Summer Institute in Teaching Foundational Indigenous Knowledge
The Summer Institute offers professional learning for in-service teachers and school leaders supporting your growth as more effective teachers by deepening your understanding of First Nation, Métis and Inuit ways of being, knowing and doing. This deeper understanding will enhance your ability to address TQS # 5: Applying Foundational Knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit in your classrooms and schools.
Students may choose two of the four course options - one in the first session and one in the second.
Note: Any course times listed are in Mountain Time (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada).
The Program
July 7-25, 2025:
These courses are offered on the University of Alberta main campus, unless otherwise indicated.
Instructor: Sharla Mskokii Peltier
Classes will be held from July 7-11 (Monday through Friday), 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at kihcihkaw askî-Sacred Land (directions will be provided upon acceptance into the course).
This course will bring educators together on the Land to grow knowledge of traditional Anishinaabe laws and precepts. Anishinaabe ecological relational knowledge is based on interdependent relationships and 'Land as teacher'. An experiential process of reconciliation with Land is realized through respectful and relational ways of being. Educators will explore opportunities for children and youth to learn from the Land alongside Indigenous families and communities in schools.
Instructor: Darlene Auger
Classes will be held Monday through Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Within the nehiyaw world view, we hold the philosophy, psychology, epistemology, ontology, axiology within a relational framework set in the natural order of this world and universe. This course will take you on a journey of exploration on how we as nehiyawak perceive, believe, rationalize, make sense of, teach and learn, grow and develop to full potential as spirit and human beings. Expect some experiential engagement and learning!
July 28 - August 15, 2025
These courses are offered on the University of Alberta main campus.
Instructor: Dwayne Donald
Classes will be held Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to Noon (no class on Monday, August 4)
This course provides opportunities for students (as Individuals and as part of a collective learning community) to dwell with the key concepts and frameworks that inform current understandings of Indigenous curriculum and pedagogy. Particular attentiveness will be given to the idea of foundational Indigenous knowledge and knowing what those might be and how we might express our understandings of those in contemporary educational contexts.
Instructors: Trudy Cardinal and Megan Tipler
Classes will be held Monday through Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (no class on Monday, August 4)
This course will focus on bridging the gap between Indigenous teaching and learning approaches and Western planning and curricular requirements.
Artist: Stewart Steinhauer
Participants
This program is limited to 20 students. Courses may be taken individually, however, priority will be given to students in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Indigenous Education program - application deadline: April 30, 2025.
If space is available, other enrolment options are possible. Students not in the GCES program must submit a 1-2 page statement of interest including:
- A summary of your experience - teaching or otherwise - that helps us better understand your interest in the summer institute.
- An indication of which course(s) you would like to take.
A selection committee will review your submission and, if eligible, you will be contacted with further instructions on the admissions process. Submit your statement to gcesinfo@ualberta.ca by April 30, 2025.
Questions? Contact us at gcesinfo@ualberta.ca.
Fees
$1529/course plus non-instructional fees.
Accommodations: If you require paid accommodation, a number of options are available, including nearby hotels and Bed & Breakfasts. Should you wish to stay on campus--only steps away from your classes, there are two options:
- University of Alberta residences
- St. Joseph's College (please indicate that you are a Summer Institute student)