Professional Development in Indigenous Education for Teachers

Teachers have a crucial role in influencing the lives and futures of their students. In Canada, there’s a growing emphasis on Indigenous education, making it a popular subject for professional development (PD).

In this post, we’ll explore various PD opportunities related to Indigenous education in Canada. These programs, workshops, and resources can help teachers understand Indigenous history, culture, and perspectives and offer tools to create an inclusive and respectful classroom environment.

Why Is PD About Indigenous Education Important?

Before diving into PD opportunities, it’s important to understand why Indigenous education is essential for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. 

Canada is home to many Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, each with their own languages, cultures, and traditions that have been passed down for many generations. For many years, Indigenous knowledge and perspectives were excluded from the Canadian education system. Moreover, institutions like residential schools discouraged Indigenous students from speaking their languages or practicing their culture.

PD can help educators become more confident and competent in teaching about the diversity of Indigenous Peoples and incorporating Indigenous perspectives and voices into their teaching. It also helps teachers understand how to talk to students honestly and truthfully about settler colonization in Canada. Learning about Indigenous perspectives gives students a more well-rounded understanding of historical and contemporary issues affecting Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous students benefit from seeing their culture and history reflected in the classroom, which can help foster a sense of pride and belonging. Non-Indigenous students, on the other hand, can gain valuable insights into the rich traditions and knowledge systems of Indigenous Peoples.

There is a growing recognition of the importance of reconciliation and learning from Indigenous Peoples. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) made 94 Calls to Action, several of which focused on education. One main goal is to ensure that all students learn about Indigenous history, including the impact of residential schools, treaties, and the ongoing contributions of Indigenous Peoples to Canadian society. By integrating Indigenous education into the curriculum, teachers can contribute to the ongoing process of reconciliation, helping to build a future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples can live and learn together with respect and understanding.

PD Opportunities in Indigenous Education for Teachers

There are many PD opportunities for teachers who want to learn more about Indigenous education:

1. University Courses and Certificate Programs

Several Canadian universities offer courses and certificate programs focused on Indigenous education. These programs are designed for teachers and educators who want to deepen their understanding of Indigenous perspectives and ways of learning.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers various programs related to Indigenous Education. One example is a free online course called Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education, which focuses on Indigenous knowledge systems, decolonization, and the role of education in reconciliation. Teachers who complete the program will have a stronger foundation for integrating Indigenous content into their teaching practices.

Wilfrid Laurier University has a Decolonizing Education Certificate that focuses on understanding Indigenous perspectives on decolonizing education and on your own position in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples.

2. Online Learning and Resources

Online courses and resources provide a flexible option for teachers who prefer to learn at their own pace.

The University of Alberta offers a free online course called Indigenous Canada. This course covers important topics like the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, their relationship with the land, and the impact of colonialism. It’s a great starting point for teachers who want to deepen their understanding of Indigenous perspectives.

Additionally, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) has created a website called Imagineaction, which offers resources and lesson plans focused on Indigenous education. After creating an account, teachers can find activities, videos, and readings to help them introduce Indigenous knowledge and culture into their classrooms.

3. Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders

One of the best ways for teachers to learn about Indigenous education is by connecting with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders. These community members hold valuable knowledge about Indigenous traditions, teachings, and worldviews. Many Indigenous communities are willing to partner with schools to offer guidance and support. Some school boards may also have access to Indigenous education consultants who can help facilitate these connections and provide additional resources. If you want to learn more about connecting with Indigenous communities, check out this blog post.

4. Conferences

Conferences are great ways for teachers to engage with Indigenous education on a shorter-term basis. These events often bring together educators, Indigenous leaders, and Knowledge Keepers to discuss best practices for teaching Indigenous topics in the classroom.

The First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education Association of Ontario (FNMIEAO) hosts annual conferences where teachers can learn directly from Indigenous educators and Elders. These conferences focus on land-based learning, Indigenous language revitalization, and integrating Indigenous perspectives across subjects like math, science, and social studies.

Indspire’s National Gathering is an annual conference for K–12 teachers. It offers workshops on student engagement strategies, classroom best practices, and trends affecting Indigenous students, among many other topics! It’s a wonderful chance to connect, learn, and grow alongside other educators.

The First Nations Education Conference is an annual conference hosted by the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) featuring different themes related to Indigenous education. This workshop-based event offers an opportunity for educators to connect, share, and learn more about advancing Indigenous education.

5. Workshops

Workshops are another way teachers can increase their familiarity and confidence with Indigenous education. Many school districts offer workshops that cover topics such as treaty education, teaching about residential schools, or understanding the importance of land and nature in Indigenous cultures. Check with your local school boards or professional organizations for upcoming events.

Learning Bird also offers several different professional development sessions on a variety of topics, including Outdoor Education, Incorporating Indigenous Pedagogies, and Indigenous Approaches to Assessment. If you’re interested in exploring our PD opportunities, visit this page to download our workshop brochure.

Conclusion

Indigenous education is an essential part of today’s classroom, and PD opportunities provide teachers with the tools to succeed. Whether it’s through university programs, workshops, online courses, or partnerships with Indigenous communities, there are many ways for educators to deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

Hosting Indigenous Guest Speakers and Events

Bringing Indigenous guest speakers and cultural events to your school is a wonderful way to introduce students to the rich traditions, knowledge, and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples. Organizing these visits requires careful planning and respect for Indigenous cultures. Here are some tips to help you successfully host Indigenous guest speakers and cultural events.

Build Relationships With Indigenous Communities

Before inviting a guest speaker or planning an event, it’s essential to build relationships with local Indigenous communities. This step shows respect and helps ensure the event is meaningful for everyone.

Tips for building relationships:

  • Attend community events. By participating in local Indigenous-led events, you can learn more about the community and show your support.
  • Reach out to local Indigenous organizations or community leaders. Introduce yourself and explain your interest in including Indigenous perspectives in your event(s).
  • Ask for advice. When planning your event, ask Indigenous community members for their input on who might be a good speaker or what kind of event would be appropriate. This helps make sure the event is respectful and relevant.

If you’re unsure how to connect with local events, organizations, and communities, your local Friendship Centre is a great place to start.

Inviting Participation

Think about the nature of the event, the topic you want learners to explore, and the age of your learners. Before you begin inviting Indigenous guests, reflect on what you are looking for by extending the invitation. Once you are clear on your goals, here are some tips for reaching out:

Tips for inviting a guest speaker or planning an event:

  • Not all Indigenous people are experts in all aspects of their culture. Choose a speaker with specific knowledge of the topic you want to cover. Ensure the speaker or event is appropriate and well-suited to the age level of the attendees. 
  • Plan to ask the person(s) to participate in your event in person, especially if you invite an Elder. You can learn more about the correct Protocols for inviting Indigenous Peoples to your event from your local Friendship Centre or Nation government office. Make sure you invite them to stay for the entire event and find out about the appropriate compensation you can offer for the knowledge they share.
  • In many cultures, offering tobacco or burning sage, a practice known as Smudging, at the beginning of an event is customary. Ask if the speaker you’re inviting plans on holding ceremonies such as offering tobacco or Smudging. If so, ask what you can do to prepare the space accordingly. 
  • Elders may require additional considerations. Many Elders and Knowledge Keepers have busy schedules inside and outside their communities, so ask them to participate well in advance. Consider how you will organize transportation and seating and how you will accommodate other medical needs, health issues, or disabilities. When serving refreshments, it is customary to serve Elders first.

Planning and Facilitating the Event

Creating an environment that makes Indigenous guests feel welcome and respected is essential. This includes both the physical space and the attitude of everyone involved. As a facilitator, it’s your job to guide the experience, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that learners are prepared to engage with Indigenous community members.

Tips for creating a respectful environment:

  • Choose your event location. Think about whether it is culturally safe and accessible. This means considering people with mobility challenges and the historical context of a particular place as well as any technical needs the event may have. 
  • Set up the space thoughtfully. Arrange the room so everyone can see and hear the speaker(s). 
  • Make sure participants will be comfortable. Make sure there is water available for the speaker(s) and seating for Elders and anyone else who may need to sit. 
  • Greet and thank the speaker. Welcome the speaker when they arrive and introduce them to everyone. This helps the speaker feel comfortable and appreciated. Express your appreciation for their attendance and contributions to your event.
  • Acknowledge the land. Begin the event with a territorial acknowledgment, recognizing that your school or event location is on Indigenous land. This shows respect for the history and presence of Indigenous Peoples. If your school does not have a territorial acknowledgement, you can learn how to write one here.
  • Be conscious of time. Be mindful that it is disrespectful to rush Elders or other presenters. Consider leaving some wiggle room in your schedule. It’s also a good idea to make sure other members of the event team know that the schedule may change as needed. 

Continuing the Learning

Hosting a guest speaker or cultural event shouldn’t be a one-time occurrence. To truly honour Indigenous cultures, it’s important to continue learning and incorporating Indigenous perspectives into your school and classroom.

Tips to continue the learning:

  • Integrate Indigenous perspectives into your curriculum. Look for ways to include Indigenous knowledge and stories in your regular lessons, whether in history, science, art, or other subjects.
  • Don’t stop at one event. Consider hosting regular Indigenous speakers or events throughout the year. Continue attending events in the Indigenous community as well. 
  • Encourage ongoing dialogue. Keep the conversation going by discussing Indigenous issues and perspectives in class. Encourage learners to explore these topics further on their own.
  • Reflect on the event. Consider what went well and what you would do differently next time. Note anything you learned that you could apply when inviting speakers or hosting future events. Spend some time reflecting with your learners, too. Encourage them to think about what they learned, and invite them to share their ideas with a partner, through a reflection assignment, or in a class discussion.

Conclusion

Spending time with one another through shared events is essential to building respectful relationships that are the foundation of reconciliation. Hosting Indigenous guest speakers and cultural events is a valuable way of enriching your learners’ education and creating a more inclusive school environment. By building relationships with Indigenous communities, planning ahead, and reflecting on the experience, you can ensure these visits are meaningful and respectful. Remember, the goal is not just to have a one-time event but to create a lasting appreciation and understanding of Indigenous cultures and perspectives in your school.

References

First Peoples’ Cultural Council. (n.d.). Working with Elders. https://fpcc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FPCC-Working-with-Elders_FINAL.pdf  

Northern College Indigenous Services & Initiatives. (2022). The four sacred medicines. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://www.northernc.on.ca/indigenous/four-sacred-medicines/