Indigenous Workshops

Remembering and celebrating the legacy of Steve Powley and the historic Métis victory
at the Supreme Court of Canada on September 19, 2003 in Canada v Powley

• Please click HERE to confirm your interest so that the registration form from Metis Nation of Ontario can be shared with you.

Target Audience: All faculty and staff

In this workshop participants will consider the detrimental impacts of trauma enacted through the Residential School system.  It took the bravery of Residential School survivors for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to finalize 94 calls to action. The truth is that multiple acts of cultural genocide fractured many Nations through the Residential School system. What does reconciliation truly mean in higher education? Reconciliation is not a one-day affair.

Key Benefits:

• Acknowledge how trauma and colonization have affected Indigenous societies using deep personal reflection (assessment)
• Consider the benefits of Indigenous voice in the position of your work
• Truth and Reconciliation commitments begin with self-awareness

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to [consider or be aware of the detrimental impacts of trauma caused by the Residential school system by acknowledging the TRC final report and honoring the calls to action through self-reflection, moving forward in meaningful reconciliation.

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Target Audience: All faculty and staff

In this session, you will gain a deeper awareness of Indigenous worldviews to effectively think about Mino Bimaadziwin. Indigenous worldviews are ways one receives knowledge. Knowledge is passed down through generations.  This session will guide you to value Indigenous ways of knowing using the guidance of the Anishinaabe seven grandfather teachings to live the good life = Mino Bimaadziwin

Key Benefits:

• Value Indigenous Knowledge systems
• Decolonize the Western way of thinking to guide other ways of knowing

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to respect indigenous ways of knowing and their contribution to Mino Bimaadziwin by appreciating the importance of observation in gaining knowledge within indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing.

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Target Audience: All faculty and staff

We are all treaty people. Maybe you have heard this saying. Canada is obligated to uphold treaty rights that coincide with the rights of Indigenous peoples. Treaties are agreements made between Canada and Indigenous peoples. These treaty agreements are alive and well today, but many treaties have been broken and not fulfilled. The Wampum belt is one example of the first treaty. In this workshop, the facilitator will guide you through the many treaties that exist across Turtle Island.

Key Benefits:

• Understand the many different treaties throughout Turtle Island.
• Understand the wampum belt and how this is relevant in today’s society
• Understand that treaties are valid relationships that need to be upheld and honored.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to define and recognize treaties as agreements made between Canada and Indigenous peoples by acknowledging the ongoing relevance of treaties today.

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Target Audience: All faculty and staff

Anishinaabe storytellers are important figures throughout their respective Nations.  Storytelling is used to teach values, beliefs, morals, history, and life skills to young and old.  What do land, oral tradition, kinship, and resistance all have in common? Why is it important for Indigenous peoples to have narrative sovereignty? In this session, we will value the connection of storytelling to land, and honor the Indigenous voice.

Key Benefits

• The significance of oral tradition and storytelling within Indigenous societies
• Move away from Western ways of thinking as the only true method of knowledge transmission.
• Why Elders are significant to Indigenous societies.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this [workshop], you will be able to [identify and speak out about ] + [common themes of land, oral tradition, kinship, and resistance)] + [by explaining the importance of narrative sovereignty for Indigenous peoples and how it empowers them to control and shape their own stories and representations.

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Target Audience: All faculty and staff

In this workshop, the facilitator will guide participants in acknowledging the local history of the land. The session will delve into the importance of naming and offer insights into respectfully recognizing Indigenous territories and land through the creation of meaningful and authentic land acknowledgments. Drawing inspiration from Kim Wheatley's perspective on Land Acknowledgment, the session will include interactive discussions and selected excerpts from her video.

Key Benefits:

• Understanding the significance of crafting authentic land acknowledgments.
• Exploring the relationship between land acknowledgments and treaty territories.
• Recognizing Canada's responsibilities in honoring Indigenous peoples and their unique relationship to the land.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this lesson, learners will actively consider the land they are situated on and demonstrate respect for Indigenous connections to the land by developing thoughtful and respectful land acknowledgments that honor Indigenous territories and their historical importance.

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Target Audience: All faculty and staff

Historical writings have often portrayed Indigenous peoples as a relic of the past—an overlooked and marginalized community within our society. Have you dedicated time to understanding your Indigenous neighbors beyond these stereotypes? Did you know that within Ontario alone, numerous Nations boast distinct languages, traditions, and ceremonies? Can you identify 10 successful and well-known Indigenous individuals?

Key Benefits:

• Understanding Indigenous people's identity.
• Shifting away from negative language.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this workshop, participants will develop the capacity to authentically engage with Indigenous communities, cultivate meaningful relationships, challenge stereotypes, and employ respectful language when discussing Indigenous peoples. They will demonstrate an understanding of the diverse identities within these communities, recognizing them beyond the scope of historical trauma.

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Target Audience: All faculty and staff

The powwow stands as a significant social event within First Nations communities, serving as a trail of cultural celebration. Have you ever wondered about the attire showcased during these gatherings? Among the diverse regalia featured in powwow dancing, the Jingle Dress holds a prominent place, often recognized as the healing dance. Are you curious about the symbolism behind the dress's cones? This session is tailored for you.

Key Benefits:

• Acquiring accurate terminology for understanding powwows.
• Exploring community, kinship, and family values.
• Understanding powwow etiquette.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this workshop, participants will cultivate an active understanding of cross-cultural dynamics by exploring the cultural nuances and meanings embedded in the Jingle dress and other Indigenous practices. Through meaningful engagement with powwow protocols, participants will develop the ability to navigate and respect Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

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Target Audience: All faculty and staff

Dot art, a contemporary art form, draws inspiration from Métis beadwork, substituting beads with intricate, colorful paint dots. The genesis of Métis dot art emerged within the Métis community through the creative endeavors of artist Christie Belcourt. Renowned for their floral beadwork adorning clothing, bags, and various articles, the Métis people have historically showcased exceptional artistry. Moreover, markers can serve as an alternative medium to paint in this artistic expression.

Key Benefits:

• Art is a great way to keep the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual self in balance.
• Art is a tool to let the creative side shine.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this activity, participants will develop an appreciation for Métis Dot art by actively engaging in the creation of their dot art paintings, utilizing available materials such as paint, markers, and other artistic mediums.

Our project will be determinded closer to the date.

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Target audience: All faculty and staff

Are you aware of the territory where you live or work? The Great Lakes area is home to numerous Indigenous Nations. In our previous sessions, we delved into treaties, land, wampum belts, and the power of storytelling. When we consider the Indigenous communities residing within the Great Lakes, we can establish connections with these Nations as our neighbors, fostering friendships and meaningful relationships. The moccasin identifier serves as an interactive, in-person activity that allows participants to engage firsthand with moccasins on the land.

Key Benefits:

• Geographical awareness of the Williams Treaty territory.
• Community connections and building relationships with the local Indigenous communities.
• Interactive and experiential learning on the land.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this workshop, participants will be equipped to demonstrate a heightened geographical awareness of the Indigenous peoples within the Williams Treaties territory. This will be achieved by recognizing the profound significance of treaties, land, language, and culture through purposeful interaction with the seven signatories of these treaty lands.

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