annual events. In the summer, the FPH, in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, organizes the Eagle Spirit Camp, a three-day camp for potential future students aged 13 and 17, with the aim of encouraging them to realize their full educational and personal potential. Other events are organized in collaboration with other groups such as the Indigenous Student Alliance (ISA), a student interest group made up of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and the Social Equity and Diversity Education’s Office (SEDE). For example, the Indigenous Awareness Week is held each year and culminates in a Pow Wow on campus in the fall semester, and the Indigenous Educational Series is organized, which takes place during the winter term and aims to raise awareness among the student population of Indigenous issues in Canada.

Bringing nēhiyawēwin Home

Learning nēhiyawēwin through language acquisition methods that have informed Bringing nēhiyawēwin Home, a program designed by Belinda Daniels and offered through READ Saskatoon. 

Belinda Daniels, onikanew (she who leads), runs a program through READ Saskatoon called, Bringing nēhiyawēwin Home. The program was born from the idea of learning language in a natural setting by enjoying food at the kitchen table, intergenerationally, with family members. The nēhiyawēwin (Cree) language classes are offered to anyone who wants to learn nēhiyawēwin in Saskatoon and encourages learners of all ages.

Language learners come to the class in a good way by introducing and positioning themselves in the community. The group offers tobacco to the language spirit and follows protocol by saying a prayer and smudging at the beginning of class. By learning Cree around the kitchen table, learners are able to learn food terminology in a coincidental way. Some terms and vocabulary include learning how to ask and say: Are you hungry?; I am hungry; What is this?; this is good; I would like some more; soup, bannock, pop, juice, milk, salad, pizza, etc.

In the classes, Daniels employs three language learning methods which are the direct method, task-based learning, and accelerated second language acquisition. Daniels hopes that her students become intrinsically motivated to bring language home and pass it on to the next generation of nēhiyawēwin language learners. By reclaiming language we work to restore identity, nationhood, and make gains towards sovereignty and self-determination.

4 Seasons of Reconciliation

4 Seasons of Reconciliation is a multi-media teaching unit that promotes a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians.

This educational initiative, developed for secondary, post-secondary and the workplace, incorporates teacher guides, slideshows, videos and films along with engaging online portals.

The reconciliation education resources are produced under the guidance of the ‘4 Seasons of Reconciliation Indigenous Advisory Circle.’  We work in a spirit of collaboration and co-creation with the Indigenous contributors featured throughout our resources and education units.

This resource is available for professional development use and educational purposes in workplaces and education sectors and aims to assist in meetings some of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.

For more information, please visit: https://www.reconciliationeducation.ca/.

4 Seasons of Reconciliation was produced by Productions Cazabon in collaboration with First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) and with support from FNUniv, the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, and the National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education.

Youth For Reconciliation (YFR): Partnership between York Region District School Board and Pikangikum Education Authority

The Youth For Reconciliation (YFR) was a partnership that aimed to build connections, relationships and allyship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and communities. Through experiential learning opportunities, Grade 9-12 students from Markham District High School, Bill Hogarth Secondary School and Eenchokay Birchstick School were brought together to share their perspectives while focusing on several school […]

The Youth For Reconciliation (YFR) was a partnership that aimed to build connections, relationships and allyship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and communities. Through experiential learning opportunities, Grade 9-12 students from Markham District High School, Bill Hogarth Secondary School and Eenchokay Birchstick School were brought together to share their perspectives while focusing on several school subjects, particularly literacy, art and technology. This cross-curricular approach allowed the Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth to learn about each other’s lives and deepen their relationships with one another. Social media platforms were used to make personal connections and engage the students in various initiatives. In addition to students, some participants were parents, teachers, and other community members who felt strongly about sharing their experiences and what they knew about Indigenous peoples, cultures, languages, and practices. The YFR began in September 2017 and their work still continues today. For more information, check out their Instagram at @youthforreconciliation. Their website is currently under construction.

Festival Mammit Innu Nikamu à Unamen Shipu

Ce programme vise à rassembler des groupes de musiciens lors d’un festival qui a lieu au début du mois de mars dans la communauté de Unamen Shipu. Ce rassemblement vise notamment la préservation de la langue innue par la transmission de la musique. This story is not available in English. Please select another language option.

Ce programme vise à rassembler des groupes de musiciens lors d’un festival qui a lieu au début du mois de mars dans la communauté de Unamen Shipu. Ce rassemblement vise notamment la préservation de la langue innue par la transmission de la musique.

This story is not available in English. Please select another language option.

Memorial University – Special Advisor to the President on Aboriginal Affairs – Catharyn Andersen

Catharyn Andersen, Memorial University’s Special Advisor to the President on Aboriginal Affairs, discusses her work at the university and the various ways that universities can better support Indigenous students and enhance their learning experience and success.

Catharyn Andersen, Memorial University’s Special Advisor to the President on Aboriginal Affairs, discusses her work at the university and the various ways that universities can better support Indigenous students and enhance their learning experience and success.

First Nations Technical Institute

First Nations owned and operated post-secondary education institution.

First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) is a First Nation owned and governed educational institute specializing in applying Indigenous knowledge to both formal and informal learning experiences. Many of our programs and services are delivered at locations across Ontario. For more than 30 years, FNTI has played an essential role in making post-secondary education relevant for Indigenous students and communities. We work closely with our partners to build unique, cutting-edge Indigenous learning experiences and environments.

Paula Potts – What to do With the Life You Are Given

The program will provide an understanding of Male responsibilities, goal setting, what to do with the life you are given and cultural understanding. Giving teachings about reality and beliefs (Anishnawbek). Sweat lodges and their healing through vulnerability towards self healing (sharing circles) focuses on energy which clears the way to self healing. Healing in the […]

The program will provide an understanding of Male responsibilities, goal setting, what to do with the life you are given and cultural understanding. Giving teachings about reality and beliefs (Anishnawbek). Sweat lodges and their healing through vulnerability towards self healing (sharing circles) focuses on energy which clears the way to self healing. Healing in the sense of reclaiming our own power and taking power back from the crown. Distancing ourselves from victim dependent thinking.

Qikiqtani Inuit Association

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association communicates with the communities in the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut to mentor them in designing Inuit, cultural youth programs.

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association helps Inuit define their identity along with providing authentic Inuit cultural activities. The organization also helps Inuit reconcile with certain groups that colonized them.

« Siyamtelot and Swelimeltexw » Hearing from our Elders

Siyamtelot is Okanagan and registered Stó:lō by marriage. Swelimeltexw is Stó:lō from Stsálles are Elders from Okanagan. They share their educational experience along with stories and teachings.

Siyamtelot is Okanagan and registered Stó:lō by marriage. Swelimeltexw is Stó:lō from Stsálles are Elders from Okanagan. They share their educational experience along with stories and teachings.