This year staff will participate in the Welcome Project presentation together in lieu of a morning workshop. Please select an afternoon workshop.
You need to log in to your account to register or make changes to your registration. Click on a workshop to see more details. Click Register to select a session, and click on “Submit Ticket” at the bottom to finalize registration and to see your conference ticket.
Friday 28 Apr 2023
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Afternoon
A Journey of Discovery, Understanding, Truth, and Reconciliation
Cecelia ReekieHSS - Room 3
Cecelia will take you on a very personal journey as she shares her story of adoption, connecting to community and culture, learning about our "shared" history, and truth and reconciliation. Cecelia believes that everyone has a story and that when we share our truths that is what will connect us to each other will move us into greater understanding.
Bannock Making 101
Alicia James & Leanne WilsonCE Barry Portable
Join Indigenous Support Worker Alicia James and Indigenous Education Council Chair Leanne Wilson in learning the basics of making both fried and baked bannock with your class. This presentation will be held at the CE Barry portable so please be prepared to drive or walk over to the site after lunch.
Closing the educational gap: a low-barriers resource to empower Indigenous students through tutoring, mentoring, and cultural workshops
Todd NelsonHSS - Room 17
The workshop provides a valuable opportunity to learn about the Indigenous Tutoring & Mentoring Program (ITMP), a volunteer-driven initiative that offers free online tutoring and mentoring to self-identifying Indigenous students in all K-12 core subjects. Run by passionate SFU students and alumni, this program is designed to foster meaningful relationships between Indigenous students and their post-secondary tutors, inspiring students to strive for academic and personal excellence.
Todd Nelson is a proud member of Spuzzum First Nation and has a diverse heritage that includes Nlaka'pamux, Korean, and European ancestry. With a passion for education and a keen interest in Behaviour Neuroscience, Todd completed his honours degree, which focused on developing innovative methods to combat tremors.
Culturally-referenced stories as a bridge to early literacy development: Collaboratively designing and implementing an oral storytelling program for young Indigenous learners
Dr. Meadow Schroeder & Dr. Anne McKeoughHSS - Room 19
Storytelling serves as a gateway to literacy and predicts later literacy competence for all children. As well, storytelling has been, and continues to be, a key component of Indigenous ways of knowing and teaching. In this presentation you will hear about an instruction program, Story Crafting, that was designed in collaboration with a First Nation community. The program successfully improved the complexity of young Indigenous learners’ stories (i.e., grades K, 1, and 2), as well as significantly increased references they made to their own culture. In this workshop, you will learn about the components of the program and how you can use some of the principles of teaching storytelling in your own practice.
Anne McKeough, Professor Emerita, Faculty of Education, University of Calgary Dr. McKeough has taught, researched, and published in the areas of developmental and educational psychology. Her work, which has been funded by provincial and federal granting agencies, has focused on documenting children’s and youth’s cognitive growth to inform the design and delivery of educational programming. This research program has contributed to an understanding of the role of storytelling in early literacy development, when factors such as learners’ processing capacity, multimodal conceptual bridging, and cultural forms of narrative thought are integrated within the teaching process.
Meadow Schroeder, Associate Professor, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary. Dr. Schroeder teaches, researches, and supervises in the area of school and applied child psychology, and works with children, youth, and adults in clinical practice. Her research interests include issues and challenges of learning disability identification and special education programming, as well as the transition to post-secondary for students with disabilities. She has supported student training her former roles as Director of Practicum, Academic Coordinator of MEd school psychology and counselling programs, and Academic Coordinator for a First Nations-only cohort of the MEd in School and Applied Child Psychology.
Decolonizing my Practice Starts with Understanding an Indigenous Worldview
Brander McDonaldHSS - Room 27
This workshop will provide a working toolbox to better engage Indigenous peoples through an insider's look into the worldview, beliefs, values, and working cosmology that frames protocols, language, communication, and lifestyle all leading to better working relationships and the journey of reconciliation.
Brander McDonald is a Cree First Nation’s elder, cross-cultural consultant, facilitator, performer and recording artist. He is a Indigenous man who sees names as being very important and having meaning. Translated his name is “Strong Raven” as being “one who stirs the fires to keep things going”. After many decades serving his people on the west coast of British Columbia, Brander was also honored with the privilege and responsibility to carry the name “Standing Bear”. He was given the “the responsibility to stand for our First Nations people – to make things safe for all – to stand in pride”. He is described as uniquely quietly powerful and talented First Nations leader. He is a deep thinker and a great listener whose intuitiveness is valued by all who have worked with him and to those touched through his talents and abilities. He is a much sought after elder for speaking and for counsel. He claims that he has always felt a powerful personal connection to the Creator, which has sustained him given him a true sense of belonging. He carries a comfortable spirit and is very approachable.
Brander is gifted in facilitating cross-cultural forums concerning First Nations cultures by the initiation of a presentation and discussion over core values, beliefs, and worldviews. His discussions extend beyond theory to looking at practical ways for building mutual understanding and reconciliation.
Mr. McDonald holds a BA in psychology, fine arts and music and has worked as an Indigenous social worker, counselor and therapist, coordinator for the survivors of Indian residential schools, youth coordinator and cultural liaison. He has Masters level training in spiritual counseling. He is also a gifted First Nations singer-songwriter, recording artist and engineer and performing artist with university and college training in music education, recording arts and experience in the Los Angeles music industry.
As a Cree First Nations individual himself, Brander has years of experience working directly with Aboriginal peoples and understands the issues and struggles they face in living in a dominantly non-native society. He has a keen interest in providing others with the basic tools in understanding First Nations people and bridging the gap between native and non-native culture and brings his own education and experience to his presentations. This is a valuable and unique opportunity to understand the framework from which First Nations view the world and the values they hold. It is a great resource for those who may or wish to provide services to First Nations peoples.
Mr. McDonald enjoys communicating his understanding of the unique values that Native people hold. This takes advantage of first hand understanding of the nuances to the native mindset. Other companies and organizations work outside the culture in the hopes of understanding the culture from within. Mr. McDonald can share the unique “insider’s” view of the aboriginal mindset. Having first hand knowledge of the culture makes for a distinct advantage in facilitations and consulting. It becomes first hand not second hand information.
Brander McDonald is also a keen Aboriginal public speaker, singer songwriter, recording artist and performer whose knows how to awaken the native worldview understanding in various conferences, seminars and gatherings. McDonald offers performances that speak about various aspects of the Aboriginal experience and mindset. His original songs, recordings and artwork are also a powerful means of communication and sharing and encouragement designed for those that wish to supplement this training or facilitation. His experience in Los Angeles music business and his many years of music and the arts, along with his deep understanding of the First Nations philosophy of life, make for a remarkably powerful and effective presentation. He is a deep thinker and thought-provoking artist. His presentations will surely challenge your mindset and cultural con.
Embracing the Wisdom of Trauma
Dr. Bernard KlopHSS - Room 1
Participants will watch Dr. Gabor Mate's Wisdom of Trauma documentary. This will be followed by a facilitated discussion on the multifaceted ways trauma can impact our lives, with a focus on strategies we can use to harness the power of our own incredible neurobiology to bring healing.
Bernard has extensive clinical training in understanding the vicarious impacts of complex traumas on bodies, minds, and hearts. His goal is to bring insight and understanding to the unseen processes that negatively affect our well-being, thereby helping individuals compassionately embrace change. Bernard has worked in various capacities within the educational system, working as a teacher, administrator and district counsellor. Currently, he is the Acting District Vice-Principal of Inclusive Education and Student Mental Health Support for SD 78.
Gladys Project Workshop
Brandon Peters, Amanda Anderson, & Cheryl CarlsonHSS - Room 11
Gladys Chapman, a student at the Kamloops Indian Residential School, died of tuberculosis at the age of 12. The spirit of Gladys is at the heart of this workshop that provides a cross-curricular module of lessons for teachers who want more ideas to help meet the ministry mandate of infusing Aboriginal content and perspectives at the secondary level. Like the intermediate module, participants will have the opportunity to engage with the activities and speak with the module developers.
Brandon Peters is an Indigenous educator with the Vancouver School Board. Brandon comes from the traditional territory of the ɬaʔamɩn people, the area colonially known as Powell River (qathet) region. Brandon also serves on the legislative assembly for ɬaʔamɩn Nation. Brandon works with the BCTF in several capacities, on Internal Mediation Service, as a workshop facilitator, and sat on the Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee. Brandon also works with educators province-wide and continues to offer his opinions on Indigenous matters, issues and education. čɛčɛhəθɛč (I thank you)
Amanda Anderson is a member of the Awahoo tribe of the Laichwiltach First Nation. Her traditional name is Wolthkeenehgah, which means Miracle Child of the Falls. This name comes from the Danaxda’xw First Nation and belonged to her late grandmother Elizabeth Quocksister (nee Glendale). She is of mixed ancestry; Laichwiltach and Danaxda’xw on her mom’s side, Anishinaabe, Swedish, and French on her dad’s side.
She grew up primarily in Surrey and she has been a teacher for 18 years, most of which she taught in First Nations schools in various communities across BC. She enjoys sharing her cultural knowledge and teachings.
Cheryl Carlson
Cheryl is a primary teacher with the Fraser Cascade School District. Cheryl grew up in Hope and, after graduating, moved to Kitimat where she taught at Northwest Community College for almost 20 years. She is currently the District Aboriginal Contact, The Indigenous Department Head for Silver Creek Elementary School and is also the Co-Conference Chair for the Aboriginal PSA.
Halq'eméylem Lullabies and Daily Phrases
Roxanne DoolHSS - Room 31
In Halq'eméylem lullabies and daily phrases, we will learn 2 - 4 lullabies, 3 games, and daily phrases that can be used in the classroom. This workshop will be interactive with a small handout.
Roxanne Dool is from Squiala First Nation in Chilliwack BC.
Roxanne started learning Halq’eméylem in 2014. Roxanne has participated in First People's Cultural Council's Mentor Apprentice Program (MAP). Through MAP, she has completed 900 hours of learning Halq'eméylem one on one with two Elder language speakers.
Roxanne promotes family language learning at home and in the community. She examples language learning with her family and helps organizations incorporate Halq’eméylem lullabies and phrases into their routines.
Indigenizing Our Public Schools - Strategies for Teachers and Administrators
Keith Thor CarlsonHSS - Room 9
In this presentation Prof. Carlson discusses strategies that teachers and administrators can use as they navigate the complicated issues of decolonizing and Indigenizing public schools. This workshop is designed to assist educators to: determine key goals and benefits of decolonizing and Indigenizing our schools; identify key issues interrupting these processes; and develop a shared vocabulary to give a sense of common purpose and direction. Participants are encouraged to bring questions and concerns in the spirit of collaboration and learning.
Keith Carlson is a historian who has been working closely with the Sto:lo community since 1992. He is a professor at the University of the Fraser Valley where he holds the federally-funded Canada Research Chair in Indigenous and Community-Engaged History. He has authored or co-authored numerous books and articles. He is currently working on several book projects including one that examines the history of early Sto:lo-settler relations, and another the tells the history of the Seabird Island community through Elder's voices.
Rhythm Riot and Meditation Soundscape with World Percussion
Rhonda BruceHSS - Room 16
We will use world percussion African djembes, Cuban tubanos, and Buffalo drums in a unique and fun way to create simple rhythms everyone can do. We will laugh, relieve stress, connect, play some rhythm games, and create a meditation soundscape.
Rhonda is a drum circle facilitator, Qigong/Simplified Tai Chi Instructor, Reiki Master, and Active Aging Specialist. She has been facilitating drum circles around southern AB and southern BC for 10 years with ages from 3 to 102! Rhonda also worked in education as a Teacher's Assistant and Speech Language Pathologist Assistant from 2002-2018.
SD78 Indigenous Education Orange Shirt Day Curriculum Project
Wil A. Watchorn & Jason ReeveHSS - Room 21
We will be reviewing the materials developed over the summer of 2022 for SD78 staff. These materials were created specifically to offer some new lenses through which to examine Phyllis Webstad's Orange Shirt Story. We will walk through the materials and how we developed them so that teachers will be able to adapt the materials and the processes to their classrooms as they see fit. This is an opportunity for educators to learn ways of teaching students of different ages about Orange Shirt Day.
Wil only recently began teaching after a career in social services. He is raising his children in Harrison Hot Springs and pursues an eclectic mix of pastimes.
Jason grew up in Victoria, B.C., and completed his education degree at UFV. He began his teaching career overseas, and joined SD78 in 2019. Since joining the district, Jason has taught a number of different courses, and participates in Fraser-Cascade's Indigenous Education Curriculum Development programming, in addition to supporting aboriginal youth through an after-school tutoring program on Seabird Island. An advocate for all learners, Jason works as a district Inclusive Education teacher, and is currently based at Hope Secondary School.
Teaching Mathematics Through Storytelling
Chandra BalakrishnanHSS - Room 23
Stories are the primary way we make sense of the world--the way we think. Yet we tend to teach mathematics devoid of both story and context. In this workshop, we will explore the key components of stories and some of the ways they can be used to effectively teach mathematical concepts.
As a Mathematics Instructor in the K-12 system for over 20 years and a Faculty Member in the Department of Mathematics at Thompson Rivers University, Chandra has explored the many ways storytelling can be used to teach mathematical concepts.
Traditional Knowledge and Medicine Walk
Yvette JohnHSS - Meet in Commons Room
Join Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Yvette John of Hope, BC in an interactive Traditional Knowledge and Medicine walk around Hope. Please dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes.
Yvette carries her traditional name White-Plume-Woman meaning close to the heart. She is Stó:lō meaning “People of the Fraser River” and from Chawathil First Nations. Her healing journey began over 24 years ago; traditionally, culturally, and spiritually. Many of those years have been spent working alongside elders, spiritual healers, teachers, and people of many different cultures and hierarchies. She has extensive knowledge of traditional plants and medicine. She also works with storytelling, Salish weaving, spiritual cleansing, and sweat lodge and in archaeology. Yvette’s talk is entitled “Traditional Plants and Medicine.” This knowledge, which is common to First Nations people, has been passed on to her by Mother Ida John, elders, herbologists, and botanists.
What's On Your RADAR?
Aisha KianiHSS - Room 25
Reconciliation, Allyship, Diversity, and Anti-Racism - What is our teaching relationship with these social justice frameworks, and how does this influence our literacy, testing, and broader curriculum decisions?
Aisha Kiani (they/she) is a literary curator, artist, writer, DEI consultant, and education designer who’s current work is focused on the stories we tell in public learning spaces: schools, arts and culture spaces, and public service spaces like libraries, medical wellness spaces, and safety enforcement. They are the founder of I Dream Library, and designer of the RADAR Equity Evaluation Rubric™. Currently in its 3rd adaptation, this tool supports: K-12 educators, post-secondary, and organizations.
Non SD78 attendee Fees (will be collected at the HSS registration table):
$25.00 SD78 Partner Group Guests
$80.00 Out of District Participants