Session Information
January 15, 2024
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.
Understanding Wisdom and Worldviews of Indigenous Peoples
Join us for the third gathering in our Journey of Transformation series, which focuses on understanding the wisdom and worldviews of Indigenous peoples. The facilitators will guide participants through varying facets of reconciliation and the relationship between language and the land as a holistic, circular web of knowing and being. The event begins with an exclusive sneak peek into the course content and structure. Join us to learn how the course provides foundational knowledge using video resources as well as historical and sociological texts, highlighting the transformative journey of unlearning (decolonization), learning (Indigenization), and relearning (reconciliation). Gleaning an understanding of worldviews and history will begin to build the foundation needed to create positive and productive relationships with Elders and Indigenous communities. Be ready to engage in meaningful discussions, share your thoughts, and build lasting connections with fellow participants.
Location
Zoom
Facilitators
EDUCATOR, RESEARCHER, KNOWLEDGE KEEPER
Diana Steinhauer
Dr. Diana Steinhauer, who is nēhiyaw (Cree) of onihcikiskwapiwinihk (Saddle Lake First Nation) in Treaty Six territory, is an educator with 30+ years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, and administration in K–12 schools and post-secondary institutions. Most importantly, she is a mother and first teacher of her two children. Diana completed her Doctorate in iyiniw pimātisiwin kiskeyitamowin (Indigenous Peoples Knowledge) at University Blue Quills. She is particularly grateful to the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who guided and mentored her in the ancestral knowledge and ways of being as a kise iskwew. Recognizing the value and work of iyiniw pimātisiwin, Diana’s work as a change agent in language, education, and governance is grounded on her late father’s adage, pimātisîtotetân kimiyikowisiwininaw, “Let us live life the way our Creator intended for us to live.”
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.
