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Learning Together Conference

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Learning Together 2015 - Indigeneity: Ways of Knowing

Date: May 23, 2015
Place: Simon Fraser University, Surrey Campus
13450-102 Avenue, Surrey, BC, Canada

2015 Conference Theme

Indigeneity brings us face-to-face with the places we inhabit and spaces where we gather. The original Latin ‘indigena’ gestures to being "sprung from the land," thus demonstrating the critical relationship between nature and human beings. This word also speaks to a critical relationship between different ways of being, beginning with the European word itself as a way of naming communities like the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam). Essentially, indigeneity is about how we relate to the world, whether we feel entitled to have dominion over it or entrusted with its care. Dialogue, curriculum, news media, and other places of conversation are filled with the tensions and expansions that indigeneity sponsors. This year’s conference theme attempts to hold these connections—between ourselves and place, space, time, being and knowing—close for reflection, critical examination, and thoughtful questioning.

Keynote Speakers, May 23 – Letsemot

Collaboration between Indigenous communities and School Districts to work together to enable Indigenous students to be successful through Enhancement Agreements

Colleen Hannah – Is a member of the Okanagan Indian Band and has both Syilx and Scottish Ancestry.  Colleen has worked as an Aboriginal educator in the public education system over the past 17 years in the Oceanside School District and in Mission Public Schools.  She has been a teacher, administrator and now a secondee at the Ministry of Education as the Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement Coordinator.  Colleen resides in Maple Ridge with her husband and three children.

Cheryl Gabriel – Is an elder of the Kwantlen First Nation. She is granddaughter to Chief Anthony and Rose Jose from Shacken First Nation, near Spences Bridge, and Chief Alfred and Mary Gabriel from Kwantlen First Nation. She is daughter to Grand Chief Joe and Maureen Gabriel, and the oldest sister to current Chief Marilyn Gabriel. Cheryl is the Education Coordinator (K to post-secondary) for the Kwantlen First Nation and an advocate for aboriginal communities, such as participation in the Provincial Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement. Cheryl and her husband, Lekeyten, of 41 years have five children and eight wonderful grandchildren.

2015 Organizing Committee