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Indigenous Education

This guide has been created for all members of the NorQuest Community.

Welcome to the Indigenous Education Guide


In response to Education Reconciliation Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report published in 2015, postsecondary across Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to serve Indigenous learners and communities. As a signatory of the Indigenous Education Protocol for Colleges and Institutes, NorQuest College is undertaking efforts to Indigenize curriculum and broaden the approaches to learning within our college community. 

This process involves reorienting our curriculum and services to embrace decolonial, anti-racist, anti-oppressive practices across all subject areas.

Faculty are the driving force to cultivate an inclusive classroom environment. This research guide is intended to assist educators to engage with complex topics related to Indigenous peoples, cultures, and histories. Here you'll find a collection of resources on a wide range of topics applicable to many subjects and programs.

Featured Reading


Learning through the Circle of Courage

Belonging The learner creates and experiences opportunities to develop a sense of belonging and self-awareness that instills confidence and supports courageous actions within NorQuest so they can build relationships within the community and the workplace.  Mastery Through real life scenarios and work experiences, the learner grows knowledge, skills and life experiences to prepare them for work and for life. As they transition to workplaces and communities, they contribute to diverse and inclusive cultures, where they lead by example, continue to build competency, and create opportunities for others. 
Independence Learners have abundant opportunities to make decisions, be accountable and resourceful in real-world environments alongside industry professionals so that – in the workplace and in communities – they support themselves and others to work independently, safely and to make good decisions. 

Generosity Learners experience and create opportunities to share what they have learned with others – with their peers and colleagues, communities and industry partners – to enrich their learning, create positive and meaningful work experiences, and give back to the community.

 

How do we achieve the Skills of Distinction?

NorQuest is committed to developing and achieving these Skills of Distinction for learners through the lens of the Circle of Courage. The Circle of Courage provides a clear connection to Wahkohtowin, NorQuest’s Indigenization Strategy, and reflects NorQuest’s commitment to embrace Indigenous approaches in all the work we do, especially in how we teach and how learners learn. This holistic approach provides learners with teaching, activities and real-world experiences that include four elements: belonging, mastery, independence and generosity.

By approaching every program and learning opportunity at NorQuest through the Circle of Courage, we achieve the three Skills of Distinction. We help create resilient and courageous individuals ready to take on whatever challenges they encounter. We promote acceptance and belonging and create an environment where inclusion isn’t just an aspiration – it is a reality. And we challenge learners to be bold and creative thinkers, especially in the continually changing world they encounter.