Indigenous Education celebrates new classroom

On September 9, Indigenous Education marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of the dedicated Xʷkʷənəŋistəl | W̱ȻENEṈISTEL classroom within MacLaurin building. The occasion was attended by Vanessa Andreotti, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Christiane and George Smyth, founders of the Salish Weave Collection, alongside Curran Crawford, Executive Director of ACET, and many faculty and staff. 

The ceremony resonated with the spirit of community and promise of enhanced opportunities for IED students, faculty and staff. The new space is a testament to the commitment to cultural inclusion and educational excellence at UVIC. 

In photo above: Students from the 2024 cohort, with Dr. Lorna Wanosts'a7 Williams, who was a guest speaker in LING 577 The Global Context of Language Revitalization course taught by Sonya Bird. 

Graduate Programs Update

We are delighted to welcome a new cohort of students to the Masters in Indigenous Language Revitalization (MILR) program. In July, students from the 2024 cohort were on campus for two weeks to take the first two courses in their program. They are the first cohort to inaugurate our beautiful new classroom. The students will be completing two further courses in Fall 2024.

We are also delighted to acknowledge the successful defences by Mutang Urud and kwelaxtelot Karla Kay from the MILR 2022 cohort, the first students from their cohort to complete their MILR.

Andrea Custer, Vanier Scholar

Congratulations to PhD student Andrea Custer, one of four UVic PhD students to have been awarded the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Fellowship for 2024-2027. Andrea’s research centers on Cree-English language shift among Cree-speaking parents and its implications for language revitalization. 

In photo above: W̱SÁNEĆ Teaching and support team sit proudly with a new student from the fifth W̱,SENĆOŦEN,IST cohort launched Sept 5, 2024.

W̱,SENĆOŦEN,IST ‘Moving the language forward through the breath of the people.’

June to September marked enormous milestones for the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board and the partnership between W̱SB and the Department of Indigenous Education at UVIC. The Saanich Education Adult Center, which ran under the umbrella of the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, transitioned into the W̱SÁNEĆ College this past June, opening up new doors to students, and new opportunities and jurisdictions in their educational goals and responsibilities. As such, the W̱SÁNEĆ College has started to expand, and one of the ways is to engage two programs through Indigenous Education for Fall 2024.

September 5 saw the opening of the first ever dual cohorts of SENĆOŦEN learners. The fifth cohort of the W̱,SENĆOŦEN,IST 'Moving the language forward through the breath of the people’ begins their language learning journey into the Certificate in Indigenous Language proficiency for SENĆOŦEN at year one, while the fourth year BA SENĆOŦEN learners begin their final year of their degree. The two groups will connect every Friday in the COFIHÁUTW̱ (Coffee house) where they will only speak SENĆOŦEN to each other.

We are so grateful to be in partnership with the W̱SÁNEĆ College, for the spaces they have created for the programs to thrive, for the wonderful administration and instructional team.

New Degree re-named!

The Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Language Proficiency in SENĆOŦEN was officially approved by the UVIC Senate, marking it as the university's first BA program dedicated to a specific Indigenous language. This initiative acknowledges the ongoing relationship between Indigenous Education and the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board. To ensure that the significance of the language is properly recognized on the diplomas of graduating students, the degree has been renamed as the Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Language Proficiency in SENĆOŦEN.

Moving forward, in order to offer Bachelor of Arts degrees in other Indigenous languages, the Indigenous Education (IED) will collaborate closely with respective language communities to develop new degree programs tailored to each language as needed.

In photo above: Instructor MENEŦIYE Elliott addresses the incoming cohort of year one students and the returning fourth year BA ILP SENĆOŦEN students.

In photo above: Celebratory faces on the students (Janesta Lewis, Elizabeth Tom, Candice George, Naomi Toye, Sierra Pelkey, Kris Perrault, Shawna Seymour, Kimberly Harris)  and their instructional and support team at the start of the Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Language Revitalization program for Hul’q’umi’num.

Hul’q’umi’num Bachelor of Education begins!

Indigenous Education Instructors and staff were welcomed up to the beautiful Stz’uminus territory, September 10th, to share a meal and some encouraging words with the new cohort of Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Language Revitalization students focused on Hul’q’umi’num. The committed group of 8 students have moved through the Diploma in Indigenous Language Revitalization with their cohort, and are taking the next step of working towards becoming Elementary school teachers, with the hope of completing their whole program in their community. Instructors Rae Anne Claxton, Melanie Midgley, Dr. Ewa Czaykowska-Higgins, and Nikki Lineham, along with the IED language team, Colleen Juricic and Aliki Marinakis sat with the Stz’uminus Education Society representatives, Josie Louie, and Donna Klockars, beloved program elder Buffi David, and her sister Anne, and the students, shared a delicious meal and prayer song to begin the program in a good way.

The larger cohort completed their courses over the summer for their Diploma and will be looking forward to graduating in November at UVIC.

In photo above: ikawegi'lakw (Deanna), G̱wi'molas (Ryan), Dza̱mdza̱sila̱'og̱wa (Gloria), G̱wikilakw (Margaret), Tła̱lila̱wik (Tara), Pudłidi-ka̱na'ł (Patsy), T̓łat̓łało'na̱m (Steven), Badidu (Shelley), Dekilas (Emily), T̓łaḵwaka̱n (James), K̓ixk̓a̱lagidza̱mg̱a (Gin), Ḵaminawadzi (Pewi), ̓Wat̓sinagwis (Thompson).

Bak̓wa̱mk̓ala on the rise online and on the land

The partnership between Nawalakw Healing Society, Ḵwiḵwasut̓inux̱w-Haxwa’mis First Nation, and Indigenous Education at UVIC, saw two major milestones in the past two months.

Our Certificate in Indigenous Language Proficiency in Bak̓wa̱mk̓ala/Kwak̓wala students were fortunate to return to one of our home villages in July! After ten months of online learning, students, instructors and elders spent a few glorious days learning together, in-person, on our beautiful territories. We were welcomed beautifully and fed non-stop by our host nation and program partner, the Ḵwiḵwasut̓inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis. This on-the-land learning was part of our tenth and final course focused on Musg̱a̱makw Dzawada̱'enux̱w A̱wi'nagwis. Instructor G̱wi'molas - Ryan Nicolson did an amazing job of connecting us to our land, our history and to each other. As you can see, we are one!

The other milestone happened in this month, when a fresh, new and very keen group of students began the second offering of the Bak̓wa̱mk̓ala/Kwak̓wala Certificate in Indigenous Language Proficiency program online. Some of the graduates of the first cohort, have changed hats and joined the instructional team for the second cohort. Deanna Nicolson and Yola Willie remain the foundational instructors for the program.

Summer Institute 2024

This summer, a group of 29 students engaged in one more iteration of the Indigenous Summer Institute, having local artist Brianna Dick as our Artist in Residence, supported by generous friends and donors Mr. & Mrs. Smyth. Brianna’s talents and expertise were evident in the ways in which she patiently shared her knowledge with the students and the instructors who learned the protocols behind making a drum, painting it, and learning along the way the differences between art appreciation and art appropriation. Brianna’s art can be admired around the city of Victoria in murals, jewelry, and other artistic expressions.

Instructors Lauren Jerke, Wiigwas (Carmen Craig), Laurie Meijer-Drees, and Carmen Rodríguez de France greeted the students on June 3rd in the Ceremonial Hall for a warm welcome by ŚW̱,XELOSELWET Tiffany Joseph, a filmmaker, artist, and advocate from W̱SÁNEĆ. Dr. Jean-Paul Restoule, Chair of the Department of Indigenous Education was also present to share a few words of inspiration, encouragement, and gratitude with the students who chose this Institute as part of their learning journey.

Throughout June, the students welcomed guests to the classes and were engaged in a variety of learning opportunities, which included site visits to the RBC Museum, and the Legacy Art Gallery, as well as participating on Indigenous Peoples Day at Royal Roads University, among others. The closing of the Institute brought together a few community members, our supporters Christiane and George Smyth, and a few other guests.

Post-Degree Professional Program Update

The PDPP teacher candidates have returned to classes after a summertime break. A number of the candidates were able to take part in a visit to Alert Bay including the U'mista Cultural Centre. While there they took part in a wildlife and cultural tour on the water with Sea Wolf Adventures.

In preparation for their final practicum beginning in February 2025 the teacher candidates have returned to full-time studies. This term they are in the classroom from Monday through Thursday with cultural activities planned for most Wednesday afternoons.

Moving forward, applications are now being received for our second offering of IED’s Post-Degree Professional Program beginning in September 2025.

PDPP students enjoy Seawolf Tour

At the end of August, some of the I-PDPP cohort and Instructor Lauren Jerke traveled to Port McNeill. We had the opportunity to take a wildlife viewing tour with Seawolf Tours, an Indigenous-owned company working to re-establish Indigenous presence on their Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw territory. Our guide, Brennan, and Captain Sherry shared cultural and family histories of the territory, and we encountered many beautiful animals that are integral to the Land and people.

We also visited the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, which further deepened our land-based experience. On the return trip, students reflected on their experiences, discussing the responsibility to support Indigenous youths’ connection to Land, the value of experiential learning, new insights into potlatch ceremonies, the significance of art in shaping and sharing identity, and ways to create classroom environments that embody values like sharing, and respect.

IED Chair's Update

Boozhoo, ÍY SȻÁĆEL, Kla-yuu-hoo-ut, Gilakas’la, Dẕenēs̱ hoti’e, Ahniin,

What an eventful year it has been so far! Our Summer Institute saw the largest cohort to date, reflecting the growing need for Indigenous perspectives in education. The new IED-priority classroom was renovated in time to welcome the 2024 MILR cohort, ensuring our community-based students have a dedicated space for learning during their intensive weeks on campus. And, IED welcomed three new faculty members starting this fall. We extend a hearty welcome to Drs. Lauren Jerke, Hector Vasquez-Cordoba and Dawn Smith who are jointly appointed to Indigenous Education and Curriculum & Instruction.

The Faculty of Education also recently hired Kalaya Point as a Senior Development Officer. We look forward to working with her to find more support for Indigenous language revitalization and Indigenous education programming. It’s great to see Edōsdi returning in ever greater capacity to our unit and we’ve renewed our search for a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Language Revitalization who will hopefully join us in 2025.

I hope you enjoy reading more about the incredible things happening in IED and with our faculty in this edition of our newsletter.

Miigwec, Kleco kleco, Gilakas’la, HÍSWKE, Mēduh,

Jean-Paul Restoule

Indigenous Education welcomes three new faculty members

Dr. Lauren Jerke

Lauren Jerke (Métis, and Polish-German) is an Assistant Professor, Research in a joint appointment in Indigenous Education and Curriculum and Instruction. Her work as an artist, educator, and researcher is grounded in theatre-based, community-centered methods, where storytelling and lived experiences are central.

Lauren’s artistry is deeply intertwined with her commitment to address social and ecological justice. Through the use of drama, she works with individuals and communities to explore and expose the disconnect between personal realities and broader political and economic interests. Together, they engage in understanding the root causes of injustice, using theatre as a means to confront these contradictions in powerful, creative ways.

She has worked in a diverse array of communities, including psychiatric hospitals, elder care homes, medical and law schools, judicial education, urban Indigenous populations, and Métis and First Nation communities.

Dr. Hector Vazquez Cordoba

Hector hails from Naolinco, Mexico, and has ancestral ties to the Totonaco People. He completed his PhD at the University of Victoria in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, supported by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) doctoral fellowship. His doctoral research addressed the integration of music with Indigenous roots into Mexico’s national elementary curriculum. In 2022, Hector was awarded one of the 10 inaugural year Aspiration 2030 Postdoctoral Fellowships at UVic, and in 2023, he was awarded a SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowship. Hector’s most recent research project envisions collaborations between teacher candidates and Indigenous culture bearers on Coast Salish Territory (Canada) and in the Huasteca region (Mexico).  

Hector brings recent experience as a sessional instructor within Curriculum & Instruction and Indigenous Education. His research interests include Indigenizing and decolonizing music education in both K-12 and postsecondary settings, emphasizing the use and development of Indigenous methodologies from a perspective rooted in the global south, as well as educational policy and change. Hector aims for his research to contribute meaningfully to the resurgence of Indigenous communities’ ways of knowing.

Dawn sii-yaa-ilth-supt Smith (Nuu-chah-nulth), EdD

sii-yaa-ilth-supt or Dawn Smith is Nuu-chah-nulth from Ehattesaht. She grew up in the territories of Ehattesaht and W̱SÁNEĆ with her late parents along with extended families. Her research interests include a feminized and holistic approach to governance and education in relation to ourselves (self-determination), nature (environment and sustainability) and healing.  She is a grateful visitor to Lekwungen, W̱SÁNEĆ and Quw'utsun territories. 

Dawn has a Bachelor’s in Political Science with a Minor in Indigenous Studies (2003) and a Master’s in Indigenous Governance (2007) from the University of Victoria. Her doctorate (2018) is in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of British Columbia (UBC).

S’TEṈISTOLW̱ Conference, Camosun College

Indigenous Education attended the S’TEṈISTOLW̱ Conference August 21-23, 2024, hosted by Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen The Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections at Camosun College. The conference was a gathering for educators, administrators, staff, community leaders, scholars, and allies with the goal to build and strengthen relationships and networking. 

Colleen and Pam welcomed conference attendees at the Indigenous Education exhibitors table, sharing information about IED programs. Additionally, Jean-Paul, Carmen, Lauren, and Ewa presented "Making Indigenous Space in the University: The Department of Indigenous Education at UVIC", while Carmen presented "Stories Through Sound: Experiences in an Indigenous Adult Education Cengre Using Audio Recording Technology". (see below)

Aspiring to engage adult educators and learners

Carmen Rodríguez de France and music producer and composer Jon Epworth shared their experiences with conference attendees. Their presentation focused on the results of the course taught by Jon where students at the W̱SÁNEĆ College (formerly Saanich Adult Education Centre) learned to use software and instruments for sound production. The course entitled “Stories Through Sound” engaged a small group of learners whose projects were inspired by their interests, their passions, and even as a form to heal. With permission from two of said learners, we shared a song of mourning that touched the hearts of those who attended the session. We had hoped that the students would participate at the conference but it was not possible due to several commitments on their part.

Jon and Carmen expressed appreciation to the students, to SȽEMXÁMTENOT, Kendra Underwood, Director of the College, and to instructor Kevin Monk, whose support and guidance made this course possible.

nêhiyawak Language Experience celebrates 20th anniversary

The nêhiyawak Language Experience (nLE) has been a leading organization in the preservation and enrichment of Cree language and literacy in Saskatchewan for two decades. They have provided language experience and education to thousands of individuals coming not only from across North America but other continents. What sets them apart is their commitment to integrating nehiyaw values through language, ultimately ways of knowing and being. nLE fosters not only language proficiency but also cultural pride and identity.

nLE’s origin is in Sturgeon Lake First Nation, SK. It is a not for profit organization that is committed to learning language on the land, from the land in a collective process that is seeped into community and homes for aspect of intergenerational transmission of nehiyawewin. nLE engages in language revitalization research and contributes to the restoration of Cree literacy through workshops, presentations and community projects.

*Notably, nLE has hosted summer Cree immersion camps since 2004, that provide hands on experiences in land-based learning, reinforcing cultural connections and language skills. Their programs have been described as medicine, healing in the language.

#Bring the language home!

All Partners' Gathering

In June 2024, the NEȾOLṈEW̱ Research Partnership—co-led by Drs. Ewa Czaykowska-Higgins and Onowa McIvor—came together for the final All Partners' Gathering at the First Peoples House on the University of Victoria campus. This occasion marked the end of the seven-year grant and provided a meaningful opportunity to connect in person and reflect on both the learning and achievements accumulated over the years.

The gathering, held prior to the Stabilizing Indigenous Languages Symposium (SILS) celebrated the culmination of this extensive community-based research project. As we prepare to share the outcomes of the Partnership’s research, stay tuned for forthcoming resources that will showcase NEȾOLṈEW̱ 's impactful work.

Stabilizing Indigenous Languages Symposium (SILS)

June 5-7, 2024

The 30th annual Stabilizing Indigenous Languages Symposium (SILS), hosted by the NEȾOLṈEW̱ Research Partnership, was a great success, bringing 360 attendees to Sŋéqə ʔéʔləŋ (Sngequ House - UVIC) on the territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples. Centered around the theme Kinship, Connections & Leadership in Indigenous Language Revitalization, the symposium fostered a rich exchange of innovative ideas towards advancing language revitalization efforts.

Highlights included keynotes from XLAXELWET (Kiona Bob) of the Pauquachin First Nation, who shared her journey as a language learner and teacher, and Aiyana Twigg from the Ktunaxa Nation, who inspired attendees with her focus on youth engagement in language revitalization through technology and social media. The gathering was hosted by Glenn Jim, from W̱SÍKEM (Tseycum) First Nations. He generously shared his decades of experience in education and community leadership within the W̱SÁNEĆ territories, ensuring the event was grounded in respect, community connection, and cultural wisdom.

With over 70 presenters representing more than 30 language communities, the symposium offered a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, reaffirming the importance of kinship in our collective efforts.

Thank you to all presenters, participants, and organizers for making SILS 2024 a memorable and impactful event. HÍSW̱ḴE SIÁM to everyone involved!

Pictured above: SILS keynote speakers Aiyana Twigg, Glenn Jim, and Kiona Bob.