News

Indigenous Education Week with the Faculty of Education

September 23, 2024

We welcome all Education students, faculty, and staff to learn more about Truth and Reconciliation and explore the invaluable resources offered by the Office of Indigenous Education. Learn how we can collectively support Indigenous students and the broader community. 

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Daniel Laitsch, Dean, Faculty of Education

Every year, the Office of Indigenous Education, in partnership with the Indigenous Education and Reconciliation Council, hosts the Indigenous Education Week. Organized in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day), it is an opportunity to reflect on the enduring impacts of the residential schools and engage in meaningful conversations about our own role in Reconciliation.

“Every child matters – in the past, present, and the future,” said Phyllis Webstad, founder of Orange Shirt Day in her recent message. And as educators, it is our duty, not only to deepen our own understanding, but also help others understand the harms of Canada’s colonial past and present – as a way to build a solid foundation for a truly inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

A key event at this year’s Indigenous Education Week will be a discussion co-hosted with the members of the Indian Residential School Survivors Society about the many ways student teachers can bring knowledge and awareness into their classrooms. Community members will also have an opportunity to participate in a special Orange Shirt Day pin making workshop – a way to pause, contemplate, and co-create.

Please join us as we continue our collective journey to make Truth and Reconciliation a reality! 

THE INDIGENOUS GARDEN

  • The Indigenous Garden, located on the unceded, traditional territories of the Səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), and Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, is more than just a green space—it is a symbol of healing and learning. The Garden serves as a dedicated area for celebrating Indigenous knowledges, pedagogies, practices, and ceremonies, as well as reflection and dialogue. It is also a place that invites community healing and profound learning.

EVENT RECAP

  • On September 25, Professional Development Program (PDP) Education 400 students gathered for the Sacred Fire: Honouring Our Children event, part of Indigenous Education Week, which provided a space for meaningful engagement with survivors of Indigenous Residential Schools. The event, held in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, immersed student teachers in discussions, storytelling, and healing exercises that encouraged learning and reflection on the history and ongoing impacts of the residential school system.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Purchase your Orange Shirt Day Long Sleeved Shirt 

Location: Indigenous Gathering Space, EDB 8651 at the SFU Burnaby Campus (maps and directions).

The Office of Indigenous Education will be selling long sleeved 'Every Child Matters' shirts between September 23 to 27. These shirts were designed by local Indigenous artist KC Hall, in support and memory of the generations of Residential School Survivors. MAKE Vancouver will donate $10 for each shirt sold to the Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA).

Sizes: S - XXL (unisex)
Cost: 
$25 (cash only, payment to be made at pick-up)

Dates and Times

  • Tuesday, September 24, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday, September 25, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
  • Thursday, September 26, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Friday, September 27, 10:30 am - 3:00 pm

Reminder: Any pre-ordered (staff and faculty only) shirts not picked up by Wednesday, September 25 will be made available on a first come first serve basis. We also have a limited supply of 2023 short-sleeved shirts for $20 each.

Screening of 'Sugarcane'

Date and Time: Tuesday, September 24, 2:00 pm
Location: Leslie & Gordon Diamond Family Auditorium, SFU Burnaby Campus 

Sugarcane recognizes the legacy of the Canadian Indian Residential School System and its impact on Indigenous people and their communities. This debut feature documentary from Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie shares the ground breaking research and investigation that helped uncover the stories of survivors of St. Joseph’s Mission near Williams Lake.

Sacred Fire: Honouring our Children 

Date and Time: Wednesday, September 25, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Leslie & Gordon Diamond Family Auditorium, SFU Burnaby Campus 

The Office of Indigenous Education and PDP Education 400 will be co-hosting an informative and deeply moving event by the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. 

This presentation and discussion will provide greater awareness of the generational impact of Indian Residential Schools and how student teachers can bring this knowledge and awareness into their classrooms. 

Please note:
 this event is only open to Education 400 students.  

Screening of 'Tea Creek'

Date and Time: Thursday September 26, 6:00 pm
Location: Room 1200-1500 at The Segal Building, SFU Vancouver Campus, 500 Granville Street

Tea Creek illuminates the rich history of Indigenous agriculture, and the ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous food sovereignty. Tea Creek is an award-winning, Indigenous-led, culturally safe, land-based Indigenous food sovereignty and trades training initiative based in B.C. Filmmaker Ben Cook and Tea Creek co-owner Dzap’l Gye’a̱win Skiik (Jacob Beaton) will be participating in a Q&A after the screening.

Orange Shirt Day Pin Making Workshop

Date and Time: Friday, September 27, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Indigenous Gathering Space, EDB 8651, SFU Burnaby Campus (maps and directions

Sew and sip. Talk and reflect. Pause and contemplate. Join us to create orange shirt pins in honour of Indian residential school survivors and their families.

Please note: Space is limited. Please RSVP (required) by Wednesday, September 25, 11:59 p.m.

RESOURCES

Government of Canada – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Across the country, hundreds of local activities are taking place that commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools. Learn more about these activities and the history of residentials schools in Canada.

SFU Indigenous Student Centre

Wholistic Wellness Programs that encompass physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health. Learn more.

Orange Shirt Day Resources and Events. Learn more.

SFU Library – Indigenous Curriculum Resource Centre (ICRC)

The ICRC collects books, articles, websites, and audio-visual materials on Indigenizing curriculum and Indigenous pedagogy, in addition to post-secondary curriculum resources.

These materials centre Indigenous approaches to teaching and learning, and support the work of Indigenizing and Decolonizing curriculum at SFU.

Access these materials

SFU Office for Aboriginal Peoples

The mandate of the Office for Aboriginal Peoples (OAP) is to take the lead on implementing the Aboriginal Strategic Plan at Simon Fraser University. Their website also provides various resources such as:

Reconciliation at SFU (and beyond)

2023 Truth and Reconciliation event listings

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