Student begin their 3-year undergraduate journey, by earning their degree in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies. Upon completion, students will enter the professional years (four and five) of Bachelor of Education program.
Program Model
Our program model is based upon the four dimensions of the medicine circle: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. We aim to build good relationships between the land, the university and our students.
Conceptual Framework Principles for the Concurrent Bachelor of Education – Indigenous program
- Effective Indigenous teachers ensure a holistic pedagogical approach that increases our understanding of ourselves, each other, the world around us, and the environment; seeking peace while forwarding social and ecological justice.
- Effective teaching is based on sound Indigenous educational theory and research that is rigorous, respectful, and follows Indigenous protocol.
- Effective Indigenous education is a partnership activity, connecting inter-generational learning and community involvement.
- Indigenous teaching and learning are interactive processes that involve meaningful and respectful engagement of learners, teachers, Elders, and other knowledge keepers.
- Communities of learners support identity formation, a sense of belonging, and sense of community, while engaged in lifelong learning.
- Effective Indigenous teaching fosters creative thinking, critical reflection, in-depth subject knowledge, and critical engagement.
- Effective Indigenous learning and teaching are guided by on-going meaningful feedback based on circular visioning that encourages teachers to think creatively and critically about their professional practice.
- Effective Indigenous teachers engage in critically reflective practice, guided by Elders and educationists, and the Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers.
- Effective Indigenous teaching and learning engages creative expression to consolidate and share learning.
- Effective Indigenous education engages all four aspects of the learner (spiritual, emotional, mental, physical) resulting in wholistic learning that also aligns with core Indigenous values and beliefs, such as the seven grandfather teachings.