Infinite Diversity in Infinite Complexity: Dealing with Exceptions When Teaching Indigenous

All First Nations have or want Treaty. All Indian residential schools were located far away from reserves. These are two common statements regarding Indigenous peoples in Canada and yet they are easily disproven. That being said that does not mean they do not hold an element of truth, just that nuance it key. This talk will discuss some strategies on how to deal with exceptions, arguing not only that recognizing it is key to recognizing the diversity that exists in the Indigenous community, but also that concerns surrounding exceptions are misplaced because knowing other people had a difference experience does not mean it was better and in many instances reinforces just not unjust past events and policies were.

Presenter:

Born and raised in Prince George, Dr. Daniel Sims is a proud member of the Tsay Keh Dene First Nation. His research focuses on northern British Columbia and he has worked extensively with not only his own community, but also the related communities of Kwadacha and McLeod Lake. Currently he is working on two books through the University of Alberta Press on the impacts of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam and Williston Lake reservoir on all three communities. As if that was not enough, he is also working on a research project, titled "A Forgotten Land: Development in the Finlay-Parsnip Watershed of Northern British Columbia, 1860-1956," that examines numerous proposed developments in the Finlay-Parsnip watershed through the lens of concepts of wilderness, development, and colonialism. In addition to these activities, Dr. Sims also works as a consultant and/or researcher for hire and has given numerous public talks and workshops on topics ranging from reconciliation, Indigenization, and the history of colonialism in British Columbia and Canada.

Cost: Free

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/CxmGFzAQAZkedZC76

This is part of the Maskwacis Cultural College Microlearning Series and is open to the public.
Contact Manisha Khetarpal by email  mkhetarpal@mccedu.ca or call toll free: 1 866 585 3925