Pictured above L to R - Back row: Mary McCue, Colleen Juricic, SE'BA'YEQXYE Sierra Pelkey, Naiomi Toye, Janesta Lewis, Della Rice Sylvester, Suliquye' Buffi (Elder-in-Residence), Thee'al'ta'wit Krista Perrault, Dr. Alice L Meyers (Instructor); Front row: Kim Harris, Wushqtunaat Candice George

Rooted in Wisdom: Land-based Learning at Bright Angel Park

On January 22, the Stz'uminus BEDILR cohort and IED team members, Colleen Juricic and Mary McCue, embarked on a journey through Bright Angel Park, guided by Elder Della Rice Sylvester. This educational field trip, which  focussed on Indigenous plant medicines, was part of their ES 381 course taught by Alice Meyers. 

During the walk, Elder Della Rice Sylvester shared her deep knowledge of local Indigenous plants, sharing insights into their medicinal properties and traditional uses. Students had the unique opportunity to see firsthand the uses of Indigenous plant medicines, highlighting the importance of preserving and understanding these practices.

The experience provided a meaningful connection to traditional knowledge and underscored the significance of Indigenous plant medicines within the community. It was a memorable day of learning and appreciation for the rich cultural rooted on the land.

Pictured above L to R - 1st row: G̱a̱’ełi’lakw (Harriet Joseph), G̱wiki’lakw (Margaret Wilson), ikawegi’lakw (Deanna Nicolson), Maxwa̱la̱’og̱wa (Carolyn Dawson), Pudłidi (Rebecca Mackenzie); Badidu (Shelley Cook); 2nd row: Tłi’linukw (Linda Jones), Gwixsisa̱las (Felicia Greekas), Dekilas (Emily Lyall), Tła̱lila̱wik (Tara Nelson), ika’weg̱a̱m (Lindsay Beans); 3rd row: G̱a̱’ax̱stalas (Alana Jacobson), T̓sat̓sagila (Kathleen Lounsbury), K̓ixk̓a̱lagidza̱mg̱a (Laureen Alfred), T̓sogilakw (Denzel Wilson), ’Ma̱lidi (Mercedes Webb)

Laughing-around in Bak̓wa̱mk̓ala

In this new year, our Bak̓wa̱mk̓ala CILP programs celebrate four more graduates! We applaud Badidu (Shelley Cook), K̓ixk̓a̱lagidza̱mg̱a (Laureen Alfred), Tła̱lila̱wik (Tara Nelson) and Dekilas (Emily Lyall) for dedicating themselves for a full, intensive year of learning and sharing our language. They not only spent approximately 400 hours online, they also dedicated countless hours teaching our language to school-aged groups at week-long immersive language and culture camps at Hada (Bond Sound).

In addition, this term also marks the second term for our newest cohort. Each day we are joined by our wise-ones, and we support each other to strengthen our proficiency and speak the language of our ancestors. We are grateful for each other, our language and our wise-ones!

Cross-Generational Mentorship Language Learning

Fourth-year BA SENĆOŦEN students are passing on their knowledge by teaching the ASL (Steven Greymorning) method of language learning to the new cohort of W̱,SENĆOŦEN,IST students. This cross-generational mentorship highlights the dedication of both students and instructors in fostering language learning and well-being. The collaboration between fourth-year and first-year students (pictured above) demonstrates the strength of the language learning community and its commitment to revitalizing SENĆOŦEN for future generations.

Iluminating the Impacts of Indigenous Language Revitalization film premieres at the E₭ÁTEL – We Are All Connected event

The short film "Illuminating the Impacts of Indigenous Language Revitalization" by UATÊ STORIED LEARNING, created by filmmakers Kl. Peruzzo, MA, and Erynne Gilpin, PhD, premiered in April 2023 at the E₭ÁTEL – We Are All Connected: Global and Local Glimpses of Language Revitalization (UVic and Beyond) event, hosted by Indigenous Education at the First Peoples House at the University of Victoria.

This visually stunning and cinematically captivating film reflects on a decade of transformative work in Indigenous language revitalization (ILR). Through powerful storytelling, it highlights the profound impacts the ILR programs have had on both past and present students, as well as the communities they serve.

Illuminating the Impacts continues serves as a testament to the resilience and cultural resurgence made possible through these efforts, offering a moving tribute to the importance of language in sustaining Indigenous identities and traditions.

Request for Expressions of Interest - 2025 Summer Term

The Department of Indigenous Education is seeking instructors for the sessional assignments listed below.

IED 371: The History of Indigeous Education in Canada (June 2025)

A broad overview of the history of First Nations, Métis and Inuit education in Canada. Various eras in the history of K-12 Indigenous Education in Canada are examined. Pre-contact forms of Indigenous knowledge and pedagogy are emphasized. The purpose of education from both historical and contemporary Indigenous perspectives are explored as well as the current situation and future directions in both public schools and Indigenous-controlled schools in BC.

IED 372: Indigenous Epistemologies (July 2025)

An exploration of Indigenous knowledge and practices of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people. Discussion topics include: Indigenous worldviews, frameworks, methodologies, and protocols that validate Indigenous ways of being and living, and the appreciation of the mental, spiritual, physical and emotional aspects of Indigenous knowledge.

Salary: $6,800 - $8,312 per section, commensurate with education and experience

Deadline to submit expressions of interest: February 18, 2025 

Please submit (email preferred) a letter of interest indicating qualifications and experience, and a current Curriculum Vitae to:

Dr. Jean-Paul Restoule, Chair

Indigenous Education University of Victoria

P.O. Box 1700 STN CSC

Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2

Email: ied@uvic.ca