Teacher Education Programs gather for Indigenous Knowledge Exchange
Janice R . Thompson welcoming TEP members to Indigenous Knowledge Exchange Breakfast together , an opportunity for conversations and reconnections
Photos : Shuana Niessen
Dr . Sherry Farrell-Racette giving keynote address
For the first time since 2008 , Teacher Education Programs ’ ( TEPs ) from across Canada joined together at the University of Regina on November 8 and 9 , 2017 , for an Indigenous Knowledge Exchange .
Faculty , directors , and program heads ( SUNTEP , ITEP , NTEP , and YNTEP ) gathered in the new Nantāwihowikamik Healing Lodge and Wellness Clinic to hear presentations and engage in discussion .
Hosted by the University of Regina , Faculty of Education , the Indigenous Knowledge Exchange gathering “ provided an opportunity for participants to advance and strengthen relationships between one another , engage in transformative Indigenous education , and collaborate and plan for the future ,” says SUNTEP Regina coordinator , Janice R . Thompson . Thompson was involved in organizing and planning along with Associate Dean , Dr . Val Mulholland , Associate Dean ’ s Assistant , Wanneta Martin , and Acting Dean of Education , Dr . Andrea Sterzuk , and others who assisted with this event .
The day was hosted by Thompson and began with opening prayers by SUNTEP
Dr . Earl Cook brings greetings as Chairman of the Board of Governors for Gabriel Dumont Institute
Regina ’ s Elder Erma Taylor and opening remarks by Acting Dean , Dr . Andrea Sterzuk . Chairman of the Gabriel Dumont Institute ( GDI ) Board of Governors , Dr . Earl Cook , brought opening greetings on behalf of GDI . Dr . Sherry Farrell-Racette , professor in the Department of Visual Arts , MAP , brought a keynote address .
Over the course of two days , the group explored themes that emerged from discussions such as “ similarities and differences between the TEP programs and establishing a safe space for us to examine our work ,” says Thompson . Scheduled theme discussions included TEP ’ s philosophy , TRC Calls to Action , Indigenous pedagogy and research ( landbased pedagogy ), language development and preservation , and successes and challenges .
Thompson says , “ This invaluable two-day experience continued to demonstrate our commitment to Indigenous teacher training in the academy , and we are humbled by this . We look forward to gathering in the near future , and not another 10-year wait !”
Keith Adolph and Associate Dean Val Mulholland
Wanneta Martin registering participants
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