February 2026

Masters of Indigenous Lanaguage Revitalization

Pictured above: Front Row: Dr. Belinda Daniels, Elder May Sam, and Dr. Ewa Czaykowska-Higgins; Back Row: Rosie Benning, Dana Roberts, Kiona Bob, Janelle Crane-Starlight, Miali Coley-Sudlovenick, Torah Harding-Laman.

MILR Writing Week

The 2024 MILR cohort participated in a Writing Week form Feb 2-6. 2026, with 9 students participating in person and 4 attending online. The students worked incredibly hard on their MILR projects and most of them are aiming to cross the stage during 2026 June convocation. Their projects are ambitious and exciting.

The students shared their deep gratitude for the department’s commitment to creating a safe, comfortable, and welcoming learning environment. They also expressed appreciation for the teachers, mentors, and staff whose guidance has shaped their learning throughout the MILR program. Many reflected on the value of the program not only for the knowledge and skills gained, but also for the strong network of colleagues and classmates - individuals with shared experiences who continue to support and uplift one another.

So all in all it was a great week, and it’s lovely to know that IED is supporting students in such a good way.

1st photo: Elder May Sam encourages MILR students to keep speaking their language; 2nd photo: Instructor, Dr. Ewa Czaykowska-Higgins and the 2024 MILR cohort. 

Indigenous PDPP

Pictured above: Instructor Kate Cruz and the PDPP cohort at Mystic Vale Ecological Park. 

Learning on the Land:

OCC Field Leader Certification at Mystic Vale Ecological Park

The Outdoor Council of Canada’s (OCC) Field Leader Certification marked an important step in strengthening land-based leadership and outdoor education skills of the PDPP students. Led by instructors Shaylin Warren and Kate Cruz, the first of two days took place in Mystic Vale Ecological Park, offering a hands-on learning environment rooted in relationship with the land.

The students explored the scope of practice for Field Leaders, event and trip planning considerations, and essential technical skills. Practical learning included knot tying and tarpology, emphasizing safety, adaptability, and preparedness in outdoor settings.

The land-based learning reflects the first day of a shared journey of building skills, responsibility, and care for people and places through outdoor leadership.

Pictured above: PDPP students learning land-based leadership and outdoor education skills at Mystic Vale Ecological Park with Instructor Shaylin Warren. 

Team Update

Welcome Carmen Wiigwaas Craig as Assistant Teaching Professor in Indigenous Education

Indigenous Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Carmen Wiigwaas Craig to the position of Assistant Teaching Professor in Indigenous Language Revitalization, Reclamation and Maintenance. We look forward to her contributions to teaching and community-engaged initiatives.

Please join us in providing a warm welcome to Wiigwaas.

Program Opportunities

Pictured above: 2024 MILR students and guests with IED Instructor Ewa Czaykowska-Higgins and IED staff member, Mary McCue. 

Deadline Extended: 2026 Masters in Indigenous Language Revitalization (MILR) Program

The application deadline for the 2026 Masters in Indigenous Language Revitalization (MILR) Program has been extended to February 10, 2026.

For more information on how to apply please go to our website by clicking the link below. 

MILR

Deadline Extended: 2026 W̱,SENĆOŦEN,ISTW̱ Language Program

The application deadline for the 2026 W̱,SENĆOŦEN, ISTW̱ Language Program has been extended to Tuesday, February 17, 2026. 

For additional information or to submit an application, please contact Tye Swallow at tswallow@wsanecschoolboard.ca or Colleen Juricic at iedlpa@uvic.ca.

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Department of Indigenous Education

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Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2

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