Meeting Time: 10:00 AM Meeting Location: CEPA1369
Present: Allan Arndt (Department Head, Biology), Cary Britton (Instructor, Applied and Technical Studies), Jacqueline Nolte (Dean, College of Arts), Kathryn Garcia (Academic Advisor), Lorna Andrews (Director, Indigenous Student Centre), Luanne Yellowfly (Associate Professor, SCMS), Marcella LaFever (Associate Professor, CMNS), Nicole Kungle (recorder), Robert Harding (Associate Professor, SWHS), Shirley Hardman (Senior Advisor, Indigenous Affairs), Stan Manu (Assistant Professor, Math & Stats), Vandy Britton (Department Head, Teacher Education), Wenona Victor (Chair).
Regrets: Theresa Neil-Kumiga (Elder in Residence), Kate McCulloch (Assistant Professor, Health Studies), Sheryl Newton (Assistant Professor, UUP).
1. Opening Prayer
An opening prayer was given by Wenona Victor.
1.1 Introductions
The chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. There are two new members to the ISCC, Allan Arndt, Department Head, Biology and Vandy Britton, Department Head, Teacher Education.
2. For Approval
2.1 Adopt the Indigenous Studies Curriculum Committee Agenda for March 9, 2017.
Amendments:
§ 4.5 Announcement of video for Recognition of Territory – Robert Harding
Agenda approved as amended.
2.2 Approve Indigenous Studies Curriculum Committee Minutes of November 7, 2016.
Minutes approved as presented.
Guests:
Michelle Rhodes – Environmental Studies degree
Michelle presented to the committee the proposal for the Environmental Studies degree with two options; environmental sciences (Arts & Sciences) and natural sciences (strong agricultural input). The development of this degree has been in development for the last 8 years or so. It is currently at the Program Development & Quality Assurance office for consultation. Michelle will need to obtain letters of support from the community and look into training partnerships with other institutions for the technical portion of the requirements for graduates to meet career outcomes. There are a number of institutions interested in partnering with UFV locally and outside the region; Camosun College, Okanagan College, Selkirk College, and NVIT. Michelle is also looking at how current certificates and other programs could ladder into the degree and vice versa for example the Indigenous Maps, Films, Rights and Land Claims certificate and Indigenous Studies degree. Michelle is working on meeting a deadline of April to get everything done and submit the proposal to the Ministry. The ISCC has requested to continue to be a part of the process.
Shelley Stefan – Indigenous Arts certificate
Shelley presented to the committee the revisions to the Indigenous Arts certificate. Shelley and Shirley Hardman met last summer to review the program with the goal of making it more flexible and accessible. Shelley came to the ISCC for input and support on what is currently being proposed. The Indigenous Arts certificate is being proposed as a bi-annually offering to build up interest with streamlined entrance requirements, laddering opportunity into other programs for example the Indigenous Studies degree, looking at how to recruit faculty, this could be a special guest or similar to the writer in residence, and how best to market the certificate. Lorna provided feedback about the challenges students face for funding and asked Shelley to consider this when developing the program and course options. Shelley will forward the current program proposal for members to review and provide feedback.
3. Business Arising
3.1 Aboriginal Culture and Language Support (ACLS) diploma
Wenona contacted the Langley school district Aboriginal Education department and is waiting to hear back from them to set up a meeting to discuss the ACLS. Luanne will be joining Wenona.
4. For Discussion
4.1 IS Webpage
Wenona and Nicole met with Louise to the development of the IS webpage. The ISCC decided to use “IndigenousStudies” as the word on the rack card. Wenona and Nicole will be meeting with Louise again.
4.2 How to attract and select faculty to be associated with the program for the webpage
Include a link to the ISCC with members listed. Include a statement on program allies. Wenona will be the contact for the IS program. Include any associate faculty, visiting/adjunct faculty.
4.3 Indigenous Pedagogy (Medicine Wheel) article by Marcella LaFever
This article has been in the making over the last 4-5 years. Non-Indigenous people are working with the information. Contact Marcella with any questions or feedback.
4.4 IPK Bella Coola delivery – Robert Harding
Robert went up to Bella Coola for about a week and taught IPK 344 to a small group. Robert talked about the commitment the community members have to their community and shared how one resident carries a cell phone for a period of time for those who are suicidal and need support. Robert would start each class with a talking circle which would last 60-90 minutes. These talking circles were intense and healing. Everyone passed the course. It was a humbling experience for Robert. The community has a real appetite for more education.
4.5 Announcement – Students from Robert’s Community Development course are in the process of making a video about Acknowledgement of unceded Stó:lo territory which can be shown in the classroom, at events, and for intuitional use. The students came up with the idea for the video and it will be posted to the Indigenous Student Association webpage. Robert will send out the link to everyone once the video is ready.
Next Meeting:
May 2017 – Nicole will send out doodle poll with dates and times for the first week of May.
Next meeting agenda items
§ Reconciliation and Conflict Transformation course – should this be an IS or PACS course?
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