Sentinel North

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Indigenous engagement workshop

March 19 – April 9, 2021 (online)

 

Conducting research in an Indigenous context requires cultural sensitivity and knowledge of this environment, but also to develop a collaborative and open approach that often transcends our ways of doing things in an academic setting.

Organized in collaboration with the Littoral Research Chair, the purpose of this intensive workshop is to assist participants in the development of their professional and intercultural skills towards constructive, respectful and sustainable relationships with northern Indigenous communities involved in their research projects.

At the end of this training, participants will gain an understanding of engagement practices and how to conduct meaningful dialogue and engage with Indigenous communities, organizations and/or governments.

This training will be provided in English.

 

Who is it for?

This workshop is designed for early career researchers planning to work with Indigenous communities as part of their project. It is open to graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and professionals from different fields of research.

To provide an optimal learning environment for the group, this workshop is limited to 20 participants. Priority will be given to students from Université Laval.

Applications are open until February 24, 2021.

 

Submit an application

 

COURSE INSTRUCTORS

This course is designed by NVision, a majority Indigenous-owned company with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and non-Indigenous shareholders and staff. All course content has been vetted by First Nations, Inuit and Métis advisors and an Indigenous lawyer.

The experts leading this training are Jennifer David and Chris Grosset.

  • Program and Agenda

    This course is a transformative, skills-based experience that provides opportunities to learn about the importance (and often legal requirements) of Indigenous engagement and consultation, clarifying terms such as co-manage, co-develop, engage, consult, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, OCAP and FPIC. Learners will gain an understanding of engagement practices and how to conduct meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, organizations and/or governments.

    This training requires everyone’s commitment and active participation. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory for everyone.

    Participants need to have some basic knowledge of the realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada before undertaking this training. Participants are also expected to prepare their own Engagement Plan for their research project between March 26 and April 9.

     

    Agenda

    March 19, 2021 - Preparatory session

    AM 10:30 - 12:00
    • Discussion on Indigenous history, treaties, cultural awareness, protocols for working with Indigenous communities, northern communities, etc.

    March 26, 2021 - Workshop, Part 1

    AM 10:30 - 12:00
    • Land acknowledgement, introductions, welcome
    • Expectations, purpose, outcomes
    • Indigenous cultural awareness
    • Interactive activity: definitions
    • What is engagement? What is consultation?
    • Perspectives

    PM 1:00 - 2:30 
    • Interactive activity: Creating ‘with’ and delivering ‘to’
    • Engagement in the Canadian courts, TRC Calls to Action and UNDRIP
    • 10 Principles Respecting the Government of Canada’s Relationship with Indigenous Peoples
    • Engagement principles and values
    • Elements of an Engagement Plan


    Inter-workshop assignment:

    • Prepare a project description and engagement plan outline

     

    April 9, 2021 - Workshop, Part II

    AM 10:30 - 12h00
    • Interactive activity: project descriptions
    • Promising practices in preparing project descriptions
    • Interactive activity: purpose, outcome, and approach to individual engagements
    • Conflict in Indigenous engagement

    PM 1:00 - 2:30
    • Interactive activity: steps and practical tips in preparing an engagement plan
    • Engagement Plan: context, understanding, awareness and actions
    • Understanding Indigenous rights and research protocols
    • Understanding Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous knowledge systems in projects and project engagement

  • Selection process

    Applications will be evaluated as they are received by the organizing committee according to the following criteria:

    • Motivation of the candidate to participate in the training course
    • The relevance of this training with respect to the candidate's research project or professional activities
    • The candidate's prior knowledge of Indigenous cultures and history, or their commitment to acquiring it prior to the training (see our suggested resources section).


    Proficiency in English and participation in the entire course is also required.

    All candidates will be informed of the final selection by March 4, 2021 at the latest.

  • Participation costs

    The participation fee includes the registration for the course and the certificate of completion issued by NVision.*

    • Université Laval students : $50
    • Research professionals and students outside Université Laval : $100


    Full payment must be received no later than March 10, 2021. All payment details will be provided to selected candidates.

    * Note : The initial cost of this training is over $200 per participant. Sentinel North supports this training by partially covering the participation costs of successful candidates.

  • RECOMMENDED PRIOR TRAINING OR READING RESOURCES

     

    • Pierre Lepage : Mythes et réalités sur les peuples autochtones (2019) (French) (English)
      We recommend chapters 3 & 5 (and Chapter 4 if you want to deepen your comprehension)

     

     

For more details, please contact: 

Marie-France Gévry

Sentinel North Training Programs Coordinator
marie-france.gevry@sn.ulaval.ca