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Master-Apprentice Indigenous language revitalization in Michif and Other Indigenous Languages

Prairies to Woodlands Indigenous Language Revitalization Circle Master-Apprentice Indigenous language revitalization aims to build the capacity of fluent-speaking Elders and others (“masters”) and committed learners (“apprentices”) to work as language learning teams in hopes of keeping their endangered ancestral languages alive. P2WILRC, a grassroots all-volunteer community group based in the Parkland, was given a grant […]

Prairies to Woodlands Indigenous Language Revitalization Circle Master-Apprentice Indigenous language revitalization aims to build the capacity of fluent-speaking Elders and others (“masters”) and committed learners (“apprentices”) to work as language learning teams in hopes of keeping their endangered ancestral languages alive. P2WILRC, a grassroots all-volunteer community group based in the Parkland, was given a grant from Canadian Heritage’s Aboriginal Language Initiative to run the MAP pilot project. At the time of this interview, there are five funded Master-Apprentice Program (MAP) teams—three Michif, one Swampy Cree, and one Ojibwe who will work for upwards of 300 hours together by March 31, 2019.

The Mid-Island Métis Nation – Indigenous Education Wiichihew Program

The Wiichihew Program is offered by the Mid-Island Métis Nation and serves Indigenous Students in high schools, alternative learning programs, and Vancouver Island University. It supports students by sharing resources, supports, community and cultural events, emotional support, etc. This program was established in 2016, and is available to all Indigenous Learners in High school/University level. […]

The Wiichihew Program is offered by the Mid-Island Métis Nation and serves Indigenous Students in high schools, alternative learning programs, and Vancouver Island University. It supports students by sharing resources, supports, community and cultural events, emotional support, etc. This program was established in 2016, and is available to all Indigenous Learners in High school/University level. The Coordinator is a student advocate, she connects the students to resources and resource people who can assist the student with current issues/situations as well as future goals and aspirations. The amount and type of support offered is based on the students individual needs.

Weaving a Story

Weaving a Story describes the importance of inkle looms to creating Métis sashes that are meaningful to individuals.

In the interview, Teresa Bryne discusses the meaning of the colours of the Métis sash. Through workshops, Weaving a Story tells the history of the sash, the creation of a sash on a loom, and how to create your own.

Indigenous Teacher Perspective – Penny Cardinal-Kotash

Audio interview with Indigenous Educator Penny Cardinal-Kotash perspective from Treaty 8, High Level, Alberta.

Penny Cardinal-Kotash is a Indigenous Teacher who teaches in High Level, Alberta. She is passionate about teaching students and infuses Indigenous education throughout the Language Arts, Social Studies, and Math curriculum. She utilizes her own experience to help students learn about the Cree culture but of other Indigenous cultures. Mrs. Kotash explains that Indigenous students need to see themselves in everyday society, to learn that Indigenous peoples have always been here, and to learn about their own culture and others in which each are a part of Canada’s fabric. She helps other Educators in the Division and encourages them to choose and identify where the literature originates from, as well as the region they belong to, to ensure it’s relevancy for their region. Penny Cardinal-Kotash is part of the Division’s FNMI cohort and provides resources, and support to understand we are not all the same culture and to base their teachings relative to the language and its region.

Tluuwaay ‘Waadluxan Mathematical Adventures

The book, Tluuwaay ‘Waadluxan Mathematical Adventures, is designed to expand our awareness and relationship with the land, sea and sky – and transform possibilities for teaching and learning mathematics. Cynthia Nicol, one of the co-editors who collaborated with the authors of the book (teachers and community members of Haida Gwaii), is an Associate Professor in […]

The book, Tluuwaay ‘Waadluxan Mathematical Adventures, is designed to expand our awareness and relationship with the land, sea and sky – and transform possibilities for teaching and learning mathematics. Cynthia Nicol, one of the co-editors who collaborated with the authors of the book (teachers and community members of Haida Gwaii), is an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Education. She shares some of the math activities and examples in the book that involve the bentwood box, the canoe, historical dates and timelines from the People’s perspective, and more. To learn more or how to get a copy of the book, visit: http://www.sd50.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/colour-poster-final.pdf.

Tłı̨chǫ Government- Jim Martin

Jim Martin has worked within the Tłı̨chǫ communities in many roles over the years. Currently, he sits as the Sr. Policy Advisor in the Priorities and Planning department with the Tłı̨chǫ Government. He also works with Dedats’eetsaa: the Tłı̨chǫ Research & Training Institute.

Jim Martin has worked within the Tłı̨chǫ communities in many roles over the years. Currently, he sits as the Sr. Policy Advisor in the Priorities and Planning department with the Tłı̨chǫ Government. He also works with Dedats’eetsaa: the Tłı̨chǫ Research & Training Institute.

Neecheewam Inc. – Whole Person Learning

Cheyenne Chartrand, Spiritual Care Provider at Neecheewam Inc., explains Neecheewam’s approach to education.

Neecheewam Inc. goes beyond pedagogical programs in an effort to redefine concepts of treatment, emphasizing cohort and peer education through an “extended family” that results in whole person learning. Whole person learning requires moving beyond the text book to include academic, professional, emotional, and spiritual growth.

Indigenous Knowledge a Priority for ITEP at the University of Saskatchewan

ITEP’s mandate is to build a community of knowledgeable teachers who understand and value the cultures, languages, and traditions of Indigenous students.

Since 1972, the Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) has been providing culturally relevant K-12 teacher education programs leading to a Bachelor of Education degree and a Professional “A” teaching certificate. ITEP and its students endeavor to take back control of Indigenous education and provide an education that focuses on Indigenous languages, cultures, and traditions. ITEP is offered at the University of Saskatchewan with community-based programs in the communities of Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation, Big River Cree Nation, Little Pine Cree Nation, Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, Onion Lake Cree Nation, Poundmaker Cree Nation, Thunderchild Cree Nation, Canoe Lake First Nation, Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs, Fort Smith in the North-West Territories, and Kahkewistahaw First Nation.

Grandmothers for Indigenous Child-Birthing

As an Indigenous child-birthing advocate, Leslie Anne Wilson supports women and families in Saskatchewan.

Leslie Anne Wilson is a Nakota-Cree woman of the White Bear people. Wilson discusses the need for an Indigenous birthing network and she works proactively to instill an Indigenous midwifery and doula initiative in Saskatchewan. This initiative intends to reclaim Indigenous knowledge and traditional ways of birthing and parenting. She explains, women are the backbone of families and they need support. Wilson brings together teachings from grandmothers about birthing and womanhood for women to become empowered mothers. We must take care of our women because they are the ones caring for our children. It is integral to our development that we learn experientially off of the land and take care of the Earth for future generations.

Manitoba First Nation Science Fair: We couldn’t survive without science

Students with a passion for science showcase their work at the Manitoba First Nations Science Fair

Rockford McKay has been flying to northern communities for over 20 years demonstrating science to students in remote communities. And he has never seen an Anishinaabe or Cree pilot, but that will change. The Manitoba First Nation Science Fair is now in its 18th year. Only 20 students came to the first fair; last year there were over 500. Many come once, say ‘I can do that’, and return with their own science projects. Rockford blends traditional and modern science. He uses a snowshoe to illustrate engineering and problem solving; he has a portable planetarium to demonstrate astronomy and navigation. It’s just a matter of time before students from the Manitoba First Nations School System are flying, building, and designing those airplanes.