Niagara University in Ontario’s Educational Studies Department will present a series of workshops showcasing First Nations storytellers, Traditional Knowledge Keepers, a Métis artist, and Educators of Indigenous Programs during its 2021 Ontario Indigenous Education Series. This year’s event will be presented virtually through pre-recorded and live videos at Niagara University Indigenous Education Series | Niagara University in Ontario.
The series launches on Thursday, March 11, at 6 p.m., followed by a live event at 7 p.m. with Diane Montreuil, a Métis artist from Quebec (Algonquin ancestry), who will share the artistry she uses to engage and build bridges to open the lines of communication about Indigenous cultures.
Other presenters include:
Robert Cutting, who will present “A Journey,” which weaves his interests in history, science, and his Kanienkeha’ka ancestry into his storytelling and writing to give a unique perspective on everyday life.
Darin Wybenga, a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, who will present the development and the aftermath of treaties between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, where he works as the community’s Traditional Knowledge and Land Use Coordinator.
Laryssa Gorecki, a secondary English teacher at Toronto Catholic District School Board, who develops and teaches the Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies Voices (NBE) courses, and has been working on arts-based initiatives connected to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.
Mitch Keene, a recent NU BPS graduate who is now a middle school teacher at Hector Thiboutot Community School in Sandy Bay, an Indigenous community in northern Saskatchewan. He will present “Teaching in the North: Perspectives from a Newly Certified First-Year Teacher.”
The Ontario Indigenous Education Series provides a variety of learning opportunities for teacher candidates, the Niagara University community, and others. The series was initiated in response to requests from teacher candidates looking for ways they could authentically engage their First Nations, Métis, and Inuit learners, understand more about Indigenous education and culture, and be better inclusive teachers. To meet the needs of our local communities and to build opportunities for understanding, this Indigenous Education workshop series aligns with Ontario Ministry of Education strategies and helps move forward the Calls to Action #62 and #63 put forth by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015).
For more information, please contact Dr. Carol Doyle-Jones at cdoylejones@niagara.edu