The Faculty of Education hosted an impactful program day for B.Ed. students this winter term. The day featured Indigenous educators and non-Indigenous allies facilitating workshops focused on such topics as: Treaty Education, anti-racism, residential schools, and educator settler-colonial positionalities.

With an emphasis on truth, justice, and the role of education in Reconciliation, these workshops provided students with important and meaningful insights. Facilitators explored Treaties, Indigenous-led education initiatives, and pathways towards transformative educational change. Students walked away with deeper understandings of intergenerational trauma, the significance of land acknowledgments, and their responsibilities as humble and respectful future educators.

Confronting Important Topics

A highlight of the day was the morning’s moderated panel discussion with Valley of the Birdtail authors Andrew Stobo Sniderman and Douglas Sanderson, alongside faculty member Dr. Frank Deer, PhD student Amy Carpenter, and B.Ed. student Caleb Rondeau. The discussion was held at University Centre in a packed room with over 400 people in attendance. The book, which was read and discussed in advance by B.Ed. students, faculty and staff members, examines historical and continuing systemic injustices impacting Indigenous communities, while shedding light on the complex legacies of colonialism.

Impactful Student Reflections

Students returned to the Faculty of Education for the afternoon where they attended more illuminating sessions. “I enjoyed learning about the two historical timelines and how impactful treaties were and are,” shared one student. “This is a useful way to discuss history with students and connect it to lived experiences.”

Another student reflected on a session about Indigenous land-based programming: “I am learning how to truly foster a relationship with the land, the real meaning of land acknowledgments, and how to form a connection with the land. A single story can change your perspective on history. The land encourages us to see ourselves.”

A Commitment to Indigenous Education and the Path Forward

Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Partnerships, Dr. Wayne Serebrin, orchestrated the day’s events. “Bringing together such a dynamic group of presenters,” he noted, “reflects the faculty’s strong commitment to preparing future teachers for integrating Indigenous-led ways of knowing, being, and doing into their pedagogies, and in bringing Truth and Reconciliation knowledge and actions into their classrooms.”

“As educators engaged in the ongoing work of Truth and Reconciliation, we have a major responsibility to commit ourselves to continuous learning with and from our FNIM and non-Indigenous ally leaders,” said Dr. Serebrin. “This Program Day was one small step on this journey.”

Thank You to our Facilitators

Miigwetch to our incredible facilitators:

Renée McGurry
Dr. Maureen Matthews
Allen Sutherland
Sarah Gazan
Kaila Johnston
Dr. Marc Kuly
Andrea Gallagher-Courteau
Stephanie Fredrickson and Kevin Lopuck
Kylie Bard, Laura Boyle, Hannah Chambers, MacKenzie Kreitz, Holly Laninga, Jonah Powell, and Rebecca Schellenberg
Naomi Dennie and Kim Crass
Ed Neveau
Kathleen F. Wilson
Sean Oliver
Trish Wilson
Véronique Reynolds

Special thanks also to Robson Hall’s Faculty of Law for co-sponsoring the Valley of the Birdtail authors’ visit to the University of Manitoba Fort Garry campus.