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Student Life Events at St. George

Speaking Our Truths: The Journey Towards Reconciliation Part 1

Jan 24, 2024 03:30 PM to 05:30 PM

Registration Deadline: Jan 24, 2024 03:30 PM

A photo of tree trucks with text, "Indigenous Learning in Local & Global Contexts. Begins January 24 Deepen your understanding of issues facing Indigenous peoples worldwide. clnx.utoronto.ca"

Culture is expressed in the worldviews of peoples from different backgrounds, lived experiences and histories. It is fostered through ones' unique identification with ones' values, beliefs, languages, and traditions. For Indigenous peoples, this also includes a spiritual, social, physical, and emotional connection with the land.

We all hold truths to help us make sense of the world around us, shaped by the values, traditions and belief systems we acquire from family and societal influences. However, few Canadians take the time to recognize, comprehend and appreciate the values, traditions and belief systems of Indigenous peoples that may be markedly different from ones' own. This training asks participants to shift their focus from the differences of Indigenous peoples, to how ones' own beliefs, practices and histories have impacted the health and wellness, self-esteem, and the socio-economic well-being of Indigenous Peoples.

In this workshop, we look at the hidden history of Canada, a history that has been largely untold that examines the attitudes, legislation and policies of the Crown that erased Indigenous peoples' history from Canadian landscape. We examine how powerful Indigenous nations, critical allies and trading partners were devalued and systematically stripped of their lands, resources and eventually their identities.

This workshop will be presented and facilitated by Indigenous Training Coordinator, John Croutch, from the Office of Indigenous Initiatives.

This event is part of the Intercultural Learning Program (ILP) and the Indigenous Learning in Local and Global Contexts Program. Learn more about the programs by visiting the Center for International Experience - Events & Programs webpage (Under the "Develop" tab) and find out how the program works to get Co-Curricular Record (CCR) recognition.

If you have questions or accommodation requests, please feel free to contact You Jia Lee (youjia.lee@utoronto.ca).