Land-based learning: Facilitating reconciliation & advancing the integration of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) (2015) report calls for the integration of Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods into educational curriculum. Critical to decolonizing education is reinserting people into relationships with the land as a mode of education, referred to as ‘land-based learning’. This proposed research project will establish best practices for the establishment of land-based learning centres and will coordinate the development of a transformative ‘Two-Eyed Seeing’ environmental curriculum that combines Indigenous knowledge systems with Western Science, as per TRC recommendations. The proposed project expands on a proven model of Indigenous-led, land-based learning, such as the Dechinta Centre in Yellowknife, providing researchers, faculty and teachers an interdisciplinary field station base, offering workshops and supporting them in aspects of course delivery or field research training. The proposed research project will provide Plenty Canada (not-for-profit partner organization) with a model for consistent funding, helping them move beyond grant-to-grant uncertainty, allowing opportunities for the employment of elders as teachers and the hiring of a full-time project manager and part-time students to assist with program delivery.

Faculty Supervisor:

Robin Roth

Student:

Partner:

Plenty Canada;University of Guelph

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Agriculture; Arts, entertainment and recreation; Education; Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Guelph

Program:

Elevate