CONT944: BC Indigenous Peoples Specialist

Course Schedule

Course Description

This course examines how educators can embody leadership and allyship in Indigenous education. Expertise in Indigenous cultures is a continuous and humble process of lifelong learning, rather than a defined status. The course focuses on the role of educators in ensuring the well-being and value of Indigenous students and their families. You will dig into positionality and explore how settler colonialism is entrenched in education systems.

The focus is on leadership, policy, the lasting effects of colonialism, and the pursuit of Indigenous self-determination. It is of critical importance for educational leaders to ensure that schools provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students, especially for those who have been marginalized and whose stories need to be told. You will develop greater confidence in advocating for, establishing positive relationships with, and empowering your Indigenous students, in turn strengthening your school community's capacity to do the same.

What You Will Learn and Do

In this course you’ll have the opportunity to

• analyze the historical and contemporary legacies and realities of colonization affecting Indigenous peoples and communities
• explore Indigenous perspectives and methodologies and learn how to transfer them appropriately and authentically into your practice
• develop a respectful and inclusive approach to Indigenous education by understanding biases and systemic structures which continue to act as barriers to equity and justice
• diversify your skill set and enhance your confidence when developing relationships with students, families, and community stakeholders
• embody allyship to advocate for culturally safe and culturally relevant programming and curriculum
• develop a personalized understanding of decolonization to make meaning of the ways you can enact structural change in your current role in the education system

Application Requirements

1) Courses and Post-Graduate Certificates are approved by TQS for Category Upgrade. If you would like these courses to be used towards Category Upgrading, you must have a valid BC Teacher Certificate.

ECEs, EAs, and other education professionals are welcome to take the courses without Certification.

2) Completion of BC Indigenous Peoples Part 2.

*Teaching Experience is not required but it is advised that candidates gain some experience before completing the second and specialist courses. There are many opportunities to gain experience through volunteer work and community based programs.

Course Materials

Accommodations

Applicants who require accommodations for a specific learning need (e.g., learning disability) within their AQ/ABQ course, should click here for further information and support.

Have a question? Contact us!

Refund Schedule

If you drop a course:

1. by the midpoint of the course, you will receive 100% of your course fee.
2. after the midpoint, before the end of the course, you will receive 50% of your course fee.

For more about our refund policies, visit our Fees & Refunds page.