The Indigenous Learning Series, offered by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto, provides a comprehensive set of workshops designed to deepen the understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and worldviews. The series is open to U of T staff, faculty, librarians, and students. Through culture-based activities, reflective exercises and engaging discussions, participants will explore the complexities of Indigenous issues, the true history of settler colonialism in Canada, and the ongoing processes required for meaningful allyship and reconciliation. Those who complete all four workshops are eligible for a certificate.
Please be aware that smudging, which involves the burning of sacred herbs such as sage or sweetgrass, may be present during our workshops. We acknowledge that some participants may have smoke allergies or sensitivities to scent. If you are affected by such conditions, please let us know at least 72 hours in advance so that we can accommodate your needs accordingly. We are committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for all participants.
Indigenous Learning Series
Barriers to Reconciliation: Walking the Path of Indigenous Allyship (3 hours)
What does it mean to be an ally to Indigenous peoples? Is it even possible to call oneself an ally, or is it more correct to say that one can only aspire to be an ally, as allyship is a continuous process of self-reflexivity, learning, and acting in a decolonial manner? These questions will be explored in the workshop.
Speaking Our Truths: The Journey Towards Reconciliation: Part 1 (3 hours)
This workshop challenges participants to reflect upon whose history they were educated to accept as the truth and about the settlement and nation-building of the country we now call Canada. Reconciliation demands that participants challenge these accepted truths to reveal the true settler colonial history of this country.
Speaking Our Truths: The Journey Towards Reconciliation: Part 2 (3 hours)
This workshop builds upon participants’ knowledge of the objectives of settler colonialism and the attempted destruction of the political, economic, cultural, linguistic, and spiritual foundations of Indigenous societies and how these processes continue to drive the unequal distribution of resources between settler communities and Indigenous communities.
Reflecting on Indigenous Land Acknowledgements (3 hours)
Many Canadian institutions, including the University of Toronto, do land acknowledgements before meetings, before convocations, and at seminars and conferences. Why do we do them? What is their purpose? Are they an effective tool of reconciliation and decolonization? These questions will be examined in the workshop.
Additional Workshops Available
Ziibiing/Land-Based Workshop
(2 hours)
This land-based workshop is designed to deepen your understanding of Indigenous teachings, history, and connections to the land. This session will give participants insights into Indigenous cosmologies, an introduction to native plants and their uses, traditional stories and teachings, and the importance of wampum belts. Through engaging activities and discussions, participants will explore the cultural and spiritual connections to the natural world, fostering a greater respect for and understanding of Indigenous perspectives.
Accessibility Note: Please be advised that this workshop will involve standing and walking through unpaved areas at times. We recommend bringing a water bottle to stay hydrated. Additionally, please note that the workshop may be postponed depending on weather conditions. If you have any accessibility needs, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary accommodations.
Two Canoes: One River – Indigenous Cultural Competency [*for students] (2 hours)
This workshop offers a first step through Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and worldviews. By addressing stereotypes, inherent biases, and beliefs, it fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for Indigenous cultures. It lays the groundwork for rebuilding relationships, emphasizing reciprocity, truth, and our responsibilities in interactions with Indigenous communities.
An Introduction to Indigenizing Curriculum
(2 hours)
This interactive session will support instructors to better understand and collaboratively practice the process of indigenizing curriculum. We will look at some of the sources for Indigenous epistemologies and explore the implications for how these ways of knowing and doing interact with different subject disciplines. This session will include examples, and participants will apply an Indigenous framework for Indigenizing curriculum to syllabi. Participants are encouraged to bring a course syllabus to work with.
Workshops can be arranged for groups, including departments and faculties.
To book a workshop for a class or department, or for more information, please contact indigenous.training@utoronto.ca