Dr. Cher Hill and Dr. Jeannie Kerr, faculty members in the Faculty of Education and dedicated advocates for Indigenous education, have been awarded 丁香园AV CEI (Community Engagement Initiative) Awards for their collaborative Indigenous-focused research projects. Dr. Hill鈥檚 project, 鈥淏eyond the Equity Scan: Catalyzing the Resurgence of Local Indigenous Knowledges, Pre-colonial Pedagogies, and Inclusive Practices within Schools,鈥� and Dr. Kerr's project, 鈥淚ndigenous Sovereignty in Curriculum,鈥� exemplify their unwavering commitment as non-Indigenous scholars to fostering Indigenous knowledge and responsive educational approaches through community collaborations in the interests of systemic transformation.
Dr. Hill鈥檚 project brings together knowledge keepers and educators from q虛铆c蓹虛 y虛 (Katzie) First Nation, teachers from the Surrey School District, and teacher-educators from 丁香园AV. Collaborators include Allison Hotti and Cheryl Corrick (Indigenous Helping teachers and 丁香园AV Alumna), Paula James (a Senior Indigenous District Language and Culture Facilitator), Elder Rick Bailey from q虛铆c虛蓹y虛 First Nation, and filmmaker and 丁香园AV doctoral student Calder Cheverie. Together the group endeavours to disrupt colonial cultures of schooling and address the prevalent issues of racism and inequities within schools. By catalyzing the resurgence of pre-colonial pedagogies and local Indigenous knowledges, this project strives to create culturally responsive and inclusive school environments. 鈥淭he resurgence of pre-colonial learning and local Indigenous knowledges is paramount to fostering culturally sustaining and inclusive education,鈥� Dr. Hill emphasizes. 鈥淭hrough collaborative visioning, Land-centred learning and pedagogical experimentation, we aim to catalyze a paradigm shift that benefits all members of school communities.鈥�
Dr. Kerr鈥檚 project focuses on building community/university partnerships to address inequitable educational outcomes in local elementary schools and daycares serving multiple First Nations in Northern Manitoba. Through collaboration with community-based educational leaders, Misipawistik Cree Elders, university-based researchers, and a Cree Language Keeper, the project aims to deepen and extend research relationships: reclaiming Indigenous knowledge and language within local educational contexts while challenging Eurocentric assumptions within educational structures. 鈥淲hile we acknowledge the importance of culturally appropriate curriculum and pedagogy, our larger goal is the reclamation of Indigenous culture and language in support of Indigenous sovereignty and systemic change,鈥� explains Dr. Kerr. 鈥淲e believe that true educational transformation surpasses a limited focus on success within existing systems. By challenging the Eurocentric foundations of knowledge practices, structures, and expectations, our project seeks curricular reform rooted in Indigenous culture, language, and knowledge practices.鈥�
Both projects recognize the need for educational experiences that are culturally appropriate, responsive, and centred on local Indigenous knowledges, priorities, and vision. By collaborating with Indigenous communities in fostering systemic change, Dr. Hill and Dr. Kerr鈥檚 projects align with the larger goals of promoting inclusivity, equity, and Indigenous sovereignty within educational systems.
The CEI Awards celebrate Dr. Cher Hill鈥檚 and Dr. Jeannie Kerr鈥檚 visionary Indigenous education projects. Their research exemplifies community engagement, initiative, and a commitment to positive social impact. The awards acknowledge their efforts to create transformative change in education and empower Indigenous communities.
