At SLC, instructors in the Esthetics program are giving "students the tools not only to succeed in their field but also to contribute to a more just and inclusive society" says Sheila Doyle, SLC instructor in the Esthetics program.
At St. Lawrence College, the Esthetics program has been intentionally weaving Indigenous ways of being and knowing into the curriculum, not as an obligation, but as a respectful celebration of the wisdom of Indigenous traditions. This approach shifts the focus from teaching complex and nuanced history that cannot always be fully captured in a classroom, toward integrating values, practices, and perspectives that enrich both learning and teaching.
Storytelling, Self-Reflection, and Lived Experience
There are numerous ways college instructors apply Indigenous teachings in their courses, one of which is helping to validate their lived experiences. This is an extension of the instructors' own journey to learn and grow their understanding and awareness of Indigenous ways. Students complete a self-assessment of their skill development, and to their instructor's surprise, students evaluated themselves more critically than their teacher would have. This exercise led to a discussion about how imposed hierarchies can sometimes lower, rather than raise, authentic standards and how that contrasts with Indigenous teachings which remind us that self-reflection, storytelling, and mentorship are in themselves valid and powerful ways of learning.
This is not only a celebration of storytelling as a teaching method, but also an acknowledgment of the wisdom and skills passed through generations echoing the value placed on elders and family structure within Indigenous traditions.
Integrating Truth and Reconciliation in the Classroom
Students in the Esthetics Advanced Machines taught by Dr. Aba Mortley, are prompted to reflect on the Calls to Action. Their reflection includes critical thinking around their origin, and the relevance of them to the service industry, and specifically the esthetics field.
The resulting reflections were thoughtful and powerful. Students recognized that the Calls to Action emerged from the testimony of residential school survivors, highlighting systemic harm and ongoing inequities. They connected specific Calls to Action to the esthetics industry, like Call to Action #22: Recognizing Aboriginal healing practices within the healthcare system. Students noted how this relates to estheticians working closely with wellness practices, and the importance of respecting traditional healing.
These responses show that when given space, students can meaningfully connect reconciliation to their professional practice.
Creating Space for Inclusive Definitions of Beauty
In their Aging and Nutrition class, students engaged with materials highlighting the importance of listening to Indigenous voices in the beauty industry. Their takeaways included challenging Eurocentric beauty standards and reclaiming personal definitions of beauty. Students shared how they identified with not fitting into traditional standards, and how empowering it is to redefine beauty through self-acceptance and cultural respect.
A Model for Other Programs
Faculty in the SLC Esthetics program have found that weaving Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being into esthetics education does not require teaching every detail of Indigenous history in the classroom. Instead, it requires intentionality: choosing to value storytelling, reflection, community knowledge, and inclusive practices.
Students are learning their profession is not only about technical skill but also about fostering spaces that are welcoming, respectful, and grounded in reconciliation. Instructors are proud to say students are embracing these lessons and will carry them into their future careers.
Students provided the following quotes as part of a summary exercise:
"In esthetics, supporting reconciliation can include staff training on Indigenous history and culture, creating welcoming spaces, and collaborating with Indigenous suppliers. Our workforce should reflect the diversity of our communities."
"In the esthetics industry, supporting reconciliation can include staff training on Indigenous history and culture, reviewing business practices to avoid unintentionally excluding Indigenous clients, and creating welcoming spaces. Businesses can also respectfully include Indigenous ingredients in services when culturally appropriate and with consent. Hiring Indigenous staff and collaborating with Indigenous suppliers also supports economic reconciliation."
Learn more about SLC's Esthetics program here.
