Indigenous Education Council Meeting Minutes
The meeting covered several key updates and initiatives. The Pow Wow event was reported as successful with high praise for the food. Key discussions included increasing the use of Indigenous languages in official communications, focusing on Indigenous Food Sovereignty, and receiving updates on Conestoga College renovations and art installations in partnership with Highness Global. Plans for the Indigenous Knowledge Symposium, scheduled for April 30 - May 1, were detailed, including keynote speakers and focus areas such as Indigenous Knowledge as Pedagogy. A pilot Indigenous Book Club featuring Leanne Simpson's work was discussed. Progress on the Indigenous Student Success Strategy, expected for release in September 2024, was noted, alongside discussions concerning the incorporation of Indigenous elements into new Indigenous Classrooms. A presentation was given on Wiijindamaan: An Indigenous Land-based Futurity, emphasizing land restoration and traditional practice training. Finally, steps for IEC expansion and the hiring process for the new Indigenous Relations Coordinator were reviewed.