Indigenizing Post-Secondary Education at Conestoga College

Incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing and learning is important as part of the road to reconciliation.

Conestoga College recognizes the importance of Indigenizing post-secondary education. Conestoga's Be-Dah-Bin Gamik, a Place of New Beginnings, provides services and supports for Indigenous students to assist with a smooth transition to college life.

Services include a range of social and cultural events and activities, like an annual pow wow, an Indigenous music festival, and Indigenous student welcome activities and workshops, with topics such as Full Moon Teachings, Haudenosaunee Philosophy of a Good Mind, and Grandmother Teachings. Traditional counselling and Elders-in-Residence programs are also available.

These are some of the biggest events run at Conestoga each year — but there are plenty of other opportunities to get engaged with the Conestoga community.

Annual pow wow

Conestoga's annual pow wow is a cultural celebration for Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members to gather with pride and honour Indigenous cultures.

Indigenous music festival

The annual Indigenous music fest is a showcase of Indigenous art featuring various music styles from a selection of performers. The event offers free admission and welcomes students, staff, and the broader community.

Truth and reconciliation

Conestoga's yearly Truth and Reconciliation event is held in September, to coincide with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and helps increase understanding of Canada's residential school system and highlights opportunities to create meaningful dialogue for reconciliation.

Indigenizing post-secondary education

"Indigenizing post-secondary education" refers to being inclusive of Indigenous knowledge, experiences, students, scholars, and materials, as well as developing spaces that reflect Indigenous ways of learning and knowing. It is one of the calls to action provided in Honouring the Truth, Reconciling the Future, the 2015 report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Conestoga College is committed to the process of reconciliation and support for Indigenous peoples in Canada.

The Indigenizing post-secondary education video above, developed with the generous support of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, was created to help inspire educators in their efforts to make post-secondary education accessible to and supportive of Indigenous students.

It provides essential background information and shares the voices of Indigenous post-secondary students and elders in order that we may learn from their voices and suggestions.

Want to learn more about Indigenizing education at Conestoga? Check out Be-Dah-Bin Gamik Twitter page for updates, or visit the Indigenous Services page for more info.