PDTCA 2023

Kairos Blanket Exercise- this activity first introduces participants to Turtle Island and then follows the impact on Indigenous cultures from first contact through to contemporary issues. The activity will take approximately 1.25 hour and will be followed by a debrief.
Participants are asked to wear/bring clean socks and to bring a small/medium blanket they are comfortable standing on/having others stand on.

This workshop will examine core causes of intergenerational trauma, challenge common myths and misconceptions, as well as explore activities to foster effective relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, families and community. Participants will explore assimilation strategies that have contributed to many current realities of Indigenous students, families and community. You will gain an increased understanding of physical, mental, social and spiritual impacts, and strength-based initiatives to contribute to the advancement of the reconciliation process.

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.

Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortium created the Empowering the Spirit website and Weaving Ways resource to support teachers with Foundational Knowledge and bringing Indigenous Ways of Knowing into their practice to create a rich experience for students in their classrooms. Join knowledge keeper Donna Ross to learn about the wealth of tools available to enhance your teaching practice and strengthen your ability to address TQS/LQS 5.

Fostering and developing a braided approach in the Indigenous focused competencies and indicators continues to be a challenge for many. The following are common statements from teachers and school leaders across the province; “I don’t know what I don’t know”, “I’m afraid to say and do something offensive” and “I just don’t know where to begin”. Come and learn resources and strategies to deepen understanding of Indigenous-focused competencies in the new Teaching & Leadership Quality Standard.

Did you know that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit traditional games are great ways to make connections to numeracy? Traditional games can provide entry points to deeper understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and further connections to the land. Get ready to learn about resources for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit traditional games and how to create authentic learning experiences.

The new Teaching Quality Standard requires all teachers to demonstrate foundational knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit for the benefit of all students. Where should you start!? In this session, you will be introduced to short, interactive activities designed to enhance your understanding of reconciliation, resources specifically produced to build your competence and confidence; and ideas about the many paths you can pursue on your future professional Indigenous Education learning journey.