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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.

4R’s Youth Movement

Youth Empowerment Movement

4R’s is a national youth run and led organization that helps build the capacity of young people by providing meaningful places for them to develop and learn. They create opportunities and experiences in regions across the country to allow change makers the spaces to work on educational and community building initiatives, with the support of a network of national partners and adult allies.

Blair Beaucage – Getting to know Anishinaabe Education

Blair Beaucage an Indigenous teacher at Nbisiing Secondary School talks about his own desire to understand Indigenous education within the Anishinabe perspective. Blair of Nipissing First Nation talks about the importance of understanding traditional methods of knowledge by learning on and from the land.

Blair Beaucage an Indigenous teacher at Nbisiing Secondary School talks about his own desire to understand Indigenous education within the Anishinabe perspective. Blair of Nipissing First Nation talks about the importance of understanding traditional methods of knowledge by learning on and from the land.

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.

Ontario Teachers’ Federation Resources and Supports to Teachers

All year round, the Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) offers a variety of resources and learning opportunities for K-12 teachers, as well as teacher candidates, across the province of Ontario and online. OTF aims to introduce support and develop understanding of truth and movement towards reconciliation. As the voice of Ontario teachers, OTF is a member […]

All year round, the Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) offers a variety of resources and learning opportunities for K-12 teachers, as well as teacher candidates, across the province of Ontario and online. OTF aims to introduce support and develop understanding of truth and movement towards reconciliation. As the voice of Ontario teachers, OTF is a member of the Minister’s Advisory Council on First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education, which provides counsel on matters germane to Indigenous education. OTF was one of the members of the government-convened 2017 Joint Implementation Work Group, which was tasked with identifying recommended revisions to the Social Studies (Grades 4-6), History (Grades 7-10) and Civics (Grade 10) curricula to increase and deepen the focus of teaching and learning about Indigenous peoples, perspectives and experiences. Several examples of OTF’s resources and tools include: Books of Life, Survive and Thrive, OTF Connects webinars, Inspire Financial Learning, Teaching Learning Co-op (TLC) projects, and Summer Institutes. For more information, check out OTF’s website at: www.otffeo.on.ca/en/

Joe McLeod – The Youth

Joe McLeod from Nipissing First Nation talks about his insight on teaching youth of today. Joe works with specifically Indigenous male youth, and talks about the importance of lived experiences through Indigenous education.

Joe McLeod from Nipissing First Nation talks about his insight on teaching youth of today. Joe works with specifically Indigenous male youth, and talks about the importance of lived experiences through Indigenous education.

Strengthening Hamilton Aboriginal Education

Jerica Fraser talks about the program, ‘Strengthening Hamilton Aboriginal Education’ (SHAE), in Hamilton, Ontario.

Strengthening Hamilton Aboriginal Education (SHAE) is a partnership between the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) and the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre (HRIC). This alternative education program provides an opportunity for Indigenous students (ages 14-21) in the city of Hamilton to learn through a community and cooperative education model that values Indigenous ways of knowing and being to ultimately encourage Indigenous student success and wellness.

Indigenous Education at Mohawk College, Hamilton, Ontario

Leah Hogan is the Manager of Indigenous Education at Mohawk College.  She talks about the Indigenous Education academic program at the college and its goals of increasing post-secondary access for Indigenous youth and supporting them in their education.  Mohawk College offers joint programs with their community partners at Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre and […]

Leah Hogan is the Manager of Indigenous Education at Mohawk College.  She talks about the Indigenous Education academic program at the college and its goals of increasing post-secondary access for Indigenous youth and supporting them in their education.  Mohawk College offers joint programs with their community partners at Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre and Six Nations Polytechnic for students and youth ages 16 and up.  Certificate programs include: Mental Health and Disability Management; Construction Techniques; Personal Support Worker; Social Service Worker.  For more information see their website: https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/indigenous-students

Niagara Regional Native Centre – Indigenous Healing and Wellness Coordinator

Elizabeth Sault seeks to provide holistic educational opportunities to community members with the aim of violence reduction.

Elizabeth Sault speaks about an education that seeks to achieve the goal of violence reduction. Sault hosts group workshops for participants but much of her program is structured to address the needs of the individual, including crisis assistance. Her one-to-one support stems from her ability to create a comfortable connection and trust which can lead to advocacy, resources, housing, and building empowering life skills. Sault recognizes that violence reduction is multifaceted and speaks about the importance of creating holistic educational opportunities that build up the individual while creating awareness about important issues like MMIW and human trafficking. She speaks about the importance of identity and how it empowers the individual by illustrating the role of colonization in the creation of a culture of violence. Workshops focused on creation stories, medicine walks, connection to Elders, and individual support in reconnecting to the Indigenous community. These workshops help individuals to ground themselves in a healthy Indigenous identity. The goals of the program are to increase housing, support for men, and land-based retreats.

Mary Elliot – What We Take, We Must Give

Mary Elliot, a Anishinabe elder shares her perspective of understanding the land and knowledge it carries. Through story telling she shares her perspective on what is both important teachings to share and important to teach.

Mary Elliot, a Anishinabe elder shares her perspective of understanding the land and knowledge it carries. Through story telling she shares her perspective on what is both important teachings to share and important to teach.