In collaboration with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders, Red Deer Public Schools and Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) welcomed educators, faculty, staff and students to Indigenous Culture Camp held May 14-15.
"Indigenous Culture Camp provided an opportunity for participants to gather on main campus and expand their knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing and being by engaging with multiple Indigenous cultures from across Alberta and the far north," says Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean of Indigenous Initiatives, Red Deer Polytechnic. "This camp strengthened relationships, deepened understanding and reminded us of the responsibility we all share in learning from one another and advancing Reconciliation."
Indigenous Culture Camp featured 10 different sessions that provided authentic teaching and learning opportunities. The topics included land stewardship, Indigenous pedagogy and Inuit histories. Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders from across Alberta played integral roles in the teachings and experiences at the Camp, leading sessions by sharing their knowledge.
As a meaningful benefit for learners of every age, educators and post-secondary instructors can bring the insights and lived experiences gained through Indigenous Culture Camp directly into their teaching and learning. Yet the impact of participating in Indigenous Culture Camp extends far beyond classroom practice, enriching personal understanding, relationships and community connection.
Through these unique camp experiences, participants also had the opportunity to hear perspectives about engaging education and reconciliation as a collaborative path forward, which is supported by RDP's Reconcili-Action Plan 2023-2028.
The Reconcili-Action Plan 2023-2028 is an institutional commitment to advancing reconciliation through concrete, measurable actions grounded in Indigenous guidance, relationship-building and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
The Reconcili-Action Plan was created by RDP leaders, faculty and staff in consultation with Indigenous Peoples and community organizations.
More information about Indigenous Student Services at the Polytechnic can be found at: rdpolytech.ca/IndigenousStudentServices.
