Indigenous Education Council Plans Exciting Initiatives for 2025

Submitted by Laura Beaudry, Manager, Planning and Special Projects 

The Indigenous Education Council (IEC) is composed of SLC employees, Indigenous representatives from community partners, and Indigenous students and alumni. This diverse group of voices is dedicated to advancing Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being at the College. 

Co-chaired by Shannon Hall, Educational Developer – Indigenous Pedagogies, and Amanda Cook, Post-Secondary Coordinator at Iohahi:io Akwesasne Education & Training Institute, the IEC met for its first meeting of 2025 on March 24.  

The group discussed several exciting upcoming opportunities that will continue to enrich understanding and engagement across the College community, including:  

Indigenous Canada Coursera Course: an online learning opportunity that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues 
KAIROS Blanket Exercises: a participatory exercise aimed at facilitating the process towards reconciliation among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples 
Secret Path Week: a week in October dedicated to raising awareness and fostering action toward reconciliation 
Orange Shirt Day Activities: college-wide events that honour survivors of residential schools and promote a deeper understanding of the lasting impacts of this history 

At the meeting, members of the senior leadership team also presented progress updates on their respective Action Plan items. SLC remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment where Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being is celebrated and embedded into all aspects of campus life. We are grateful to the IEC for their ongoing leadership, guidance, and dedication to advancing this important work.