Indigenous-led conference presentation
On April 24-25 in Sault Ste. Marie, Maxine Lesage, RNAO board member and RN at Baawaating Family Health Team, Batchewana First Nation and Maamwesying BPSO Ontario Health Team (OHT), presented at the International Conference on Mental Health and Land-Based Healing. The presentation was called Integrating Science, Spirt and Story into a Curriculum Review process using an Anishinabe Inspired Methodology and Framework: An Anishinabe-Led Evaluation Project. This presentation is based on a partnership between Maamwesying North Shore Community Services Inc. BPSO OHT and RNAO to work with a planning committee, Elder/Knowledge Keeper and Indigenous artist to re-design the best practice champions training program from an Indigenous worldview that honours and respects Indigenous cultural teachings, Ancestors and languages.
Lesage highlighted how Indigenous methodologies, frameworks and learning tools can be integrated into Western, colonized education platforms, play a role in reconciliation, foster healing, and provide opportunities for Indigenous students to advance their knowledge in a system that is safe, equitable, and supportive of their cultures and belief systems.
