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EDPE 595-001/002:  Seminar in Special Topics 1

Topic: Indigenous Education: Ethical and Relational Practices for Equity and Reconciliation

This Special Topics seminar will introduce students to historical and contemporary realities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit and address relevant topics in Indigenous education: What are appropriate ways to bring Indigenous knowledges and pedagogies into classrooms? How are barriers to equitable education impacting learners and nations? How are Indigenous communities taking control of education? How are educators building meaningful relationships with Indigenous individuals and communities? Through engagement with Indigenous authored works, critical discussion, arts-based and reflective projects, students will gain knowledge and skills in preparation for professional work with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and learn best practices for engaging students and building reconciliatory learning spaces.

Instructor: Michelle Smith

Michelle Smith is a Red River Michif educator and filmmaker born and raised in St. James, Manitoba. She is a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation. She has worked in Indigenous education for over a decade as a teacher, advocate, researcher, mentor and program developer at Quebec colleges and in community contexts. She is Principle Investigator for the First Peoples Post-secondary Storytelling Exchange (fppse.net) and coordinated the Journeys First Peoples Transition program at Dawson College for four years. She is Vanier scholar and PhD Candidate in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education (McGill). Her doctoral research involves co-constructing creative teaching and learning spaces that promote healing and cultural connection; she is currently working with Inuit youth to co-develop an Inuit arts based college degree program in Nunavik, northern Quebec. Broad research interests include arts-based, storytelling and Métis methodologies, community based education, youth agency, decolonizing practices and Indigenous educational sovereignty.  She will begin her position as Assistant Professor in the Department of Education Counselling Psychology at McGill in January 2024.

Course Schedule: Wednesdays 6:05 PM – 8:55 PM   |   January 4, 2024 – April 12, 2024 

Location: EDUC 624

Registration CRNs: 7465 for MEd students, 7466 for other interested students (email ecpinfo.education [at] mcgill.ca to register)

Contact: michelle.e.smith [at] mcgill.ca