In an effort to foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture and history, Continuing Education is offering a one-day course, centered around the resurgence of Indigenous knowledge and practices, with a particular emphasis on the Anishinabe of southwestern Ontario. This introductory course is designed to equip participants with invaluable insights into Indigenous traditions and methodologies.

Throughout this course, participants will engage in a wide range of essential topics, including but not limited to Indigenous history, the profound impact of colonization, the vibrant culture and traditions of the Anishinabe, Indigenous knowledge systems, Truth and Reconciliation, and the lasting legacy of the Indian Residential School system.

The instructor for the course is Valarie G. Waboose, an Anishinabe Kwe from Bkejwanong Territory/Walpole Island First Nation. She is a mother of two daughters, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of four. She is a second-generation survivor of two parents who attended Shingwauk Indian Residential School. Her doctoral dissertation studied the impacts of the compensation processes upon residential school survivors.

“The exercises in this program will utilize Indigenous methodologies to provide participants with a unique cultural experience,” says Dr. Waboose, an associate professor in the Faculty of Law.

Some notable exercises involve crafting a Reconciliation Policy tailored to each participant's workplace, and utilizing the Anishinabe Clan system, which engages participants to personally experience an Indigenous process to solve a communal problem, while practising a new process of conflict resolution.

Beverly Jacobs, senior advisor to the president on Indigenous relations and outreach at the University of Windsor, says she is proud of her colleague and friend for taking on the teaching responsibilities of this important course.

“Dr. Valarie Waboose is an amazing teacher and knowledge holder who will definitely provide learners with the appropriate curriculum of the Anishinabe peoples from this territory,” Dr. Jacobs says. “I encourage you to take this amazing opportunity to learn from the best.”

By course completion, participants will have knowledge of the history, governance, culture, and the profound impacts of colonization upon Indigenous people. This knowledge extends to important agreements, statements, and apologies, all of which play a pivotal role in the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.

The course takes place in person in Windsor Hall on Dec. 6, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For leaders in their organization who wish to send their team, group rates are available. UWindsor staff, students, alumni, and Hire UWindsor Partners are eligible for a discount. Email continue@uwindsor.ca for details.

To register or learn more about the “Indigenous People of Southwestern Ontario,” visit the Continuing Education website.