It’s been an exciting fall for our member Indigenous Institutes. In addition to each institutes’ journey towards accreditation, historic firsts in course development, holistic learning and new degree programs have been keeping the Institutes busy and making leaps and bounds for Indigenous education.
Earlier this fall, the University of Sudbury transferred its intellectual property in certain Indigenous Studies online courses to Kenjgewin Teg. These courses were previously offered by the University of Sudbury’s Indigenous Studies Department. This historic gesture respects the autonomy and empowerment of Indigenous peoples.
Six Nations Polytechnic’s Virtual Reality Asynchronous Learning Experience was highlighted in Ontario’s Virtual Learning Strategy and will facilitate the intergenerational transfer of Indigenous knowledge and language, while strengthening Indigenous technological capacity and accessibility.
Read on for more news stories about how our Indigenous Institutes are making their mark for Indigenous education across Ontario.
University of Sudbury and Kenjgewin Teg Announce Agreement
“By, for and with” Indigenous peoples – “This agreement is a gesture of reconciliation by the University of Sudbury with Indigenous peoples. It is a concrete, constructive and bold action that goes beyond symbolic gestures and words and recognizes the legitimacy of our communities to manage our education.” Learn more. You can also find more coverage on the CBC, CTV, Anishinabek News, the Manitoulin Expositor and The Sudbury Star.
Volunteers Gather to Build the Batchewana First Nation Teaching Lodge
“Visually, spiritually, emotionally. You’ll get a connection that you’ll find in no other educational institute,” Chief Dean Sayers of Batchewana First Nation told CTV News.
Six Nations Polytechnic Launches New Honours Degree Program
“[The new program] advances (our) vision to achieve international distinction for excellence in Indigenous education, Indigenous language revitalization and continuance of Indigenous knowledge,” says Rebecca Jamieson, president and CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic. Learn more.
What It Takes To Become an Underwater Welder
“Having the [women in trades] program so close to home was wonderful. It was awesome to go to school in a place where everyone pretty much knows me. Looking back, I think it definitely helped me push through the program. I felt like I was somebody. Everyone genuinely wanted me to do my best. I especially bonded with my welding teacher, Richard Green. I remember struggling with vertical welding, but he was always so patient, walked me through every single step and reminded me that I can do it—it’s just about practice. He kind of felt like a father figure to me, which I never really had. We stay in touch to this day,” Shelsea Hill tells Maclean’s Magazine.
Orange Shirt Day recognized at former Shingwauk site
“To acknowledge that we, as Indigenous people are being oppressed, even currently, from the genocide, from the past – and it’s still ongoing…They have to help bring that to an end, the systemic racism. That’s what this day is to me,” Algoma University psychology student and member of Constance Lake First Nation Mallory Solomon, told Soo Today.
Shining a Light on Six Nations Literacy
“Literacy is not just about teaching hard skills like English and math. It’s also about what people might need on a daily basis that might apply to running something like a small Indigenous-owned business, time management, how to study. Those kinds of soft skills are important too…Being literate on Indigenous knowledge is important too; knowledge, sustainability, food, spirituality.” Read educator and co-ordinator at the Achievement Centre, Nancy Gallo’s full interview in the Two Row Times.
Ontario Expanding High Quality Accessible Virtual Learning
“By continuing to promote innovation in the development of educational technology and virtual learning offerings, we are giving learners the flexible access to training they need to enter the workforce and obtain good jobs, regardless of their location,” says Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. Learn more.