UNIVERSITÉ DU QUÉBEC EN ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE
Indigenous issues: an updated version of PIWASEHA training

UQAT's Continuing Education Service, in partnership with the Algonquin Nation Programs and Services Secretariat, is proud to present a new, updated version of PIWASEHA (First Light of Dawn) - Indigenous Cultures and Realities flagship training program. The 7-hour training course is already available to all individuals, organizations and companies wishing to deepen their understanding of Indigenous issues and take concrete step towards reconciliation between peoples.

Since the first PIWASEHA training course was launched nearly 15 years ago, a host of events have occurred in Quebec, Canada and around the world in connection with Indigenous issues. "Legal decisions, research studies and commission of inquiry reports have not only left their mark on the news, but have also influenced relations between First Peoples and the general population. These elements were decisive and must be highlighted in this training program, which is the basis for all our development activities aimed at raising awareness of Indigenous issues," explains Julie-Anne Bérubé, Project Manager and Indigenous Affairs Trainer at UQAT's Continuing Education Service.

The entire training structure has been revised, including visuals, theoretical concepts and audio-visual content. Group discussions and reflections are offered to participants to encourage personal and professional awareness. Sensitive subjects are also tackled from a different angle, including the realities of pre-colonial First Peoples, residential schools (past and present impacts) and Indigenous activism.

"An important section has been added to the new version of the training program. Entitled "Enlightening the path - When we know better, we do better", it proposes concrete courses of action for participants to move forward together. We can't say it often enough: education is a decisive vector for change towards a more just and inclusive society. We need to follow PIWASEHA," says Donna McBride, Project Manager for the Fight against Racism and Discrimination in Canada's Healthcare Systems program.

A uniquely distinctive approach 

For nearly 15 years, UQAT's Continuing Education Service has been offering professional development activities on Indigenous issues, the fruit of ongoing and constant collaboration with partners who are members of the First Peoples. The project to develop the PIWASEHA training program, at a time when Indigenous issues were occupying very little public space, was born of a shared desire between UQAT and the Algonquin Nation's Programs and Services Secretariat.

"In order to recognize the expertise of First Nations and Inuit in matters that concern them, the voice of Indigenous people must be given pride of place. This is what UQAT, and more specifically its Continuing Education Department, is doing in this case. It's a work of co-construction," adds Annie Presseault, Acting Director of the Algonquin Nation Programs and Services Secretariat.

PIWASEHA: 15 years of raising awareness

Since its launch in 2010, PIWASEHA training has been offered more than 400 times. It has been taken by over 6,000 people across the province. And that's not counting all the people who have taken other Continuing Education Service training activities based on PIWASEHA content elements.

Offered in person or in a virtual classroom, PIWASEHA training is also available in English. Public training sessions, open to all, are scheduled each season. In the fall of 2024, it will be possible to take the training in a virtual classroom on September 24, among other dates. Groups can also be organized to take the training directly in the workplace.

UQAT, a reference on Indigenous issues for 40 years

Since its inception, UQAT has recognized the importance of its special partnership with Indigenous people, and sees it as a key factor in its development. In addition to developing curricula that are respectful of Indigenous perspectives, UQAT promotes a culturally relevant teaching style and access to success-support services by putting the student at the heart of its mission. It supports the improvement of inter-community relations through research that takes a unique look at education, the environment and social development. Its School of Indigenous Studies is the only university department specifically dedicated to Indigenous Studies in Quebec.