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Nurturing Métis Knowledge : SUNTEP Regina
Submitted by Russell Fayant SUNTEP Faculty
It is not uncommon for University students of other faculties and programs to wander over to SUNTEP Regina ’ s offices to inquire about the possibility of taking SUNTEP classes . Smaller class sizes and quality instruction are important factors , yet both of these may be accessed in any of the University ’ s three Federated Colleges . What makes SUNTEP Regina unique is its innovative nature and its drive to make Métis knowledge and traditions accessible in an academic setting .
In 1980 , it was recognized by SUNTEP ’ s builders that the general education program lacked a class wherein students could learn to understand , deconstruct , and combat the social ‘ ism ’ s that plagued our communities . In response , ECCU ( or Cross- Cultural Education ) was designed and implemented by SUNTEP faculty . The class was so effective that it became foundational to our programming and has since been expanded into two separate ECCU classes .
It was in this context of innovation and adaption to our students ’ needs that SUNTEP Regina recently developed a new course entitled ESST 190 ( Métis Traditions and Knowledge ). The theoretical basis for the class was established by Program Coordinator , Joanne Pelletier and Researcher , Dr . Sherry Farrell-Racette , and is instructed by faculty member , Russell Fayant . The primary objective of the class is to re-introduce students to prominent Métis traditions while giving them the skills to incorporate those same traditions into provincial school curriculum . The need for the class came out of observations of both our students and the university at large . For our students , who are increasingly urbanized and lacking in opportunities to engage in their culture , the class offers opportunities to get to know Métis cultural carriers such as Norma and Joe Welsh , Erma Taylor , Maria Campbell , John Arcand , Sherry Farrell-Racette and Wilfred Burton . As Farrell-Racette observed , “ Unlike First Nations students , there are no Métis-controlled elementary and secondary schools , and no home communities / territories
Photo credit : Christina Johns
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