Working with the “‘hidden’ issues” of emotion around teaching Indigenous curriculum begins before crossing the doorway into the classroom. Non-Indigenous and Indigenous faculty alike may be daunted to include topics of Indigeneity and colonialism in their courses because, as Dr. Dory Nason (Anishinaabe) suggests, “the classroom is an unexpected space.” While instructors can educate themselves and prepare for student responses, they cannot predict how these conversations will unfold; and these fears and anxieties can prevent non-Indigenous faculty from taking the step towards Indigenous engagement. (Webb, n.d.)
What is this workshop?
This two-hour session for faculty will support attendees in understanding care as a foundational pedagogical practice and implementing acts of care in the classroom, particularly when navigating Indigenous topics. Alongside reflective practice and discussion, faculty will hear stories shared by UBC Vancouver campus students about their experiences with campus and classroom climate regarding Indigenous engagement in teaching and learning.
This workshop draws from what once started in 2007 by UBC students in the First Nations Studies Program (now First Nations and Indigenous Studies, FNIS) to document and share their experiences in the classroom and has now been transformed by UBC’s CTLT into a webpage and facilitation guides. We are grateful to all who shared their stories and those who supported the creation of the resources we can access today.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Develop a better understanding of what care means as a pedagogical practice and in particular, the importance of care when navigating Indigenous topics in the classroom and post-secondary learning spaces.
- Learn how to centre Indigenous student experiences in the classroom and how doing so benefits all students.
workshop details
Date and Time: January 12, 2026, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Location: LB321, in-person (North Vancouver Campus)
Facilitator: Christina Lennox
Please contact Christina Lennox if you have any questions about this workshop or want to schedule a session with your school/department.
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