PDTCA 2023

Most school staff encounter students who come from households that experience stress, income instability, household food insecurity, poor social support networks, differing physical abilities, and other related challenges. These students are in every school and every classroom.
We will outline how schools can apply an equity approach to better support students and families who face social barriers that can negatively impact health and education outcomes. We will work through various school and classroom examples, such as sports days, special events, and curriculum-related projects. We will use a growth mindset to identify strategies and solutions that can minimize adverse impacts on students and their families.

This workshop is designed to help school staff understand legislation and educational policy and discuss how to support sexual and gender minority students and staff in Alberta schools. Participants will explore strategies for creating inclusive schools while also reflecting on their own attitudes, beliefs and dispositions.

This session will provide a brief introduction into how society impacts the way we think about, talk about, and consume food. We will discuss the power of our language and actions, and how as educators and role models we can influence our students’ relationship with food. This video provides strategies for building supportive school environments and developing a positive relationship with food. Content warning: Diet, eating disorders and disordered eating, weight and body image is discussed in this presentation.

LOCATION: Due to the weather, please meet us at the Hyatt in Imperial Ballroom 6.

Nature supports wellness in many ways, but not all students have equitable access to nature. Mainstream outdoor education is inaccessible, exclusive, and expensive. It perpetuates systemic racism, ableism, classism, heterosexism, sexism, cissexism, and sizeism. Many youth feel ignored, unwelcome, and unprepared in outdoor education.

Join CPAWS as we explore the concrete jungle downtown to demonstrate how to make outdoor education inclusive for all – no matter where you are! Learn how you can provide inclusive nature connection opportunities that support your students’ wellbeing. This outdoor session will help guide your role as a teacher in responding to inequity in outdoor education. CPAWS will demonstrate how to take your favourite environmental lesson plans and apply cross-cultural guidelines to make your lessons more accessible for all your students!

This session is sponsored by Morgex Insurance
Why does it matter that women’s voices still account for well less than a third of those who hold power, set agendas and exert influence? And what can educators do about it? When a country's public conversations fail to accurately reflect the experiences and priorities of a big portion of the population, everybody suffers. In this keynote presentation, Shari Graydon marries research, humour and stories to illuminate the causes and consequences of the gender gap, and to inspire educators to speak up to make the world we share more equitable.

8:30 am - 3:00 pm - Friday, Feb. 24, 2023
This all day workshop will be done at Woods Homes located at 9400 48 Ave. NW Calgary
Teachers need to supply their own transportation to Woods Homes
Teachers need to bring their own lunch and water bottle.
Teachers need to bring appropriate clothing to change into in order to participate in the Teaching Sweat Lodge.

All day workshop on Indigenous Perspectives that includes "hands-on" experiential sessions with teachers actively participating in an "Educational Teaching" Sweat Lodge, Indigenous games and traditions, and discussions with regards to the application of foundational knowledge regarding Alberta Education's curriculum and First Nations, Metis, and Inuit.

Detailed Overview of Indigenous Perspectives Workshop For Palliser Teachers’ Convention:

1.) Teaching/Educational Sweat Lodge
Participants will be participating in what is known as a Teaching/Educational Sweat Lodge.
- This is an introduction to an Indigenous tradition that has been practised for
thousands of years. It is to provide participants with a basic understanding of what a
Sweat Lodge is all about, the importance of a Sweat Lodge and some of what goes
into creating a Sweat Lodge and exposure to some of the customs and traditions
associated with a Sweat Lodge.
- The heat level is maintained at an acceptable level for most individuals. This should
not be an uncomfortable endurance test. We approach it from a perspective of
kindness and want every participant to feel safe and comfortable. (perhaps
stretching their comfort zone just a little bit)
- There will be 2 rounds of sweating and singing. Each round will take roughly 15 to
20 minutes and each has a specific meaning to it.
- In between the rounds you will be allowed to come out if necessary and rejuvenate
via cold water and fresh air. This break usually last between about 5 – 10 minutes.
- If you feel that you cannot go back into the next round, it is ok to sit out.
- Before/after or in between the rounds, feel free to speak to Walter about
your experience or anything else you may need to speak to him about.

2.) Indigenous Traditional games and talking circle
Participants will be introduced and participate in some very basic traditional Indigenous hand
games along with other traditional games as well as the talking circle. Key points will be to
understand the significance of these traditions as well as the process and desired outcomes.

3.) Applying Foundational Knowledge about First Nations, Metis and Inuit
This session will provide participants with a better understanding of how to address Alberta
Education’s TQS goal of “Applying Foundational Knowledge about First Nations, Metis and
Inuit”.
As outlined in Alberta Education’s TQS document this session will address several key areas
such as
A teacher develops and applies foundational knowledge about First Nations, Métis and
Inuit for the benefit of all students.
Achievement of this competency is demonstrated
by indicators such as:
(a) understanding the historical, social, economic,
and political implications of:
• treaties and agreements with First Nations;
• legislation and agreements negotiated with
Métis; and
• residential schools and their legacy;
(b) supporting student achievement by engaging
in collaborative, whole school approaches to
capacity building in First Nations, Métis and
Inuit education;
(c) using the programs of study to provide
opportunities for all students to develop a
knowledge and understanding of, and respect for,
the histories, cultures, languages, contributions,
perspectives, experiences and contemporary
contexts of First Nations, Métis and Inuit; and
(d) supporting the learning experiences of all students
by using resources that accurately reflect and
demonstrate the strength and diversity of First
Nations, Métis and Inuit.

Understanding race, racism, privilege and oppression requires concerted effort toward uncovering the daily hierarchies and power structures that surround our complex identities. For educators, promoting social justice is central to our daily work with students. Addressing specific issues such as privilege is difficult and uncomfortable for most people, for a variety of reasons. This workshop will help teachers explore these issues and provide them with ideas for student exercises and activities.