AWȂSIS Education Conference April 27 & 28, 2017 Saskatoon Inn, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Acceptance of Difference Conference info: www.awasis.com

Box 30024 Saskatoon, SK S7L 7M6 STF Special Subject Council Phone: 306-249-9586 Fax: (306) 249-9585 STF Special Subject Council Debbie: 306-290-6068 (Exhibitor tables) STF Special Subject Council Elaine: 306-292-7911 (Registrations)

e-mail us at: awasisconf@sasktel.net

Incorporating Aboriginal Content in Education Registration Package on line www.awasis.com

In Person Registration Wednesday April 26th 4-9, Thursday 8-4, Friday 8-12

Thursday Greeting: Thursday Greeting: Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron

Keynote 9:00- 10:15

MP Georgina JoliboisMP Georgina Jolibois

Friday Friday

Keynote 9:00- 10:15

Harold JohnsonHarold Johnson

Thursday and Friday Continental Breakfasts in Keynote Ballrooms Luncheons (extra lunch tickets available for purchase)

Thursday April 27th, PIPE CEREMONY 7:30

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8:45: Greetings from Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Keynote 9:00-10:15 Saskatoon Inn Ballroom A & B

MP Georgina JoliboisMP Georgina Jolibois

Building on more than a decade of experience as an elected leader, Georgina Jolibois was elected Member of Parliament for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River in 2015.  Faith is a very important component of her life. She also grew up with strong ties to traditional knowledge keepers and she is very familiar with traditional medicine. Georgina was inspired by many prominent leaders worldwide who worked with compassion toward others: people like the Dalai Lama, Ghandi, Martin Luther King and Mother Theresa. These are people who inspire Georgina in her work. They were leaders working for others, for justice and peace in their communities and beyond. As a municipal leader, Georgina worked tirelessly to bring good to her community in La Loche. Now, as a Member of Parliament, she continuously works to make sure that the voices of northerners are heard in the House of Commons. She stood in Parliament on multiple occasions to raise the concerns of northerners’ who are too often neglected in the nation’s capital.

Georgina started her first year in office fresh out of the turmoil of the 2015 raging forest fires and evacuation. Throughout Georgina was able to gain experience with eliminating unnecessary government idleness and bureaucracy. Georgina became a strong community voice which was heard throughout the crisis. Without exception Georgina was acutely aware of the impact of the fires on residents and the economy. Georgina decided to run for office with the support of the many that encouraged her to run for Member of Parliament for the New Democrat Party of Canada.

 In Saskatchewan, Georgina Jolibois became the first Dene woman to become a Member of Parliament breaking boundaries and inspiring many First Nations, Métis and Inuit children, and women across Canada. Georgina’s strong positive energy became ignited and was strengthened by the diversity of her riding which includes farming communities, First Nations, Métis communities and rural municipalities.  As a parliamentarian, she is keen on the challenges of representing all constituents and conveying their concerns to Ottawa, and building healthier communities and a strong economy.

 Sadly, when Georgina was opening her offices tragedy enveloped the Village of La Loche, Clearwater River Dene Nation and the north.  On January 22, 2016 a youth committed a horrific acts of violence on his family, and community members at school, causing four deaths, and seriously wounded many. The violence traumatized, and spiritually affected the north. However, many people and communities organized and came together to demonstrate their love and support to the communities affected.  It is clear, the issues of systemic racism, entrenched poverty, lack of mental health supports, effects of residential schools, and the increasing loss of language, culture, and greater disassociation of the land have taken its toll on many northern communities.

 Member of Parliament, Georgina Jolibois and her dedicated team went straight into crisis management mode and led behind the scenes efforts to ensure the various and  many needs and voices of the northerners were heard and addressed; knowing full well  there would be many years healing for the community and the north. Today, Georgina continues to advocate, inform, and meet with individuals and groups to hear the ongoing progression of the efforts to address the crisis.  

 As a Dene woman born and raised in La Loche, Saskatchewan. Georgina is well aware of the beauty of its majestic landscapes, diverse Languages, culture, and strength of character of northerners. The Member of Parliament believes fully in the resiliency and ingenuity of northern people and in their ability to grow the economy through Education and a Diversified economy that respects the environment.  She believes that the children, youth, adults, Elders, our professionals and supporters have much too contributed to the wellness and prosperity of the region, province, and country. Even in times when tragedy and sadness strike communities such as the suicides’ of young northern girls and subsequent attempts of suicide clusters of northern children.  The MP’s steadfast belief that with adequate resources we can move communities beyond this loss to a place of hope, peace and greater wellness and prosperity for all northerners.

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#100 Smudge Ceremony Mike Maurice/Charlie Sutherland

Smudging is a spiritual way to cleanse a person, place or an object of negative energies, spirits or influences. The smudging ceremony involves the burning of special, sacred plants and herbal resins, then, either passing an object through the resulting smoke, or fanning the smoke around a person or place. Participants will participate in a smudge ceremony and discuss protocol of ceremonies.

#101 Medicine Wheel Teachings Sharon Meyer

Sharon is the First Nation and Metis Education Consultant for the North East School Division. She is a proud member of the Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree First Nation. Experienced in the education field for 26 years – now it is time to share and pass on the knowledge. She is sharing the Medicine Wheel teachings that she learned from various Elders and Knowledge keepers. You are invited to come and learn about the Medicine Wheel from an educational perspective and see how teachers of NESD are using the Medicine Wheel teachings in all curriculum areas and all grades. Take home the knowledge and share it with your students and community.

# 102 Technology and Networks Supporting Education Myrna Martyniuk

Most Saskatchewan schools, including those on reserves, are part of the provincial CommunityNet network, providing access to Internet, the Saskatchewan Research Network, and a multitude of services and resources. Learn how the various provincial education networks are structured, what is all available and what this means for individual schools. Find out about some best practices for getting the most out of your technologies and networks, and support that is available to you.

#103 Building Bridges and Cultural Intelligence at the University of Saskatchewan Building Bridges Team

The Building Bridges program is an Aboriginal Student Centre (ASC) – International Student and Study Abroad (ISSAC) partnership. We provide programming with a focus on International and Aboriginal relations and cultural understanding. The Building Bridges program provides a safe space and place to learn about Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures, dispel myths, ask questions, promote commonalities and respectfully understand our differences.We encourage online communication with Delegates.

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#100 series THURSDAY – 75 Minute (10:30 – 11:45)

#104 Addressing Contemporary Issues using Holistic Pedagogies Dawne Cassell/Kim Sadowsky

This session will focus on contemporary Indigenous issues impacting our communities and how we as educators can recognize and provide valuable learning experiences when engaging with current issues. Projects that have been implemented across various curriculums will be highlighted as well as resources that can be accessed and utilized within the classroom. We believe it is vital that we address these difficult conversations and provide valuable opportunities for educators to engage in dialogue and build connections while focusing on how we work towards best practice.

#105 Destressing Through Self Care Charlotte RossLearn the importance of self-care to your self-worth while destressing from life’s challenges. In this session you will experience strategies and techniques to lower your stress level, have fun and practice self-care. Come prepared to laugh, to practice and to learn new ways of destressing. Charlotte brings two decades of experience in alternative & traditional methods of self-care and destressing techniques. She is a strong advocate of Indigenous history across Canada and continues to be a facilitator working with many diverse adult populations. Her professional interests have included exposure to an international array of training & experiences in the spa business environment & building a network for education & training.

#106 Renewed Treaty Education Resources and Reconciliation Brenda Ahenakew

Teaching Treaties in the classroom is mandated to be taught in all Provincial Schools. The Office of Treaty Commissioner has aligned the k-9 Treaty Essential Learnings with the curriculum. I will share the new outcomes and indicators, framework and resources. I will show you how can teach this in your classroom. Your will learn effective strategies of Teaching Treaties and about First Nation People, in the classroom. You will also learn about reconciliation. Come and learn to right the wrongs of the past on everyone’s healing journey. This could be your call to action!

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#200 Suicide, The New Epidemic, The Absence of Self Worth Laura Davis

I will be pulling exercises and materials from my Suicide Prevention Program so the audience can experience a new and fresh approach in dealing with this growing tragedyI will demonstrate how we can use self worth tools to prevent and heal others from having suicidal thoughts, plan and action.

#201 Following Their Voices Initiative Pat Bugler

The presentation will provide an overview of the implementation of Following Their Voices in Saskatchewan provincial and on-reserve schools, including the professional learning and development tools that have been developed specifically for the initiative. Participants will learn how this made-in-Saskatchewan initiative is positively impacting the way teachers work with students, the school culture and how it is making a difference in the classroom for Saskatchewan’s First Nations, Metis and Inuit students around the province.

#202 First Nations Educator’s Classroom Essentials Celia Deschambeault

The First Nations Educator Classroom Essentials workshop will cover various outcomes from Numeracy, science, mathematics in First Nations languages following the outcomes by the Ministry as well as connections to existing First Nations curriculm.

#203 Aboriginal Education Professional Development in the Classroom Roger Lagasse

As District Aboriginal Education Teacher Advisor, I have spent the last 4 years visiting classrooms all over BC to conduct demonstration lessons in Aboriginal Education with teachers in their classrooms. Through a multi-media and hands-on demonstration, we will explore some winning strategies and learning materials. 

#204 Mini Beaded Headdresses Cindy McKay

Participants will make a Headdress using safety pins and beads. This will be a make and take session.

#205 Fish Scale Art Noreen Ray

Participants will make fish scale art, and frame the completed work. This will be a make and take session.

 

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#200 series THURSDAY – All Half Day (1:00-3:45)

Friday April 28th, 2017 PIPE CEREMONY 7:30 a.m.

Keynote 9:00-10:15 Saskatoon Inn Ballroom A&B

Harold JohnsonHarold JohnsonHarold has been practicing law, and most recently worked as a Crown Prosecutor, in LaRonge, Northern Saskatchewan. He has most recently taken time off to write his book “Firewater:  How Alcohol is Killing My People (and yours)”.  He has a Master of Law degree from Harvard University, and is an established author.  Harold currently lives with his wife on his family’s traditional trap line near LaRonge.  He is a member of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation.

Harold’s newest book “Firewater” takes a look at how alcohol has had a devastating effect on Indigenous people, our communities and how we all need to find solutions.  He examines the myths and history of alcohol.  He says that we need to change our story and make it define who we are.  Harold talks about his life growing up, his life events, both good and bad. He discusses how he was able to change his story.  Harold says, “I changed the story about who I was and who I am.”  We all have the power to do that…….change our story.

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#300 Dressing Up Grandfather Sharon Meyer

This workshop will introduce the cultural teaching of Grandfather tree. The information is great for use in science and art. We will have a hands on activity after the teaching.We will learn about why we call the tree our Grandfather and how our relation protects us in many ways. We will participate in a creative hands on activity and you will be carrying Grandfather home.

#301 Canada is an Aboriginal Country Roger Lagasse

In the early 1600’s Champlain wanted to create a French country on Turtle Island but for every 1000 Frenchmen arriving there were only 45 Frenchwomen. Champlain proposed to the First Nations that their daughters marry French sons and that their children would form one great nation. The chiefs accepted. The great nation they formed is called Canada, from the Huron word Kanata. Learn why most Francophones have Aboriginal ancestry and why most Canadians will have Aboriginal descendants.

#302 Introduction to Local Herbs in Saskatchewan Jason Semaganis-Johnson

I am a Native American herbalist from the Little Pine First Nation-from the Plains Cree Tribe. I come from a long generation of Medicine Men and Medicine Women. I am next in lineage of this powerful history. I have been studying and working with Herbsfor over 20 years now and I have been brought up in this tradition. I will discuss local “weeds” and how they are used in Herbal Folklore, Herbal Medicine, and how they are known by other Folk Names. You will learn how to identify, gather and prepare.

#303 Print Resources, Videos, and Professional Learning GroupsElgin Bunston

Did you know that the Ministry of Education provides a wealth of resources free for all students and teachers, available in schools and at home? Find out what you can access in terms of tools, free information resources, programs, and professional learning opportunities, where to find them and how to gain access for free.

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#300 series FRIDAY – 75 minutes (10:30-11:45)

#304 Circles of Responsibility: Children’s Rights at the CoreDarlene Johnson

This session will explore the notion of Children’s Rights and the Convention of the Rights of the Child and explore how they can be used as a framework for accountability to protect and promote rights of indigenous children. We will reflect on current issues related to children’s rights and the role that they have in promoting reconciliation in schools.

#305 Inner Teacher for Teachers Kristy Janvier

As teachers, we stand in front of others to share knowledge. But rarely is there a change to sit and listen to our true teacher which lies in our connection to our inner selves. A yoga practice can create a setting where a facilitator sets up the space for the connection of body, mind and spirit to come together. There are many benefits a yoga practice can offer practitioners depending on what is needed to learn at that moment of time.

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#400 “Okawimawaskiy Garden: Land based knowledge-Land Based Teaching Glenda Abbott

Wanuskewin Heritage Park has initiated many new programs centred around Okawimawaskiy teachings as the inspiration. The purpose of Land Based Teachings is to allow visitors/students to become acquainted with the many different aspects needed to understand, conserve, co-inhabit, and enjoy our environment in a good way. Presenters will share examples of our newly developed land based programs in hopes to encourage fellow instructors, teachers, and facilitators to use Okawimawaskiy as their inspiration as well. The session will also include information of Wanuskewin’s Revitalizing Indigenous Agriculture Project (RIAP); Food and Plants as Medicine workshops which are used to educate and increase the capacity of community members to grow and use their knowledge gained to strengthen traditional practices of gardening and harvesting.

#401 A little bit of everything for your classroom Elaine Sutherland

Get ready for a jam packed session with ideas for you to use in your classroom. Over time, I have gained a lot of tips, tricks, and strategies that I am hoping to pass on to you. I will help you learn reading strategies that WILL get your students reading; how to set up stations/centers for math/L.A.; fine and gross motor activities; classroom management tips; time management tips; and give you an idea of how this all came to be. I am no expert by any means, but I have learned A LOT throughout my 17 years of teaching. I will also have some time for questions/answers and time to bounce ideas off each other to share!

#402 Utilize an Elder/Cultural Advisor in the classroom. Mary Lee

I will teach about the protocol of how to approach an elder; and how you can learn how to use the correct protocol on your own. I will also discuss topics that you can ask an Elder; discuss men’s and women’s teachings; and have time for questions and answers.

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#400 series Friday – 75 minutes (1:00-2:15)

#403 Affirming Métis Perspectives In An Urban Setting The Métis Education Model at St. Michael School Cort Dogniez

Through the partnership between Central Urban Métis Federation Incorporated (CUMFI) and the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) St. Michael Community School has developed a Métis Education Model. The monthly themes focus on Métis concepts that help teachers make curricular connections, identify important resources and affirm and support the Michif language. Our goal is to build capacity so that all teachers meaningfully include Métis content in their classroom programs and to see Métis ways encouraged throughout the school. Cort Dogniez is the Métis Education Program Leader and along with other members of the partnership will share the model and their vision, hopes and dreams for this unique program that started in the fall of 2015.

#404 Balance in the Classroom Kristy Janvier

In yoga there are three energetic states- Tamas(heavy/sleepiness), Rajas (restlessness) and Sattva (harmony). We are passing through these states various times throughout the day. But as we come together, say in a classroom, how can we bring the group together in a balanced energy. Learning to quiet the mind for a few moments we can listen to how to identify which state we are currently in and from there use yoga techniques to bring more balance. In this workshop we will learn some breathing practices and some yoga poses

that don’t require props or large spaces.

Proud Sponsors

Sasktel

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AWȂSIS Education Conference April 27 & 28, 2017 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Acceptance of Difference Conference info: www.awasis.com

Box 30024 Saskatoon, SK S7L 7M6 Phone: 306-249-9586 Fax: (306) 249-9585

Debbie: 306-290-6068 (Exhibitor tables) STF Special Subject Council Elaine: 306-292-7911 (Registrations)

e-mail us at: awasisconf@sasktel.net

REGISTRATION FORM Name: _________________________________________________________________

Home Address: ________________________________________________________________________

City/Town: ________________________________________Province: ____________________________

Postal Code: ________________ E-mail:_____________________________________________________

Work Information: (write in full form – please do not abbreviate) STF Member: Yes or No (circle one)

Organization/School &/or Region: ___________________________________________________________

Phone #: ( ) __________________________ Fax #: ( ) ________________________________

STF Member____ Band School___ Government Organization ____ Daycare______ Other_____Teaching certificate Number:______________

Pre-Registration Onsite Registration *Student Rate & Elder Rate (60+)(Payment due April 15) *High School & Full Time Undergraduate 1 day $200.00 1 day $250.00 1 day $150.002 days $350.00 2 days $400.00 2 days $300.00

Total Amount: $________________ If paying by cheque: please make cheque payable to AWÂSIS CONFERENCE

***Mail cheque and registration form together Box 30024

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Saskatoon, SK S7L 7M6

If paying by credit card: please Email registration to awasisconf@sasktel.net OR Fax registration to 306-249-9585

VISA or Master Card Payment: Card # _________________________________Expiration Date: _________________________Name on Card: ____________________

REGISTRATION FORM – Page 2Workshop Selection Procedure: Please fill out the blanks with the session numbers of your choice from the conference package. There is no guarantee that you will get your 1 st choice please choose your 2 nd and 3 rd choices as well .

Thursday APRIL 27 YES NOBreakfast with the KeyNote Ballroom A&B 9:00-10:15 ____ ____

Thursday Session Times Number System 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice

Thursday (75 minutes) 10:30 -11:45 am 100 Series ________ ________ ________

Thursday (afternoon-Half Day) 1:00-3:45 200 Series ________ ________ ________

Friday Session Times Number System 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice

Friday APRIL 28 YES NOBreakfast with the KeyNote Ballroom A&B 9:00-10:15 ____ ____

Friday (75 minutes) 10:30 - 11:45 am 300 Series ________ ________ ________

Friday (75 minutes 1:00-2:15pm 400 Series ________ ________ ________

No refunds will be given after April 15

Pre-registrations are encouraged. Registration confirmation will then be emailed or faxed to you. Payment confirmation will also be in the e-mail (paid/unpaid); and it will also be given to you at the conference when you come to the registration room.

Onsite registration: Wednesday 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Courtyard RoomThursday 8:00am -12:00pm & 1:30pm-4:00pm Courtyard RoomFriday 8:00am-11:30am Courtyard Room

MAIL / FAX TO: Awâsis Conference Box 30024, Saskatoon, SK FAX: 306-249-9585

S7L 7M6

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