Category Archives: MODULE 2

Reconciling Ways of Knowing – Two Eyed Seeing and Beyond

Module 2, Post 4

Reconciling Ways of Knowing is a website with a wealth of information that is the result of Indigenous leaders and Western leaders building a relationship to share and build ways of being and knowing, with the belief that both are valid and that by joining forces together the benefits will be greater than each on their own. I came across this website as I was investigating more about Two Eyed Seeing, which has been described as  “To see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing, and to see from the other eye with the strengths of Western ways of knowing, and to use both of these eyes together” (Bartlett, Marshall, & Marshall, 2012, p. 335).

This website is suited for anyone wondering how to merge the divide between Western and Indigenous perspectives in being and knowing, particularly as it relates to scientific research in the environment, and this suggests that these need not be two dichotomous perspectives, but that they are in many ways compatible.

There is a total of 10 forums archived on this site:

References

Bartlett, C., Bartlett, A., & Marshall, M. (2012). Two-Eyed Seeing and other lessons learned within a co-learning journey of bringing together indigenous and mainstream knowledges and ways of knowing. Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, 2(4), 331 – 340. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257804329_Two-Eyed_Seeing_and_other_lessons_learned_within_a_co-learning_journey_of_bringing_together_indigenous_and_mainstream_knowledges_and_ways_of_knowing

Reconciling Ways of Knowing. (n.d.). A conversation of national and planetary significance. https://www.waysofknowingforum.ca/about

The Melding of Mathematics, Current Issues and Events, and Indigenous World Views

Module 2, Post 3

I think the APTN is a great resource for bringing an Indigenous perspective to current day issues and events, and that could be tied into my math class in various ways. What I like about this is that it brings a modern representation to the class, rather than talking about past historical events, and it is more connected to events that affect us in a more immediate way.

Possible Topics:

  1. Mining on the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies – Blackfoot in Alberta look to educate community members on proposed coal mine
  2. Sharing Covid-19 Vaccines – Blackfeet Nation offers surplus vaccines to Canadian neighbors | APTN News
  3. Comparing the Mi’kmaw Fishing to Commercialized Industry Fishing – Mi’kmaw Fishing Rights
  4. Women in Wrestling: – A Look at the Women’s Wrestling at NAIG 2017
  5. Indigenous Sport – Bringing us back to tradition and spirit’: A look at Indigenous Sport
  6. International Beekeeping – 13 year old beekeeper from Hiawatha First Nation heading to Russia for competition
  7. Cooking Competitions – First Nations baker makes her way to the top three of The Great Canadian Baking Show | InFocus
  8. Traditional Attire and Politics – The ribbon skirt that made political history | InFocus

References

APTN News. (2016, October 4). About APTN News. https://www.youtube.com/c/APTNNews/about

 

Maskwacis Youth Perceptions of Strength ad Resilience: A Photovoice Project

Module 2, Post 2

Maskwacis Youth Perceptions of Strength and Resilience: A Photovoice Project

This video summarizes the positive impact that a strength-based project delivered to an Indigenous community. What I liked about this project is that it provided a focus on the positive aspects of a community, rather than revisiting what are more negative historical events. I can see the power of being present and positive in activities and actions and will use this article as a reminder to create opportunities for positive growth for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners by focusing on strengths and as we live in the present day and build a future together.

References

PolicyWise for Children & Families. (2017, January 20). Melissa Tremblay: Maskwacis youth perceptions of strength and resilience: A photovoice project [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4lvA61uDvs

Yes, I am Aboriginal and I Enjoy Mathematics

Module 2, Post 1

Dr. Florence Glanfield is currently Vice-Provost of Indigenous Programming and Research and a Professor of Mathematics Education, at the University of Alberta.   She was a guest contributor for “Equity Matters” and shared her article “Yes, I am Aboriginal and I Enjoy Mathematics”. I really enjoyed this guest blog; it teaches not to stereotype using her own personal story. I definitely want to use her story in my classroom!

Dr. Glanfield can serve as a positive role model for achievement in mathematics, academia, and reconciliation. Here is a Dr. Glanfield’s bio from a spring 2020 PD session addressing math and science teachers and leaders in education.

References

Glandfield, F. (2011, June 14). Yes I am Aboriginal and I enjoy mathematics. Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences.. https://www.ideas-idees.ca/blog/truth-about-stories-yes-i-am-aboriginal-and-i-enjoy-mathematics

Learning Network. (2021, June 14) IO20-19 Infusing Indigenous ways of learning in high school mathematics and sciences. https://www.learning-network.org/index.php/program/pdf/4646

Module 2, Post 5: What does failure mean to you?

You might be wondering, what does failure have to do with Indigenization?

I want to share this TedTalks video with all of you. Although this video is not about Indigenizing post-secondary curriculums, it is very relatable, especially for a non-Indigenous educator like myself. Akuyoe Graham’s wonderful speech is about living an authentic life (TedxTalks, 2018). She talks about redefining failure, listening to others, and giving space. She offers so much that I could incorporate into my approach with Indigenizing a curriculum. I shouldn’t be afraid to be myself. I should bring what I know (and what I don’t know) to the classroom. And I should be okay with feeling vulnerable.

Reference:

TedxTalks. (2018 March, 1). Living authentic life: Akuyoe Graham [Video]. Youtube.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcQSw28l6QI

M2 Entry 5: Digital Stories

Digital storytelling is an engaging and effective way to share personal narratives, research, and ideas with a large audience. In doing some research for my final project, I came across some digital stories that were documented as part of a research project called Residential School Resistance Narratives: Significance and Strategies for Indigenous Youth. Many of the Centre for Youth & Society’s projects make use of digital stories to foster engagement between participants and the wider public, and to encourage digital literacy skills. Below is one of these stories.

https://www.uvic.ca/research/centres/youthsociety/resources/digital-stories/index.php

Module 2, Post 4: Storytelling

Deep Healing Circles | Caroline Dupont

                                                                                                                                                  Photo: Clear Being

Storytelling

Taking the time to listen to stories from many different perspectives is helping me feel more comfortable with Indigenization. I am excited to share this online storytelling series resource.

Session Videos

The conversation about Indigenizing higher education can go in many different directions. This storytelling series talks about how to make the classroom environment safe and inclusive for all students, for example, moving away from the “square” classroom. This series also talks about what Indigenization means and I am starting to realize that there isn’t only one correct definition. Also, the idea that storytelling can be incorporated in all curriculums, including science, is encouraging for me to hear. As a dental hygiene educator, I can imagine how this would be a valuable opportunity for students to bring their experiences to the classroom. This may help make the content more meaningful and engaging for them.

I invite you to sit back and enjoy the many stories in this online series. I’m interested to hear what these stories teach you about Indigenization.

References:

Clear Being with Caroline Marie Dupont. Deep healing circles. https://www.carolinedupont.com/deep-healing-circles/

Thompson Rivers University. (2021). Towards Indigenizing higher ed. An online storytelling series. https://towards-indigenizing.trubox.ca/session-videos/

 

M2: P2: Concept of Place

Understanding that online audience are coming from many different geographic places and with different background information, National Geographic offers a range of interdisciplinary lessons on developing the understanding and concept of place.

www.nationalgeographic.org/topics/resource-library-concept-place/

Incorporating activities like these, reflections and opportunities to share with the online community can help create a shared understanding of place. Creating a map of physical location and the people connected in those places is one activity that can aid in this practice.

https://pltcanada.org/en/voices-of-indigenous-youth/ 

M2 P1: Metis in Space

I am on the hunt for podcasts featuring indigenous content, and I came across Metis in Space . This hilarious show is hosted by Molly Swain and Chelsea Vowel. Below is the description of the show, taken from the website:

WELCOME TO MÉTIS IN SPACE – THE PODCAST WHERE YOUR HOSTS, MOLLY AND CHELSEA, DRINK A BOTTLE OF (RED) WINE AND, FROM A TIPSY, DECOLONIAL PERSPECTIVE, REVIEW A SCI-FI MOVIE OR TELEVISION EPISODE FEATURING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, TROPES AND THEMES.

I listened to an live episode where they reviewed the VR film: The Hunt. They took time to critique the film and how it could potentially be seen as a “shortcut” for gaining indigenous persepective. These two hosts are hilarious, make amazing pop culture references and also have an incredible social commentary. I highly recomment checking them out!

 

“About: Métis In Space.” Métis In Space, www.metisinspace.com/about.

M2 P2: The story of the Hummingbird

This story was suggested to me by Shirley in relation to my research question about barriers in nursing education for Indigenous students.  I think it really illustrates not only the message of the story (perseverance, that every little bit  can help, even if the problem seems insurmountable, even the smallest of us can contribute, no act of kindness is too small), but also how media is used to tell a story that otherwise might not be accessible to anyone outside the community that it’s from. It’s such a beautiful story and I’m grateful to be able to experience it.

https://www.hummingbird.vancouveropera.ca/story

 

Yahgulanaas, M. N. [mnyhaida]. (2013, April 8). Flight of the hummingbird – Haida manga [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/naj6zZakgEg