Maamwi Hub: Learn, Reflect, and Continue the Journey towards Truth and Reconciliation in Post-Secondary Education
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By Dr. Nasreen Sultana, Consultant, Teaching & Learning
As an immigrant settler in Canada, it took me years to realize the importance of learning about Indigenous history, peoples and the colonial impact on Indigenous communities. Learning more about Indigenous ways and history has empowered me to find ways to be an ally, bring Indigenous ideas into my teaching meaningfully and respectfully and also understand the colonial history of my own background. I plan to continue my learning journey and be an effective ally for Indigenous peoples.
Education is the key to reconciliation”
Murray Sinclair Honorable Justice Senator, Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry
In the 2015 report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, educators are called upon to incorporate Indigenous knowledge, experiences, students, scholars, and materials in post-secondary classrooms that reflect Indigenous ways of learning and knowing. This is a critical learning, reflective, and ongoing journey for all non-Indigenous faculty at Conestoga and beyond (Battell & Barker, 2015). One way to begin or continue this journey is through the Maamwi Hub.
Maamwi Hub
“The word “Maamwi” means “together” in Anishinaabemowin, one of the many spoken Indigenous languages in the territory currently referred to as Ontario. We hope that the Maamwi Hub will be a part of your ongoing reconciliation journey. We hope that it serves as a pathway to an authentic commitment to learn and reflect on the past and present impacts of colonial history on Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures, knowledges, and worldviews.”
Maamwi Hub, 2023
Faculty members now have access to the Maamwi Hub, The Learning Portal for the Ontario Public Colleges. The Hub is inspired by the TRC 94 Calls to Action to ensure that the students and staff of the 24 public Colleges of Ontario develop an awareness of the diverse Indigenous histories, cultures, and current Indigenous worldviews. This is one centralized repository of content for all users (students/faculty/college staff, Indigenous communities, and library staff).
Maamwi Hub Introduction Video
Resources in the Maamwi Hub
Maamwi Hub includes learning resources on various aspects of Indigenous knowledge, awareness and tools with a focus on Ontario. You will find valuable resources on:
Indigenous Peoples’ history, cultures, and perspectives, with a focus on Ontario.
How to conduct research respectfully and responsibly using Indigenous knowledges and worldviews highlighting research protocols, methods, and knowledge use.
Developing curriculum to promote Indigenous awareness in the classroom, including pedagogical tools and resources.
Offering ideas on expanding knowledge and how we can support each other on the path to reconciliation.
We encourage you to explore and use Maamwi Hub to expand your knowledge about how we can meaningfully decolonize and Indigenous our teaching and learning practices respectfully and responsibly.
References
Battell, L. E., & Barker, A. J. (2015). Settler: Identity and colonialism in 21st century Canada. Fernwood Publishing.
Nasreen Sultana, PhD, has worked in post-secondary education for about 14
plus years. Prior to joining Conestoga College, she taught in the teacher education program at Queen's University from where she completed her PhD in Education as well. In addition, Nasreen is a qualified administrator of IDI (Intercultural Development Inventory) and also earned a certificate in intercultural studies from UBC. Nasreen brings international experience and exposure to the role of the Teaching and Learning Consultant and invites discussions and learning regarding various aspects of diversity in faculty and in students. Her areas of research include intercultural communication, assessment and classroom instruction. Recently Nasreen has started learning about anti racism pedagogy and its implication in the classrooms.
