CBC: Indigenous education at Winnipeg’s major universities up for debate Thursday
Two of Manitoba’s major universities are approaching indigenous education very differently and that’s the topic of debate on Thursday.
Last spring the University of Winnipeg approved a motion making it mandatory for students to take at least one indigenous studies course to graduate.
In December, the University of Manitoba and the U of W were among provincial post-secondary schools to sign an Indigenous Education Blueprint.
The blueprint is designed to take action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations, including bringing indigenous knowledge, languages and intellectual traditions to curricula and building schools and campuses that are free of racism.
On Thursday, indigenous scholars, students and professionals will debate whether a mandatory indigenous studies course in post-secondary schools is a good idea.
“All universities and colleges are thinking about it, and if they’re not thinking about it, they need to start thinking about it,” said Deborah Young, the executive lead for indigenous achievement at the U of M.
The discussion is part of the U of M’s second annual Indigenous Awareness Week, which runs from Jan. 25 to 29.