Indigenous education and Walking Together

Become an Indigenous Education professional development (PD) facilitator

Indigenous Education PD facilitators provide specific expertise to members related to the Indigenous-focused competencies and indicators, including the facilitation of Indigenous Education and Walking Together workshops. The Indigenous Education PD facilitators assist in developing and maintaining relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit Elders and Knowledge Keepers, including following local cultural protocols and sharing Indigenous education expertise for members, locals and various subgroups.

What do Indigenous Education PD facilitators do?

• Facilitate 7–10 workshops throughout the year 
• Attend ATA training sessions, Professional Development Area Conferences and Summer Conference
• Provide ongoing support for members, locals and various subgroups in assigned regions related to Indigenous education and cultural protocols
• Support members in developing and maintaining relationships with local First Nations, Métis and Inuit Elders and Knowledge Keepers

Eligibility

You must

• be an active or associate ATA member,
• have five or more years of teaching experience and
• hold an Alberta teaching certificate.

How to apply

As a courtesy, please advise your superintendent and principal before you apply.

The application process has two parts:

1. Provide a letter of interest, including the following details:

• Areas of interest and expertise in Indigenous education
• Experience leading professional development
• Reasons for applying

2. Provide a resumé that outlines the following:

• Education
• Work experience
• Leadership experience
• Publications
• Presentations
• Volunteer experience

Send or e-mail your letter of interest and resumé to Melissa Purcell, ATA Executive Staff Officer, Indigenous Education, Alberta Teachers’ Association, 11010 142 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5N 2R1; e-mail melissa.purcell@ata.ab.ca.

In making application to become an Indigenous Education PD facilitator for the Alberta Teachers’ Association, you are voluntarily providing your personal information to the ATA. Visit the ATA website for more information.

Named in nêhiyawêwin (Cree) by Elder Mary Cardinal Collins, wîcihtotân translates in English to “let’s help each other.” 

wîcihtotân (weh-chee-tow-tan), is an ATA program and network for indigenous teachers and school leaders to listen and learn together. The program connects participants to offer support, guidance and mentorship with each other. 

Participants will share resources, strategies, ideas and experiences that can enhance their work and help each other feel less isolated, marginalized and vulnerable.

Feedback provided by wîcihtotân participants will guide the direction for this growing community.

Participants meet three times throughout the school year (two online and one in-person).

Registration deadlines for wîcihtotân gatherings is from November 30^th.

Please contact walkingtogether@ata.ab.ca for further information.

The Indigenous Education Specialist Council is open to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators.

It acts to

• facilitate professional development related to First Nations, Métis and Inuit education;
• advocate for First Nations, Métis and Inuit student issues;
• connect educators to Indigenous classroom resources specific to Alberta; and
• build capacity with the Alberta Teachers’ Association.

The Indigenous Education Council fosters relationships with Elders and Knowledge Keepers in each community to bridge the gap between the community and local schools.

September 30—National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day

October 4—Sisters in Spirit Day

November 7—National Inuit Day

November 8—National Indigenous Veterans Day

November 15—Rock Your Mocs

November 11-15—Métis Week

February 14—Have a Heart Day

March 31—National Indigenous Languages Day

May 5—Red Dress Day

May 10—Bear Witness Day

May 16—Moose Hide Campaign Day

June—National Indigenous History Month

June 21— National Indigenous Peoples Day

This gym-size floor map engages students and teachers in the history of Indigenous Peoples. The map identifies the locations of Indigenous communities, residential schools and reserves, as well as the many Indigenous languages spanning Canada.
The kit includes

• a teacher’s guide,
• hard copies of all learning activities available for download,
• a gym-size floor map (10.7 m x 7.9 m) and
• a three-week loan period (free).

For more information or to book, e-mail walkingtogether@ata.ab.ca.

Limited bookings are available for the 2023/24 year. Please e-mail walkingtogether@ata.ab.ca if you’d like to be added to the waitlist.