Education Symposium 2015: Day Three
THUNDER BAY – Chiefs of Ontario are hosting Education Symposium 2015 in Thunder Bay on November 17,18, and 19 2015.
This Symposium will bring together First Nations Education Directors, Education Managers/Directors of TC’s, Education Counsellors, Chiefs, Councillors from all over Ontario.
Draft Agenda for Chiefs of Ontario Education Conference
| 9:00 – 9:30 AM | Elder Sam Achneepineskum – OpeningWelcoming Remarks (Fort William First Nation representative, Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day, Grand Chief Peters) |
| 9:30 – 10:30 AM | Opening Keynote – Rt Hon Paul MartinAnchoring the three day event, this address will focus on suggestions for next steps in education for First Nations in Ontario. With elections behind us, the speaker will also give guidance and share do-able ideas on managing external relations. The speech will be followed by a dialogue between Grand Chief Gord Peters and Rt Hon Martin and a Q&A. |
| 10:30 – 12:00 PM | Presentation – Julia CandlishOverview of COOPF – recent activity, where we are at and goals for 2015 |
| 12:00 – 1:00 PM | LUNCH |
| 1:00 – 3:00 PM | Best Practices Panel – 1st Support Circle (Community level/place of learning) Panellists: Mary Elijah-Oneida, Peter Garrow– Akwesasne, 2 other panellists- TBA. Moderator- Gina McGahey, AIAI
Panel presentations by First Nation communities demonstrating how they are asserting control over education. Followed by a Q&A. |
| 3:00 – 4:00 PM | Interactive activity to discuss and gain input on 1st Support Circle for First Nations education. Followed by a concluding review and summarization – 20 minutes. |
| 4:00 – 4:45 PM | Closing Keynote – Drs. Stan and Peggy Wilson – IndigegogyWith experience in various levels of education, the speakers will explain what Indigegogy is and how it serves as a focal point for Indigenous people’s teaching and learning. This session includes practical suggestions on what we can do to regain a healthy balance, maintain and deliberately enact cultural sovereignty. |
DRAFT AGENDA – Wednesday, November 18th
| 9:00 – 9:45 AM | Opening Keynote – Dr. Cynthia Wesley- Esquimaux – Building BridgesThe Vice-Provost, Aboriginal Initiatives, Lakehead University, starts the day with some practical suggestions that First Nations in Ontario should consider as they chart next steps in education. Dr. Cynthia will draw from her extensive experience and share perspectives on how to move forward considering the intergenerational trauma we endure. |
| 9:45 – 11:00 AM | Best Practices Panel – 2nd Support Circle (Tribal Council/ regional collective level) Panellists: Stephanie Roy-KTEI, Andy Graham– Bimose, Sharon Nate– Matawa, 1 other panellists- TBA.Moderator- Debbie Mayer, Mississauga First Nation
Panel presentations by Tribal Councils will provide insight on how they support First Nation communities in asserting control over education? |
| 11:00 – 12:00 PM | Interactive activity to discuss and gain input on 2nd Support Circle for First Nations education. Followed by a concluding review and summarization – 20 minutes. |
| 12:00 – 1:00 PM | LUNCH |
| 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Best Practices Presentation – Julia Candlish
3rd Support Circle – input received to date. |
| 2:00 – 3:30 PM | Interactive activity to discuss and gain input on 3rd Support Circle for First Nations education. Followed by a concluding review and summarization – 20 minutes. |
| 3:30 – 4:15 PM | Closing Keynote – Dr. Jean Clinton – Importance of WellnessRenowned for her work in Psychiatry, Behavioural Neurosciences, Child and Youth mental health programs, Dr. Clinton ends this day by providing insight into developing governance models in education that include child and youth welfare, early learning, mental health, and the role of connectedness and relationships. |
DRAFT AGENDA – Thursday, November 19th
Day 3 Focus: FUNDING
| 9:00 – 9:45 AM | Opening Keynote – Dolores Wawia – Championing Native Language & EducationReflections of the Professor Emerita and a former Elder-in-Residence of Lakehead University. Moments and milestones in her 40 year journey, as an educator and pioneer for First Nations’ education. |
| 9:45 – 10:45 AM | Presentation – Funding Options – Julia CandlishThe objective of this session is to review all the funding options drafted in the Regional Framework last year. Participants will assess some of the choices we have in the funding flow, mechanism, formula and levels. This segment will also explore our immediate needs and governance models. |
| 10:45 – 12:00 PM | Interactive activity to discuss and gain input on funding options for First Nations education. |
| 12:00 – 1:00 PM | LUNCH |
| 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Contd. from above….interactive activity on funding
Followed by a concluding review and summarization – 20 minutes. |
| 2:00 – 3:00 PM | Closing Keynote – Commissioner Wilton Littlechild
The Truth and Reconciliation Canada Commissioner speaks of the TRC’s 12 key recommendations that called upon the government of Canada to improve Aboriginal education and languages. Now, how do we use that information to guide us in improving relations and processes within First Nations education? |
| 3:00 PM | Closing prayer- Elder |
