CBC News – July 17, 2018
“It’s part of our national program to reach out to Indigenous communities and youth … and introduce them to STEM,” said Doug Dokis, senior advisor for Actua’s national InSTEM program. “It’s to take them on the land and help them to recognize and identify with … Indigenous land-based knowledge and connecting [it with STEM].” The organization ran a pilot camp last year and this year is an official launch.
Hiawatha First Nation Chief Weighs in on Cancellation of Project to Update Indigenous Curriculum Content
Global News – July 17, 2018
There’s controversy around Ontario’s decision to cancel a project which would update indigenous content in Provincial school’s curriculum. Hiawatha First Nation Chief, Laurie Carr, joined The Morning Show today to give her opinion.
Ontario Curriculum Cuts a “Major setback” to Reconciliation: Indigenous Educators
iPolitics – July 17, 2018
“This obstacle to education flies in the face of the partnerships that this province is striving to maintain with Indigenous peoples,” the letter said. The association wants to meet with the minister as soon as possible to “ensure this important and critical work continues in an efficient and timely manner.”
Indigenous Leaders Concerned over Cancellation of Curriculum Writing Sessions
Global News – July 17, 2018
“The work has to get done. We made a commitment to do this work and most of the money, a good chunk of the money is spent already. We have people from all over Ontario coming, many in transit, people had spent money on car rentals, on hotels. To be told at the last minute is disgusting,” says Trent University professor Mitch Champagne.
Indigenous History Workshop
Bayshore Broadcasting – July 17, 2018
The Northern Bruce Truth and Reconciliation Group will hold the first of two events as part of the Walk A New Path Series in Tobermory tonight. The group says the event is an interactive learning experience called the KAIROS Blanket Exercise. The idea is to teach 500 years worth of indigenous history in a half hour workshop.
http://www.bayshorebroadcasting.ca/news_item.php?NewsID=102978
School Board’s Camp Wonder Brings Cultural Learning to Indigenous Students
CBC News – July 17, 2018
“The learning always begins with that knowledge keeper, so we have that authentic voice coming in here, helping those students to build that sense of identity and community,” said Tina DeCastro, a teacher consultant at the camp.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/camp-wonder-greater-essex-school-board-1.4749423
Sitka Historical Park Gets Benefit of Indigenous Knowledge
CBC News – July 16, 2018
“It’s really wonderful to have our tribal citizens share their own personal stories,” she said. “They are all able [to] share stories that are more authentic than what the park has offered in the past.” She said she was glad to see a more diverse NPS workforce, especially one so grounded in local history. “It’s nice to see so many people in the local community that are employed at the park, for one, and also we have a more diverse staff in our interpretive operation than we’ve had at the park than maybe ever,” she said.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/sitka-historical-park-1.4748639
Run Raises Funds for Trades-Based Youth Programs
Kingston this Week – July 16, 2018
Focus Forward for Indigenous Youth, a Kingston start up launched in May 2017, held its second annual 5 km run/walk at City Park on Saturday afternoon in efforts to raise funds for trades-based youth educational programs.
http://www.kingstonthisweek.com/2018/07/16/run-raises-funds-for-trades-based-youth-programs
Cancellation of Ontario TRC Curriculum Writing Sessions a ‘Setback,’ says Educator
CBC News – July 16, 2018
Grace Fox, who spent 10 years at Spanish Indian Residential School and has more than 40 years teaching experience, said she is still reeling after receiving the notice that the sessions were cancelled. About 50 people were to take part in the phase two sessions, and they were notified by email or phone the Friday before the sessions were set to start.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/ontario-trc-curriculum-writing-cancellation-1.4749041
Power Couple Paves the Way for Indigenous Learners
Times Colonist – July 15, 2018
“My dad would tell us kids: ‘You boys go and get a white man’s education and when you get the chance, you teach them who you are,’ ” he said.
Protesters Rally Against Ford Government at Queen’s Park
CBC News – July 14, 2018
Incorporating Indigenous knowledge and history into the K-12 curriculum is crucial step in reconciliation, Arscott said. “We have a right to view ourselves … in education systems. We are a multidimensional people, and we deserve to be recognized as more than our trauma.” Arscott, who will be going into Grade 11, fears that recent education decisions will leave young people “fearful and uninformed.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ford-protest-1.4747246
Indigenous Youth Try their Hand at Firefighting at Week-Long Camp
Winnipeg Sun – July 13, 2018
A group of 10 Winnipeg Indigenous youth are on their way to becoming firefighters, paramedics and911 call-takers after completing a week-long Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) career camp.
https://winnipegsun.com/news/local-news/indigenous-youth-try-hand-at-firefighting-at-week-long-camp
Premier, it’s too Late to Try Shutting Down Indigenous Studies
Ottawa Citizen – July 13, 2018
As a teacher with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, I have had the privilege of teaching “Native Studies,” as our board has shown leadership concerning such education for years. In my capacity as a teacher of Native Studies, I have received some of the best professional development of my career.
https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/columnists/mcdougall-too-late-to-shut-down-indigenous-studies
School Boards say Indigenous Curriculum will Continue
SOO Today – July 13, 2018
“We’re all Canadians, so I think understanding our neighbours, understanding each other, I think is a huge benefit to everybody,” Maurice told SooToday in April. “It’s our history.”
https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/school-boards-say-indigenous-curriculum-will-continue-984207
Threatened Indigenous Curriculum in Ontario Disappointing, but Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Remains Hopeful
Anishinabek News – July 13, 2018
“In cancelling these essential meetings, it’s taking a step backwards and can keep us in a place where lack of education and ignorance can continue to prevail – education is crucial to counter ignorance, so investing in education is critical in ensuring that this doesn’t happen,” says Grand Council Chief Hare. “We hope that the provincial government shares a similar interest to continue to uphold the 94 calls to action and walk the journey together towards addressing the legacy of residential schools, close gaps and remove barriers, support our culture, and reconcile relationships.”
