‘We Are Here’ Indigenous Conference Examines the Nature of Self-Identification in Postsecondary Education
March 8, 2016, THUNDER BAY, ON – Confederation College’s Centre for Policy in Aboriginal Learning (CPAL) is hosting a ‘We Are Here: Indigenous Learners in Postsecondary Education’ conference this week.
The conference kicked off with a dinner and keynote address Monday evening from Julia Candlish, Director of Education with the Chiefs of Ontario. It continued Tuesday with a packed agenda of workshops and keynote speakers.
The conference seeks to expand upon the regional dialogue related to the CPAL’s ‘We are Here’ Aboriginal voluntary self-identification research project, as well as to serve as a platform for participants to work together to establish best practices for the collection and maintenance of such data.
“The conference is designed to examine the nature of self-identification and how it should be addressed in postsecondary education,” said S. Brenda Small, vice-president of the CPAL.
“From how the data should be collected, to what should be done with it and who should own and maintain it. The discussions we’re having are helping to shed light on the different approaches that can be taken with the intent to establish best practices as we move forward. This conference is an important element in completing our research and making recommendations for the future of self-identification in higher education.”
Over 50 conference attendees are participating in workshops which specifically address working with communities, evaluation, accountability and data management and privacy. Conference attendees consist of community partners, educators, government representatives and those working in First Nations, Métis and Inuit environments, as well as Confederation College students and employees.
“It is critical to have input from varied backgrounds and experiences,” said Small. “We are grateful to have so many individuals and organizations invested in the continued success of Indigenous learners.”
For full conference details, visit www.confederationc.on.ca/node/18125.
