NationTalk: Ohsweken, ON – Indspire is pleased to announce a partnership that will significantly expand its ability to support the needs of Indigenous educators. Shell, partner of Indspire, has committed $75K from 2024-2027 to make the Climbing the Mountain workshop available to all attendees at Indspire’s National Gathering for Indigenous Education.
Each year, the National Gathering brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators from across Turtle Island to experience thought-provoking keynote addresses, immersive workshops, and an extensive tradeshow. Participants have also been able to register for an optional Pre-Gathering, which comprises the Climbing the Mountain workshop on effective reconciliation through education.
Each year, this workshop is facilitated by Dr. Niigaan Sinclair, award-winning journalist, author, and professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and stories, Climbing the Mountain explores the many ways in which educators can bring reconciliation into the classroom in authentic and meaningful ways. Until 2024, it has been a limited but in-demand experience.
Dr. Niigaan Sinclair stated, “Winnipeg is a key hub for innovative Indigenous arts, advocacy and education. This year’s National Gathering for Indigenous Education will be a tremendous opportunity for educators and advocates to join together for networking, learning, and creatively designing a future for all students in a spirit of truth and reconciliation.”
Now, thanks to Shell’s commitment, all 2024-2027 National Gathering attendees (both in-person and virtual) and tradeshow participants will be able to experience the Pre-Gathering for no additional cost.
“Every year, the Climbing the Mountain workshop is sold out, with numerous National Gathering attendees participating,” said Mike DeGagné, president and CEO of Indspire. “It provides educators with essential resources which allow them to not only facilitate their own professional development, but also to create safer and more authentic learning spaces. By making Climbing the Mountain available to all National Gathering attendees, Shell has also made a commitment to educators, Indigenous students, and reconciliation.”
For additional information about the National Gathering for Indigenous Education or to register, please click here.
About Indspire
Indspire is a national Indigenous charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families, communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, delivers programs, and shares resources to help Indigenous students achieve their highest potential. In 2023-24, Indspire provided more than $30 million through over 8,300 bursaries and scholarships to Indigenous students across Canada.
Contact
Brandon Meawasige
Vice-President, Communications and Marketing, Indspire
bmeawasige@indspire.ca
1-855-463-7747 x 2350