New course supports Indigenous and non-Indigenous engagement
How can we cultivate stronger partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities? Protocols and Practices for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Engagement is a new course for learners involved in consultation, collaboration and engagement with Indigenous Peoples and communities.
The online course begins in September and was created by Indigenous education specialists Robyn Grebliunas and Connie Strayer, who will also instruct the course. Both Grebliunas and Strayer are Indigenous Peoples in Canada who have had the honour of working under the teachings of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers in First Nations communities.
鈥淐onnie and I view our work in Indigenous education as part of our reconciliation journey,鈥� says Grebliunas. 鈥淚n the words of the Honourable Murray Sinclair, 鈥榬econciliation is everyone鈥檚 responsibility.鈥� We are honoured to have the opportunity to develop and deliver this course A片资源吧. We also really enjoy working together, and we know our students will enjoy this too.鈥�
While the four-week course is largely self-paced, it will include an opening circle and a closing circle that students can join online in real time.
鈥淥ur teaching values meet students where they are on their learning path,鈥� explains Grebliunas. 鈥淟earning is circular. We will start with a welcome circle where we will meet the learners and get to know more about the knowledge and curiosity they bring to the course.鈥�
For Grebliunas and Strayer, learning is not a linear process where an instructor simply hands content to the learner.
鈥淥ur teachings are grounded in two-way learning: learner to learner, learner to instructor, instructor to learner, content to learner, and land to learner,鈥� says Grebliunas. 鈥淭he course is developed to be engaging and create two-way learning that is strength-based, safe and respectful. In our traditional ways, we will open and close in circle.鈥�
The course forms part of SFU鈥檚 Dialogue and Civic Engagement Certificate program, but it鈥檚 available to all learners. According to Grebliunas and Strayer, it can help anyone already working in (or anticipating working in) Indigenous and non-Indigenous relations, as well as anyone on their reconciliation journey seeking more knowledge.
Registration is now open for the course, which launches on September 17.