Selkirk College Offers Immersive Opportunity with Indigenous Perspectives Course
By Bob Hall
A five-day immersive Selkirk College course focused on regional Indigenous history and knowledge will provide those seeking valuable insight an opportunity to delve deeper into intercultural relations.
For those wanting better understanding, Indigenous 100: Regional Indigenous Perspectives on Languages and Culture provides a five-day intensive introductory course that will explore the voices, cultures, histories, values, beliefs, oral traditions, literature and art of the Sinixt (Lakes), Okanagan-Sylix, Ktunaxa and Métis peoples.
“This timely course will offer a unique learning opportunity for educators, professionals, industry personnel, community members and students to learn from regional Indigenous academics and Elders,” says course facilitator Dr. Adela Tesarek Kincaid.
Intended for both students and community members, the course runs between May 6 and 10. The week of learning will feature guest lecturers Jessica Morin, Roy Pogorzelski, Grahm Wiley-Camacho, Dr. Marlo Sam, Elder Anne Jimmie and Dr. Christopher Horsethief. There will be a blanket exercise on the first day followed by four days that will explore a number of different topics.
The course is open to all learners in the region, either for credit or non-credit. A transferable three-credit university course, it can be applied as a School of University Arts & Sciences (UAS) elective for current Selkirk College students. For non-credit community members, it is an offering that opens the door to post-secondary curriculum and academic insight.
In light of the national Truth & Reconciliation Commission process and Selkirk College’s signature on the Canadian Institutes & Colleges Indigenous Education Protocol, it is important that residents, employees and students know more about Indigenous cultures, languages and traditions in their studies, work and lives.
“Selkirk College is engaged in the important work of Reconciliation by collaboratively developing culturally appropriate curricula through initiatives and courses such as Indigenous 100,” says Kincaid. “We are pleased to offer an introduction to the important historical, cultural, social and political realities that have and continue to impact the lives of Indigenous peoples. This should help course participants better navigate intercultural relations and inclusivity at school, work and home.”
The Indigenous 100 course will also be offered again from August 12 to 16. For more information on both sessions please contact Raquel Mayorga in Selkirk College’s Continuing Education at 250.365.1208 or via email at castlegarce@selkirk.ca.
