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All Canadians Can Gain Knowledge of the Truth of Indigenous History and Reality

Darlene Horseman is a professor at the Grande Prairie Regional College. She shares her perspective of the post secondary education system and process from her experience as a student to a professor. She speaks of what was taught in Indigenous studies and how it has changed from very vague information to very concise.

Darlene Horseman is a professor at the Grande Prairie Regional College. She shares her perspective of the post secondary education system and process from her experience as a student to a professor. She speaks of what was taught in Indigenous studies and how it has changed from very vague information to very concise.

Akwesahsne Freedom School

First Nations led education in community

The Akwesahsne Freedom School was started in 1979 by parents in the Mohawk community that saw a need to preserve their ways and play an active role in the education of the nation starting with the children. They wanted their kids to be educated in the language, to be raised with ceremony and culture on the land of their ancestors without the influence and interference of the Western world. This approach has lead to results such as an increase in speakers of Mohawk language, rejuvenation of cultural strength and familiarity, and the continuance of inter-generational hands on learning.

Charles Majiijiwan Petahtegoose – Asserting Sovereignty

Charles Petahtegoose, a Midewiwin man talks about the importance of revitalizing sacred teachings and song as a method of Indigenous education. Charles also discusses the importance of language use within Indigenous learning as a method of understanding mechanisms not yet understood and/or translated in English.

Charles Petahtegoose, a Midewiwin man talks about the importance of revitalizing sacred teachings and song as a method of Indigenous education. Charles also discusses the importance of language use within Indigenous learning as a method of understanding mechanisms not yet understood and/or translated in English.

Language Retention a Priority for Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre

Since 1972, SICC has been protecting, preserving, and promoting First Nations languages.

Priscilla St. John is the Education and Language Specialist for the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC). As the first Indigenous controlled education institution serving Saskatchewan, SICC offers opportunities for cultural revitalization for the following First Nations: Plains Cree, Swampy Cree, Woodlands Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota and Lakota. First Nations Elders met to discuss the importance of Indigenous language acquisition and developed outcomes that, combined with the provincially mandated curriculum, create the language-based curriculum that SICC promotes. St. John explains, First Nations languages start with our ways of knowing, our stories, our ancestors, our laws, our protocols, and are guided by Elders, which are all connected to the Creator. SICC provides First Nations with educational resources and language workshops that derive from their land-based and sacred language curricula. These opportunities and resources are available to anyone who is interested in language revitalization.

Nunavut Arctic College – Nunavut Teacher Education Program (NTEP)

NTEP aims to have Inuit teachers across Nunavut teaching using Inuktut as the language of instruction within the next ten years.

The Nunavut Teacher Education Program (NTEP) dates back to 1979. Education programs are offered continuously in Iqaluit, with cohort-based programs offered in other Nunavut communities. Nunavut Arctic College programs highlight teaching and cultural practices within their programming.

ETFO: Engaging with Educators

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) offers educators opportunities to learn about Indigenous peoples through professional learning and curriculum resources.  

The ETFO is a union for elementary public school educators in Ontario. Professional learning opportunities are provided for ETFO members in Toronto and throughout Ontario at ETFO offices. Curriculum resources are available to any educator online through the ETFO website. Programs are offered throughout the school year and are geared towards Indigenous and non-Indigenous members. There are also programs designed to engage Indigenous members to become more involved with the federation and to empower leadership.

 

Language is Our Spirituality – Our Way of Life

Elder Coordinator and Cree Language Interpreter, Clarence Whitstone speaks on the importance of the Cree Language.

The First Nations University of Canada’s Elder’s Council Coordinator and Cree Language Interpreter, Clarence Whitstone, of the Onion Lake Cree Nation, shares information on the work he does on educating the public about Indigenous topics such as: the Frog Lake Massacre, treaties, residential schools, and languages from the First Nations perspective. Whitstone has over twelve years of proven translation services experience. Whitstone maintains that language and culture can’t be separated and must be preserved for our future generations. First Nations language must be used in all of our ceremonies, cultures and traditions. Language is our spirituality – our way of life.

Niiwin Nodin – Learning That Connection

The education of your own people teaches you differently in all aspects.

The education of your own people teaches you differently in all aspects.

Cheryl Recollet – Indigenous Environmental Learning

Aboriginal Environmental Leadership Circle aims to promote and enhance environmental management in Indigenous communities.

Aboriginal Environmental Leadership Circle aims to promote and enhance environmental management in Indigenous communities.