As Indigenization is the process of bringing together Indigenous knowledge systems and approaches with those of the mainstream academy, it is critical that this work be done in partnership with Indigenous people. If learning is to occur in relationship, it is essential for curriculum developers to build relationships and work together with Indigenous people. In this session, we will begin to explore how to build relationships with Indigenous people in respectful and meaningful ways.

As you develop curriculum, keep in mind that to decolonize teaching and learning, it is critical that Indigenous voices be brought to the forefront by including Indigenous success stories, Indigenous cultural approaches, and Indigenous-led research. In recent years, there has been much discussion about what counts as an Indigenous perspective and what is and isn’t appropriate to be shared and used. In this session, we explore these issues and provide you with some guidelines to consider when navigating choices about Indigenous content. We will also explore the importance of local knowledge and the role that curriculum developers can play in supporting Indigenous language revitalization.

As an alternative to the guided tour while the Mohawk Institute is undergoing construction and renovations, we offer guests a virtual tour. The virtual tour video was created with local production company Thru the Reddoor, and it follows the guide, Lorrie Gallant, as she gives a tour of the former Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School. During the video Lorrie provides the history of the institution over its 140-year history. Viewers will get to see the different rooms in the school, from the girls’ and boys’ dormitories, the cafeteria, laundry room, and other rooms throughout the building, as well as hear interviews from five Survivors of the Mohawk Institute. The Virtual tour is shown exclusively on the grounds of Woodland Cultural Centre.

A Woodland Cultural Centre staff member will be available for up to 1 hour after viewing the Virtual Tour to answer questions in response to the video, and other questions you may have pertaining to the lasting impacts of Residential School. Q+A content is meant to invoke further thought but must stay rooted in respect and privacy. As all Q+A sessions are unique to the questions provided by each group, there will not be any slides or notes further to the discussion shared outside the limits of the Zoom session.

About Woodland Tours - The Woodland Cultural Centre, a museum of excellence, opens the doors to Southern Ontario’s First Nations past, present, and future. School and Public programs, offer interested visitors the opportunity to discover Native Ontario.