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Miākmaw traditional knowledge keepers are those within the community who have attained great knowledge of history, carry wisdom, and are caretakers of traditional teachings.Ā Five such knowledge keepers will be an integral part of a new course on the Agricultural Campus this winter.
Miākmaw Natural Resources will introduce students to Indigenous practices of being custodians of the land and of animals. Students will have the opportunity to interact with Miākmaw community leaders and gain a greater understanding of what it means to live and learn in Miākamāki.
āWe are so fortunate to be located within close proximity to 13 First Nations communities and in particular Millbrook First Nation,ā said Dr. Heather Bruce, dean and campus principal Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture.Ā āLearning other ways of knowing is an important tenant of higher education and one that will further enhance the experience and perspective of our students.ā
Topics will include economic development, land, aquaculture, fisheries, animals, environment, climate change, forestry, green communities and plants.
By the end of the course, students will be able to discuss other ways of knowing and appreciate the world in which they live, compare Miākmaw cultural practices in relation to natural resources to non-Indigenous practices, analyze their own thoughts and beliefs regarding Indigenous ways of knowing and identify resources.
āI was extremely pleased to see how Joy designed the course in an anti-colonial way, giving the Knowledge Keepers the freedom to present their sessions in a format that best honors their unique traditions and knowledges,ā said Keah Gloade, manager Indigenous students. āTheir enthusiasm to be part of this course speaks volumes about its importance and the value it brings,ā she added. āThe initiative Joy has taken truly demonstrates her deep allyship with our communities and her commitment to fostering a space for Indigenous voices and perspectives to thrive.āĀ
The Faculty of Agriculture is also developing a series of co-curricular activities on campus with an aim of increasing Indigenous cultural awareness and inclusivity. Ā The incorporation of Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing in curriculum, policy and on campus landscapes will ensure administrators, faculty and staff have a broader understanding of Aboriginal culture, values, traditions and customs.
āI designed this course as an ally and someone who wishes to continue to learn and work toward Truth & Reconciliation,ā said Senior Instructor Joy Galloway-Jones.Ā āSometimes as settlers we get focused on our world view.Ā I am hopeful this course will expand and enrich the studentsā world views and set them up to learn more and take action.ā
This course is one in a series of initiatives the Faculty of Agriculture has undertaken to acknowledge a shared history between pilipiliĀž», the Faculty of Agriculture and the Millbrook First Nation community.
The Miākmaq Grand Council Flag was permanently installed in 2016 acknowledging the campus sits on Traditional Territory of the indigenous Miākmaq people.Ā River Road was renamed to āSipu Awtiā in 2018, reflecting the literal Miākmaq translation of its name and this past spring, a powerful symbol for Indigenous Peoples- the eagle feather - was added to campus in the form of a Seven Feathers crosswalk adjacent to Cumming Hall and Sipu Awti. Ā
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