Two sections are now available for registration in the Continuing Education course, “Indigenous People of Southwestern Ontario”: Thursday, April 25, and Wednesday, June 5. Both sessions take place in person at Windsor Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Developed by law professor Valerie G. Waboose, this one-day course focuses on the Anishinabe of southwestern Ontario. Participants will engage in a range of 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.

It engages participants through two exercises: developing a reconciliation policy for their workplace and utilizing the Anishinabe Clan System to solve communal problems.

The first section of the course, April 25, will be led by Russell A. Evans, whose ancestral ties extend to the Temagami First Nation and Matachewan First Nation communities in northeastern Ontario. Dr. Evans, an assistant professor in the Odette School of Business, conducted his dissertation research on financial accountability dynamics within Indigenous communities and their interactions with stakeholders, including the Government of Canada. His ongoing research initiatives span Indigenous governance, economic development, research methodology, and equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations in the Indigenization of higher education.

“This course isn’t just about learning; it’s about actively contributing to the journey of reconciliation and forging meaningful connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples,” says Evans. “It’s an opportunity to become agents of positive change in our communities and work towards a more just and equitable future for all.”

The subsequent section will take place on June 5 and will be led by Russell Nahdee, Indigenous learning specialist in the Office of Open Learning, and adjunct lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Criminology. Nahdee’s scholarly pursuits are dedicated to fostering collaborative endeavours with Indigenous communities, with a focus on facilitating cross-cultural exchanges and respectful sharing of Indigenous Knowledge.

“This course aims to highlight facts and issues about Indigenous people and to penetrate through thought-provoking perspectives,” says Nahdee. “A range of topics will be introduced, along with class discussions in the hope of creating a better understanding of contemporary Indigenous people in the local region and in Canada.”

A portion of tuition from Indigenous People of Southwestern Ontario course will benefit programs at the Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre of Windsor. Find more information on the centre’s website.

Registration is now open. For details, visit the Continuing Education website. Group rates are available for organizations who wish to send a team. UWindsor staff, students, alumni, and Hire UWindsor partners are eligible for a discount.