Session Information
November 15, 2023
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. EST
Bilingual
CASLT Event Description
CASLT CoLab PLC: Journey of Transformation Series
In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, many language teachers recognized the importance of decolonizing and Indigenizing their classrooms. In 2022, CASLT secured funding from the Government of Canada to develop community-building events and a series of professional learning courses for the CASLT CoLab. These courses will explore strategies for decolonizing and Indigenizing second and additional language pedagogy and highlight the transformative journey of unlearning (decolonization), learning (Indigenization), and relearning (reconciliation).
As part of this project, we’re thrilled to introduce our new virtual series of professional learning community (PLC) events: the Journey of Transformation series. A PLC is a group or network of educators engaging in collaborative and ongoing learning experiences to improve their teaching practices and student outcomes. PLCs are characterized by collaboration, shared goals, reflective practice, mutual support, and accountability.
As part of our Journey of Transformation project, we invite you to take part in these gatherings where you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the content and objectives of the courses.
- Engage in open discussions to ask questions, share ideas, and exchange experiences with like-minded educators.
- Explore the transformative potential of decolonizing and Indigenizing language pedagogy in your teaching practice.
- Connect with a community of educators dedicated to fostering inclusive and culturally sensitive learning environments.
- Join us on a journey towards educational transformation.
Diversity of Indigenous Languages
Welcome to the second gathering in our Journey of Transformation series. We begin by exploring the rich tapestry of Indigenous languages and the interconnectedness of language, culture, and identity. Join us to engage with a vibrant professional learning community of like-minded language educators. Together, we will explore the organization of the course, discuss strategies to enhance your online learning experience, and provide opportunities to connect with fellow language educators. Engaging activities and breakout sessions will help foster the growth of professional learning communities that embrace mutual support, collective inspiration, and Indigenous language preservation and revitalization.
Location
Zoom
Facilitators
Field Experience Coordinator
Shirley Cardinal
Shirley Cardinal is a Field Experience Coordinator at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Education. In this role, she facilitates over 1,000 annual placements for teacher candidates, emphasizing the importance of building connections across the province. Shirley has 27 years of experience in education in northwest Saskatchewan. She spent 17 years as a middle and high school teacher and has been serving the Meadow Lake Tribal Council for the past decade in various capacities, including language revitalization and curriculum coordination. In 2022, she earned her Masters of Indigenous Languages Education degree through the First Nations University of Canada at the University of Regina. As a fluent nēhiyawēwin (Cree) speaker, she’s passionate about revitalizing Indigenous languages and fostering confidence in second-language learners. Shirley, a nēhiyaw iskwēw, was born and raised on Waterhen Lake First Nation in Treaty Six territory, immersed in nēhiyawēwin. Today, her most cherished role is that of a devoted grandmother.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Gemma Porter
Gemma Porter is an Assistant Professor at St. Thomas University in Fredericton. While she currently works with pre-service teachers, she spent 11 years as a public school educator in Saskatchewan, teaching various subjects at the middle and secondary levels. Over the last ten years, Gemma has become increasingly invested in supporting in-service and pre-service teachers to learn Indigenous ways of knowing and being. In addition to leading pre-service teachers through a mandatory course on reconciliation, Gemma sits on the university’s Senate Committee for Reconciliation. She is working on a research project on Indigenous education courses in Canadian teacher education programs.
Instructor and District Languages Coordinator
Kindra Harte
Kindra Harte is passionate about teaching and language learning and acquisition. She is currently the District Languages Coordinator for the Saanich School District. In 1991, she began her career teaching French and Spanish. In 1994, she began teaching at the University of Victoria in the Faculty of Education, where she continues to work today. She has taught Kindergarten to Grade 12, including French (Immersion and Core) and Spanish AP and post-secondary courses. She has also worked for many years as a Curriculum Writer and Marking Chair at the BC Ministry of Education. Kindra is the current president of the BC Association of Teachers of Modern Languages (BCATML) and serves as a National Council Representative for CASLT.
