New program in education focuses on a deep understanding of Canada's relations with Indigenous cultures
On September 18th, York’s Faculty of Education launched the 2009- 2010 First Nation, Métis and Inuit Infusion Teacher Education program at their off-campus site in Barrie – the first of its kind in Canada. The program which focuses on the traditions, perspectives, cultures, and current and historical issues related to Indigenous peoples in Canada, is unlike other teacher education programs. While other programs may offer a single required course in First Nation, Métis & Inuit history, York’s program infuses understandings of Indigenous cultures across the entire pre-service curriculum, giving teacher candidates a deeper understanding of all our relations to one another in order to bring culturally-responsive and responsible programming to all students in Ontario classrooms.
The program was developed with several goals in mind. The first was to place land, Aboriginal peoples and relationships, in all their complexities of languages and cultures, central to the development of sound and caring teaching practices. Secondly, the program strives to excise deficit theorizing– which sees Aboriginal students as lacking in some way– from the hearts and minds of teachers. Finally, it supports a critical examination of the importance of understandings of relations between all Canadians and Aboriginal peoples in the development of culturally-responsive pedagogies in Ontario Schools.
The launch featured a welcome address from Dean Alice Pitt, followed by greetings from Linda McGregor, Manager – First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Initiatives at the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, Lisa Ewanchuk, Principal of First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education at the Simcoe County District School Board, Jeff Monague, Former Chief of Beausoleil Island First Nation and language teacher at Georgian College, Dr. Chris Paci, Métis Nation of Ontario and Mr. Patrick Akpalialuk, representing Inuit people of the area.
Marg Raynor, Métis, and a York University Master of Education student, read the students an Anishinaabe Creation Story, after which Professor Celia Haig-Brown led the group in an activity asking them to examine how they came to be in this place in relation to the Indigenous peoples of the area and to reflect on whose footsteps had preceded theirs. Marg Raynor closed the official launch with a haunting song about the environmental issues that face Simcoe County, in particular Site 41.
Close relationships have developed over the past year when the program was piloted following collaboration between faculty at the Barrie site and partners in local First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities. The latter bring their wisdom and experience to the planning processes, class sessions and special events such as the launch. This year, First Nation representatives from the local school boards worked closely with the Course Directors to arrange tutoring placements where teacher candidates work one-on-one with a First Nation, Métis or Inuit student. First Nation, Métis and Inuit community members also participate in the program’s Partnership Circle and are integral to arranging the one-week winter term placement. This special week gives teacher candidates an opportunity to live in a First Nation, Métis or Inuit community and to work in an associated school.
Linda McGregor, Manager of First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Initiatives (SMCDSB) tied the program to the current Ministry of Education initiative, “We all inherit history. What we do with it is what will make a difference as we move forward together. And this province-wide initiative presents us with a wonderful opportunity to make a difference.” Dr. Chris Paci, Manager of Education and Training for the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) said, “The infusion is an exciting day for the MNO to participate in. Our goal is to provide Teacher Candidates with awareness about Métis in Ontario, so they can improve the level of knowledge in Ontario’s schools. The Infusion at Barrie is part of a larger movement to improve education, one we support whole heartedly.”
Associate Dean Don Dippo of the Faculty of Education commented, “With its emphasis on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit knowledges, cultures and traditions, the program in Barrie extends the concept of community engagement in education in new and important ways.” President Lipinski also of the Métis Nation said, “As a trained educator myself, I know the value of having Métis teachers in the classroom. York University’s efforts will hopefully increase Métis student recruitment, retention and graduation in Teacher Education at the Barrie site. Having Métis community participation in the classroom is a very encouraging move.”