Latest news with #CulturalAwareness
CBC
24-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Six Nations Polytechnic and Wilfrid Laurier University sign formal agreement
A new agreement between Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) and Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) aims to offer more educational options to Indigenous students and raise awareness of Indigenous culture for non-Indigenous students. The organizations have been working together for nearly 30 years, but on Monday they officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to bolster academic ties. Pending funding, the agreement will look to offer more educational options, especially for local Indigenous students. The collaboration also wants to raise awareness of Indigenous practices for non-Indigenous students. SNP has around 350 students, not all of whom are Indigenous. WLU has approximately 400 Indigenous students out of a total student population across campuses around 20,000. "I find that it's very welcoming to see … some institutions very much open to partnering as part of the way forward," said Rebecca Jamieson, the president and CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic. SNP has been offering programs since the early 1990s. It offers university-level Ogwehoweh languages courses as well as numerous skilled trades, college-level programs, and a high school level STEAM academy. Jamieson has been with the SNP since the very beginning and became president in 2009. She said the partnership with Laurier has been in place for so long the MOU is just a formality and standard protocol. "It has been a long-standing relationship and it's just deepening." She cited a recent partnership with Mohawk College which supported 40 nursing graduates. "[A] partnership is a way to get things done. Good partnerships … are lasting," she said. Whatever follows, Jamieson said, it will be looked at through a win-win lens for both institutions. The focus of SNP has been to meet the needs of the community, she said, and to benefit Indigenous students. Labour market considerations are a factor but Jamieson also emphasized that the student body of nearly 350 is not entirely Indigenous. "We have people from all backgrounds who study with us who want to learn in our environment. So I think as a way forward, it's an opportunity," Jamieson said. Darren Thomas, associate vice-president of Indigenous initiatives at Wilfrid Laurier University, said the agreement is a recognition of SNP's desire to grow and offer programs. "Our plan … over the next several years is to construct several agreements. So this MOU is an overarching agreement," Thomas said. He said this is going to be a lot of work within both institutions, local communities, the provincial government and others. "We're laying [the groundwork] out as if we had funding," he said. Thomas references the more than a dozen Métis councils and 18 First Nations in the region. He said Laurier is really trying to position itself to serve, not just students but also staff and the community in general. Both Jamieson and Thomas confirmed it may take a year to finalize the details of this partnership.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Yahoo
Four-year museum project nearing an end
AS well as the lighter, longer and sunnier days, June is home to GRTSB (Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showfolk and Boaters) History Month. GRTSB History Month serves to raise awareness and challenge prejudice, fostering a more inclusive society by highlighting the rich heritage of these often-marginalised groups. The month is a way to amplify their voices and ensure their stories are recognised and celebrated. More: Firm donates pineapples and tins of fruit to foodbank More: City retirement village joins national campaign More: National recognition for city franchise For members of the Travelling communities, it is also an opportunity to reflect upon their identities and what their cultural heritage means to them and the values they hold, especially in modern society with the challenges this presents. This month is a celebratory yet emotional month for Museums Worcestershire's Vardo project officer as the four-year Vardo Project funded by the John Ellerman Foundation comes to an end. Before the current project officer hangs up their boots, however, there is opportunity to share a recent acquisition to the Worcestershire County collection. A pair of Brompton brogue boots for ladies have arrived, almost new and barely worn as one of the last the factory ever made and purchased some 30 years ago by a Romani woman from the area. This brand was a popular boot as the style was deemed 'all-purpose' for travelling folk. The design suits the requirement to be practical, living a traveller's way of life — tending to animals, livestock, horses and families on the open road, on horseback and in and out of wagons and carts. Practical boots that could be worn under even the 'best' skirts for an outing into town or to a show. The boot is representative of a cultural heritage and identity not widely known about. It is robust, strong, resilient and versatile yet elusive. This month and throughout the autumn journeys will be made to traditional horse fairs and shows acknowledging the traditions, the hawking, the celebration, the rejoice at reuniting with friends and family at favoured, sacred stopping places or Atchin Tans that may be lost to communities now. The versatility and resilience of a community ever-present and, unlike this specific type of boot, here to stay. Discover the history of Worcestershire by visiting The Commandery, Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum and Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle. Find out more and plan your visit at
