CBC News – March 7, 2018
Chief Paul Prosper of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation said he was “shocked” at the racist incidents, and students from the First Nation will remain home for the week. “This would allow us to seek out proper resources and to reach out to the African-Nova Scotia community as well to come up with a detailed plan on reintegration of our students into that school,” he said in an interview.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/antigonish-school-graffiti-1.4565502
Indigenous Student Leaders Propose new Students’ Union
Saskatoon Star Phoenix – March 7, 2018
On Monday, the ISC’s president and representatives of three other student groups called on university administrators to recognize the proposed Indigenous Students’ Union (ISU), which they said will amplify Indigenous voices.“It’s about being able to have a platform for our authentic Indigenous student voice to be heard,” ISC president Regan Ratt-Misponas told reporters Monday following a news conference at the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre.“Right now, under the current system that we’re operating in, we don’t have that opportunity to do so. So we don’t have the opportunity to truly participate in discussions of Indigenization and reconciliation.”
We Need to Dismantle the Systems that Perpetuate Discrimination
University Affairs – March 7, 2018
I believe it is also important to turn our attention towards more holistic management and administrative practices. We must develop an in-depth understanding of issues, be open to diverse views and opinions, and simply work at being more human. I am not suggesting we do not do these things already, but rather that the focus in institutions is often on metrics and what can be achieved; we do not always prioritize the importance of building human and more humane relationships. In my book, Colonized Classrooms, I talk about engaging in holistic pedagogical approaches that give attention to mind, body and spirit. This can be extended across the spectrum of an institution.
Lakehead University Native Students Prepare for 30th Annual Pow Wow
CBC News – March 6, 2018
The Lakehead University Native Student Association (LUNSA) is gearing up for their 30th annual Pow Wow at the CJ Sanders Field house on March 9 to 11. According to a media release on Monday, the annual pow wow is LUNSA’s signature event that showcases tremendous talent and entertainment, while reinforcing traditional aspects of aboriginal culture such as drumming, singing and giving thanks.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/thunder-bay-30-powwow-1.4562281
Bigstone Delivers Black Eye to School Division without Consent, say Members
Wind Speaker – March 6, 2017
Last week, Bigstone released a statement saying a lawsuit had been launched against Alberta and Ottawa, that Treaty money is being used “to prop up” the Northland School Division, which the nations says is failing Bigstone children.
‘Ask me Anything Indigenous,’ Teachers Say
Winnipeg Free Press – March 5, 2018
“With all the things going on in the media right now, the Colten Boushie (case), the Tina Fontaine (case), I knew that the students would be hearing about those things in the news, and so I thought it was the perfect time to start an Indigenous graphic novel and continue to talk about these things,” said the instructor who hails from Winnipeg and has family ties to Swan Lake First Nation.
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/ask-me-anything-indigenous-teachers-say-475871303.html
Second-Class School for Canada’s Indigenous Youth
The McGill International Review – March 4, 2018
The disparity between the quality of education received by indigenous youth living on-reserve and other Canadian youth in the provincial schooling system is shocking. The legacies of the residential schooling system are still prevalent in Canada’s 21st century discourse on educational funding – as the federal government fails to live up to its responsibility of ensuring every child’s education.
https://www.mironline.ca/second-class-schools-canadas-indigenous-youth/
First Nations Kids Take Part in Provincial Spelling Bee in Saskatoon
Global News – March 4, 2018
Organizers said the event is all about building student engagement, and lifelong learning for Aboriginal youth. “They’re studying vocabulary words – challenging vocabulary words. They are learning public speaking skills. There are so many benefits,” FNPSB president Pauline Favel said.
https://globalnews.ca/news/4061914/first-nations-provincial-spelling-bee-saskatoon/
Vancouver Film School Recruiting More Indigenous Actors
Global News – March 4, 2018
Caucasian actors tend to dominate screen time in Hollywood movies—even in roles that are meant to represent different cultures. But the Vancouver Film School is trying to change that by recruiting more indigenous actors. As Robin Gill reports, a B.C. actress and role model is leading the charge.
https://globalnews.ca/video/4061962/vancouver-film-school-recruiting-more-indigenous-actors
Laurier Celebrates Indigenous Education Week
Nation Talk – March 2, 2018
“Indigenous Education Week is an opportunity for the Laurier community to not only learn about contemporary Indigenous issues such as language recovery – it is also an opportunity to experience Indigenous art, music and film,” said Jean Becker, Laurier’s senior advisor: Indigenous Initiatives. “People can meet and develop relationships with a variety of Indigenous people through social events and by participating in workshops together.”
http://nationtalk.ca/story/laurier-celebrates-indigenous-education-week
Trent’s School for Indigenous Studies now Bears Chanie Wenjack’s Name
Kawartha Now – March 2, 2018
Just days after the federal Liberals earmarked $5 million for The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund, Trent University officially launched the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies. In doing so, the university ensured the participation of key figures in the movement struck in his name, among them Wenjack’s sisters Pearl Achneepineskum, Daisy Munroe and Evelyn Baxter, as well as Downie’s brothers Mike and Patrick.
Anishinabek Artists Shine at Nipissing First Nation Art Show
Anishinabek News – March 2, 2018
NIPISSING FIRST NATION – The warm weather had many art patrons out to Nbisiing Secondary School to shop for and appreciate authentic anishnaabe art by Anishinabek artists at the Nipissing First Nation 5th Annual Anishnaabe Art Show.
http://anishinabeknews.ca/2018/03/02/anishinabek-artists-shine-at-nipissing-first-nation-art-show/
Bigstone Cree Nation Taking Federal and Provincial Governments to Court Over Student Funding
CBC News – March 1, 2018
The chief and council of Bigstone Cree Nation have filed a statement of claim against the provincial and federal governments for what they’re calling a “failure to protect” treaty rights to education. “For decades, the federal government has given our monies owed by treaty to the province without our consent,” Bigstone Cree Nation Chief Gordon Auger said in a news release.