Presenters : Carly Renaud, Manager in Indigenous organizations Researcher; Mair Greenfield, Community Training Manager 

Institution: Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology 

This presentation will explore the crucial role of reconciliation and resurgence in transforming education through Indigenous pedagogy. It will begin with an introduction to Canadore College’s First Peoples’ Centre (FPC), emphasizing the importance of reconciliation in education and a brief overview of how Indigenous teaching methods contribute to healing and community resurgence.

With a focus on Indigenous methods and pedagogy, we will highlight land-based and community-based learning, such as our Kikandaaswiwin Mookiisin Indigenous STEAM program and Community-Based and Contract Training initiatives in First Nations communities.

The presentation will also define cultural safety in educational and discuss strategies for creating culturally safe learning environments through the lens of Canadore College’s Biigiiweyan Cultural Safety training program. Biigiiweyan uses Indigenous ways of knowing and relating to redefine inter-professional education, as well as live actor simulation, to train health care professionals in offering culturally safe health care to Indigenous peoples. The Biigiiweyan program has also been adapted and is an internal training opportunity open to all Canadore College students, staff, and faculty. 

Finally, we will underscore the importance of support services offered through the FPC, such as counselling, academic support, and mentorship.