On February 10 Terri Peters presented the first round of IFL* workshops: introduction to facilitation and advanced facilitation.
 
(*) The Integrated Foundational Learning (IFL) program is for instructors and facilitators of adult learning. The program trains educators how to recognize and address the learning needs of participants who learn at a foundational level. 
 

This IFL program is made possible through the generous support of

 

 

 

 

We have had discussions around our staff meeting tables lately on the topic of using the term Indigenous or Aboriginal. There have many contributing factors to this being atop of our minds- the recent changes in both provincial and federal governments and the official calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are among the key points. As an Indigenous academic, I recognize that most prominent scholars that I aspire to, have been using Indigenous for a while. 

I understand that this topic may frustrate some - how confusing to not know if you are using the right terminology. Imagine how frustrating it is for those of us who had no choice what to be called? To me Indigenous is unifying, respectful and ensures that there is an understanding of being unique to a certain place. It ties our roots to the land that our ancestors have been a part of since time immemorial. It is always the best practice to refer to people from their direct place of origin - example I am from Cheam Band, Pilalt Tribe, Sto: Lo Nation. 

Keeping in mind that our work at Calgary Learns is to support the distribution of the Aboriginal Literacy and Foundational Learning grant from the Minister of Advanced Education, we will be using the term Indigenous in place of Aboriginal for all future materials. Once I have used up all my old cards, my title will become Indigenous Liaison. This is a conscious choice that all levels of our staff team and Board of Directors support. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at mfry@calgarylearns.ca .

Here is a great article from a blog by Bob Joseph who conducts various workshops with corporate and industry partners: http://www.ictinc.ca/blog/indigenous-or-aboriginal-which-is-correct  As you can see, the times are a changing across the board.