Indigenous Workshops

Target audience: All faculty and staff 

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Target audience: All faculty and staff 

 This session will explore the meaning of reconciliation through the insights of Queen's University Chancellor Murray Sinclair, emphasizing its relevance in the university setting. Participants will reflect on how reconciliation can be advanced through their roles at Ontario Tech, including personal commitments to acknowledging the truth as it relates to the 94 Calls to Action, particularly in education. The session will encourage self-reflection and thinking about practical strategies for integrating reconciliation into daily tasks and interactions with Indigenous peoples.

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Target audience: All faculty and staff 

Indigenous peoples have often been depicted as relics of the past—marginalized and absent from modern society. But how well do you truly understand your Indigenous neighbors beyond the stereotypes? Do you know how many Nations in Ontario alone have their distinct languages, traditions, and ceremonies? Can you name 10 well-known, successful Indigenous individuals?

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will:

• Be equipped to collaborate with Indigenous communities effectively
• Understand how to establish meaningful relationships based on respect and understanding
• Be able to dispel common misconceptions and stereotypes about Indigenous peoples
• Use positive and respectful language when discussing Indigenous peoples, recognizing their diverse identities and contributions beyond historical trauma.

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Target audience: All faculty and staff 

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Dive into the transformative principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and its significance for fostering equity and reconciliation in Canada, particularly with First Nations communities. This session focuses on foundational principles such as self-determination, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), and the enduring relevance of treaties in Canada. Participants will examine the systemic barriers First Nations face, learn from powerful examples of advocacy and success, such as Jordan’s Principle, and explore practical ways to align institutional policies with the principles of UNDRIP.

Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Target Audience: All Faculty and Staff

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Join us for an impactful session that explores the lived experiences of journalists, storytellers, and personal narratives that amplify the voices of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S) individuals. This session will feature insights from Brandi Morin’s book Our Voice of Fire, previously discussed in the Bannock Books session. We will delve into the systemic barriers and institutional racism that contribute to this crisis, and examine the ongoing advocacy efforts working towards justice. Participants will explore trauma-informed approaches, such as the Family Information Liaison Unit (FILU), and understand the significance of awareness campaigns like MMIW walks and protests. Through real stories and actionable strategies, we aim to foster a deeper commitment to creating a safer, more equitable society.

Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Target Audience: All Faculty & Staff

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Discover the profound connections Indigenous peoples share with the land and the sacred knowledge passed down through generations in this virtual session. Participants will explore diverse Indigenous worldviews, including Traditional, Empirical, and Revealed knowledge. Through storytelling, sensory engagement with traditional medicines (via visual and guided activities), and reflections on interconnectedness, this session highlights the importance of understanding the protocols surrounding these medicines and their connection to land. Staff and faculty will leave with a deeper appreciation for Indigenous ways of knowing and practical strategies to foster inclusivity and respect within higher education contexts.

Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Target Audience: All Faculty and Staff

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This session explores the complex politics of reservations, from their governance under the Indian Act and the British Crown to the environmental and social challenges they face. Participants will analyze the roles of the Chief and Council, the impact of federal oversight, and the ecological degradation affecting traditional lands, such as uranium tailings and mercury poisoning. Through real-life examples, this session will highlight Indigenous communities' systemic inequalities and discuss pathways to advocate for justice and sovereignty. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the realities and resilience of reservation life in Canada.

Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Target Audience: All Faculty and Staff

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Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Target Audience: All Faculty and Staff

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