The CMEC Symposium on Indigenizing Teacher Education took place in July 2018 at the University of British Columbia, which is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. The symposium gathered participants from across Canada, along with Elders and students, to share their perspectives on the Indigenization of teacher education programs (TEP) and how to help teachers Indigenize their K–12 classrooms. Overall, the aim of the event was to identify and highlight the importance of, and ways to create, learning environments that reflect and respect Indigenous ways of knowing and being, by:

  • exploring innovative work in teaching language, culture, and identity;
  • examining Indigenous holistic perspectives on student well-being, including mental health and wellness;
  • incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing into the curriculum; and
  • creating productive partnerships.

The event provided an opportunity to identify teacher-training needs and, therein, further CMEC’s commitment to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action no. 63. The symposium also facilitated a pan-Canadian dialogue for educators to work together to further incorporate Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing into schools and curricula across Canada, specifically in terms of teacher education.

Additional information on the recommendations and key findings of the event are available in the CMEC Symposium on Indigenizing Teacher Education Summary Report.

Symposium program
Please click here to access a copy of the symposium program.

Symposium summary report
Please click here to access the symposium summary report.