Misipawistik Pimatisimēskanaw

The Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness 2020 Social Connectedness Fellowship Research Project #4 - Misipawistik Pimatisimēskanaw

The Social Connectedness Fellowship provides recent graduates with the opportunity to carry out research, writing, analysis, and outreach related to overcoming social isolation and building social connectedness.

Fellows are paired with partner organizations that work to build belonging and social inclusion across a variety of thematic areas — climate change, disability and older people’s rights, refugee integration, inclusive education, placemaking and urban design, and much more.

Project Details Partner: Misipawistik Pimatisimēskanaw, a program run by members of the Misipawistik Cree Nation that offers culturally relevant teachings to help students reconnect with their culture, rebuild connections to their ancestral land, and promote healthy living

Locations: Winnipeg, Canada (preferred), or somewhere else in the province of Manitoba, Canada

Project Description: Are you interested in supporting and building Indigenous-led institutions in Canada? Do you also want to work with grassroots education programs?

The Fellow will conduct an independent research project looking into First Nations Schools and educational initiatives—fulfilling the spirit and intent of ICIE, 1972 and FNCFNE, 2010—and work with a committee of Elders and knowledge holders in Manitoba to create a preliminary work plan to develop a Cree land-based educational institution in Manitoba.

Background In 1972, the National Indian Brotherhood (now Assembly of First Nations, AFN) released the policy paper ‘Indian Control of Indian Education’ (ICIE, 1972). The paper highlighted the failure of the Western education system in Indigenous communities and called for First Nations to take a leading role in developing and implementing their own education systems based on Indigenous culture and values. In response, the Canadian government handed over management of a failing system to First Nations with little opportunity to truly implement the spirit and intent of the recommendations put forth in the paper. In 2010, AFN released an updated policy paper ‘First Nations Control of First Nations Education’ (FNCFNE, 2010), which reflected the current challenges and changes in education, and highlighted the lack of progress on achieving the true spirit and intent of ICIE, 1972.

Despite the lack of support from federal and provincial governments, grassroots groups have worked to build education systems that truly reflect the spirit and intent of ICIE, 1972. Two examples include Akwesasne Freedom School and Kāniyāsihk Cree Immersion Land-Based School; both are immersion schools that are based on Indigenous culture and values. These two schools were started by grassroots groups with no access to education funding from Indigenous Services Canada or provincial governments because they teach their own curricula.

Key Deliverables: 1. Written research report. Should include information on Indigenous schools that focus on teaching Indigenous culture and values. 2. Work plan to develop a Cree land-based educational institution in Manitoba. To be developed with a committee of Elders and knowledge holders from Manitoba. 3. 2 blog post(s) or video(s) reflecting on Elders’ wishes for First Nations education and/or youth perspectives on Cree language and values inclusion in the current education system.

Key Skills/Competencies Required: ● Excellent time and project management skills ● Basic computer skills, including proficiency in email, internet research and Microsoft Office ● Basic qualitative research skills ● Ability to work independently and with remote team members ● Knowledge of First Nations culture and values ● Knowledge and experience in community work an asset

How to Apply All applicants must fill out the Google Form application by March 8, 2020 at 11:59 pm EST. Applicants can apply for 1 or 2 projects. In addition to answering the standardized questions, applicants must also answer a specific question for each project that they are interested in.

Specific question for Research Project #4 - Misipawistik Pimatisimēskanaw (Max. 250 words):

1. a) In the past, what have you done to learn about the culture, background, history, interests and concerns of those you served/worked with, in order to improve your ability to serve/be in relationship? What did you discover and what did you do with that knowledge? b) In this role, what are some of the steps you would take in order to serve respectfully, knowledgeably and effectively?

For Indigenous applicants, you can answer the following question instead of the one above:

1. a) Tell us about a situation where you used leadership or influence to empower a community, group or individual. What aspects of leadership and/or influence did you use and how? b) What were the results, both short- and long-term?