Sask Polytech launches two new Indigenous courses during National Indigenous History Month
June 29, 2020 – Situated on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories, and Homeland of the Métis people, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is committed to the renewal of relationships — miyo wahkohtowin — with our Indigenous communities. This National Indigenous History Month, Sask Polytech is launching two new Indigenous courses: Indigenous Studies and Colonization to Resilience.
“Sask Polytech recognizes the need to provide culturally relevant training that builds leadership capacity and breaks down barriers by using materials and methods that align to Indigenous values,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO. “Indigenous Studies course participants will have a better understanding of Indigenous peoples and their unique place in Saskatchewan and Canada’s history. Colonization to Resilience will share how Indigenous peoples across Canada have demonstrated their diverse approaches to using resiliency in leadership.”
In 2015 Sask Polytech approved an Indigenization Declaration to reinforce our commitment to the Indigenous community and to sustain long-term positive change. Sask Polytech’s goal is for Indigenous people to see themselves and their realities reflected in our institutional practices and for non-Indigenous people to work with and live alongside their Indigenous neighbors knowledgeably and respectfully.
“Indigenous people are an important part of our Sask Polytech community,” says Deanna Speidel, interim director of Indigenous Strategy. “These courses, launched during National Indigenous History Month, will help our community, business and industry connections develop their knowledge and understanding of Indigenous peoples’ worldviews, history and leadership styles. Indigenous leaders helped design the content and are involved in the delivery of both courses.”
The fully online self-paced Indigenous Studies course will provide students with an introduction to the Indigenous cultural groups within Saskatchewan. Participants will learn about the colonization of Indigenous peoples by the Canadian state, current issues involving reconciliation, and explore possible solutions. The non-credit course will take approximately 15 hours to complete and will cost $52.50. Attendees will receive a statement of attendance from Sask Polytech.
Participants of the Colonization to Resilience course will gain a national perspective of leadership styles incorporated in Indigenous communities. This includes identifying the distinctive Indigenous language groups represented nationally and learning their stories on moving forward in a good way. This introductory, online leadership course will take approximately four hours and is free. This course is part of a larger strategy for Indigenous-focused, online training.
Learn more about Indigenous Studies and Colonization to Resilience.