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SASKATCHEWAN ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION
The Changing Face of
Community Education
2015 Conference
April 29, 30 & May 1
University of Regina
Directors of Education
Education is just one part of a multi-layered
partnership that begins at the community level. As
the nature of community education continues to
evolve, we work to reinvigorate existing partnerships
and forge new ones to make a tangible difference in
the lives of students and their families. A vibrant and
well-supported community education environment
will, not only result in improved student outcomes,
but will also help build a stronger community and a
progressive society. Regina Public Schools proudly
supports the work done by The Saskatchewan
Association for Community Education and is pleased
to be a partner in supporting The Changing Face of
Community Education 2015 Conference.
Ernie Cychmistruk
Interim Director of Education
Regina Public Schools
“It takes a village to raise a child.”
– Traditional African Proverb
As illustrated in the above quote, working together
enables our students to realize their full learning
potential. The Regina Catholic School Division is
appreciative of and supports the effective
collaborative work done by The Saskatchewan
Association for Community Education. Through our
effective partnerships, we strive to provide a quality
education that enables our students to be informed,
responsible and contributing citizens, thereby
creating even stronger communities. Our Division is
pleased to be part of the “village” that provides
learning opportunities for our dedicated staff
members who will ultimately support The Changing
Face of Community Education.
Rob Currie
Director of Education
Regina Catholic School Division
Lloyd Dubois
Lloyd Dubois was born on the Pasqua First Nation,
Saskatchewan. Of Cree and Ojibway descent, Dubois
finds inspiration in Ojibway teachings in particular. He
studied English at the University of Regina, receiving his
Bachelor of Arts in 2000 and his Master of Arts in
English in 2005. He has taken several studio courses in
drawing and painting.
Lloyd presently works with acrylics on paper and canvas
where he attempts to depict relationships between
plants, celestial bodies, two-legged, four-legged,
winged, or other appropriate forms of Creation.
Painting them is his way of showing appreciation and
respect for the natural world and the sentient
relationships between its inhabitants.
1
Lloyd Dubois lives in Regina, Saskatchewan, where he
teaches at the First Nations University of Canada,
paints, and writes fiction. He created this piece for the
2015 SACE conference presenters.
If you are having a great time,
learning new things, and/or
networking,
TWEET IT OUT!
#SACEconference
We’d love to hear about your
experiences!
ATTENDEE NAME BADGE
A Saskatchewan Association for
Community Education name badge
must be worn at all times during
the conference.
*Name badges can be returned
Friday morning before the final
keynote presentation so your name
can be entered for a
draw to win one of many
prize baskets.
SACE
CONFERENCE LOCATIONS AND
PARKING
Our registration desk, keynotes and
breakout sessions will be held in
the Education Building at the
University of Regina. Breakfast,
lunch, and “Mexican Madness” will
be held in the Riddell Centre at the
University of Regina. All delegates
will receive free parking in lot 15 M.
Please see page 12 for further
information.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Message from the Directors
Page 1
Table of Contents
Page 2
SACE Executive
Page 3
Conference Committee
Page 4
Keynote Speakers
Page 5
Tours
Page 6
Conference Schedule
Page 7
Overview of Breakout Sessions
Page 8
Presenters
Pages 9-11
Maps
Pages 12 & 13
Notes
Page 14
WIFI
Proudly presented by:
Regina Public Schools and Regina Catholic Schools.
Username:
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Please note:
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login before wireless access will work.
- It is not encrypted
- Limited bandwidth
- Restricted ports, some services may
be blocked
For more information visit:
http://www.uregina.ca/is/infrastructure/
network/wireless/index.html
2
SACE Executive
Welcome Conference Delegates, Speakers, Presenters and Exhibitors,
The Changing Face of Community Education has never been more apparent than it is right now. How fortunate we are to have the blending of
ideas, knowledge and experience converging in our school communities as a result. Now, more than ever, partnerships play an important role
in the sustainability of Community Education in Saskatchewan.
Partnerships with business, agencies and organizations help to widen participation in learning, facilitating authentic community engagement
and consultation with leaners at all levels.
Community Education approaches help to change the way we look at traditional relationships inside and outside educational institutions,
evolving to more authentic educational engagement.
For nearly 35 years, Community Education principles and practices have ensured children and youth a learning environment that is culturally
rich, reflecting and respecting their world view, experiences and educational needs. Community Education results in an innovative, caring, and
effective response to the learning needs of children, youth and families, empowering students to stay in school and achieve in life.
Bill Milliken, founder of Communities in Schools in New York, stated that, “It’s relationships, not programs that change children. A great
program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children. Young people thrive when adults care
about them on a one-to-one level, and when they also have a sense of belonging to a caring community.”
In Community Education we have learned that authentic family engagement in the learning process has been identified as an important
element of student success. Many parents and community organizations are calling for a stronger voice in educational planning and decisionmaking. At the same time, schools are recognizing the necessity and advantages of greater family and community partnerships in
strengthening their programs and achieving student success.
Engagement and involvement with parents, community and business, helps to provide a broad range of supports and services which facilitate
shared responsibility for the well-being and success for children, youth and their families.
Today, The Changing Face of Community Education reminds us that the world is quickly changing, motivating us to look ahead with
enthusiasm, based on the success of the past, meeting the challenges together!
Community Education is now and has always been dedicated to keeping kids in school and helping them succeed in life. The Community
Education Philosophy provides a “community of practice” that focuses on the needs of students, providing appropriate resources to help them
succeed in the classroom and in life.
We greatly appreciate our many volunteers and partners who are there to support positive outcomes for students, youth and their families.
Thank you for all that you do!
I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Saskatchewan Association for Community Education to thank the Regina Conference
Organizing Committee for your time, commitment and dedication in putting together a great conference and to our speakers, presenters,
exhibitors and delegates for contributing to the success of the 2015 conference.
Respectfully yours,
Melinda Brown, Chairperson, SACE Board of Directors
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Melinda Brown, President, Saskatoon, SK
Dean Brooman, Vice President, Saskatoon, SK
Jayne Boulet, Treasurer, Prince Albert, SK
Shelly Fedrau, Secretary, Saskatoon, SK
Donna Blunt, Membership , Saskatoon, SK
Laureen Sawatsky, E-News, Saskatoon, SK
Carolynn Arcand, E-News, Saskatoon, SK
Margaret Marsollier, Past President CACE Rep, Prince Albert, SK
Delphine Melchert, Executive Director, Prince Albert, SK
Dianna Kozak, Rep - Region Southern, Yorkton, SK
Sean Chase, Rep – Region Southern, Regina, SK
Shannon Peters, Rep – Region Central, Saskatoon, SK
Ross Tait, Rep – Region Central, Sakatoon, SK
Howard Wieler, Rep – Region Central, Duck Lake, SK
Robertine Elliott, Rep – Region Northern, Creighton, SK
2015 CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Planning Committee
(left to right)
Shannon Fedorus
Sarah Longman
Jessi McCulloch
Gilles Dauphinais
Michelle Fiske
Alina Craig
Alison Lewis
Janna Bridgeman
Sean Chase
Joanna Landry
(camera shy)
Becky Schmidt
Cassie Dodd
Marilyn Fazakas
Paul Van Betuw
Vanea Cyr
Denise Zuck
Our conference theme for this year, The Changing Face of Community
Education, speaks well to the reality in this amazing province, that change is
consistent. As community educators, we strive to support the needs of all of
our students. As we are aware, students come to us that are presented with
many obstacles in their young lives. Through these changing times, we
continue to provide opportunity to support their amazing gifts, talents and
personal goals. The need for creating community and partnerships through
education is key in helping us as educators provide the necessary
opportunities to support our students in reaching their full potential.
This year, topics such as; student engagement, online learning, inclusion,
crisis response, intervention and awareness support moving ahead into 21st
century learning ideologies. In our current state, change is occurring quickly,
and the opportunity for the educational success of our students through
community partnerships is more reachable than it was before. As you look at
this year’s session descriptions and presenters you will see that the wealth of
knowledge and experiences that they bring with them only support us in
enhancing our awareness of resources and supports.
You will notice that we have made the shift from community schools, to
community education. Though we take the focus away from individual
schools to education in general, one commonality will always remain. That is
as community educators, we continue to strive to create that culture of
family, safety, but most of all, support the success of our students.
The SACE 2015 Conference Committee wishes each of you a fulfilling
experience at this event. We hope your passion for community education is
energized and that you create and strengthen many relationships in your
time with us.
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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Wab Kinew
Wab Kinew (pron: WOB ka-NOO) is a one-of-a-kind
talent, named by Postmedia News as one of “9
Aboriginal movers and shakers you should know.” He
is the interim Associate Vice-President for Indigenous
Relations at The University of Winnipeg and a
correspondent with Aljazeera America. In 2014, Wab
successfully defended Joseph Boyden’s “The Orenda”
on CBC’s Canada Reads literary competition. In 2012,
he hosted the acclaimed documentary series “8th
Fire.” His Hip Hop music and journalism projects have
won numerous awards. He has a BA in Economics
and is completing a Masters degree in Indigenous
Governance and is a member of the Midewin. Wab is
also an Honorary Witness of the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
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Treaty Commissioner George E. Lafond
George E. Lafond is a member of the Muskeg Lake (Treaty 6)
Cree Nation in Saskatchewan. George believes that
reconciliation is a key theme for the work of this generation of
leaders and that building a common understanding of the treaty
relationship, treaty history and the spirit and intent of treaties is
at the core of what reconciliation means.
George’s touchstones for his career have been learning from
kinship, community development and striving for excellence by
encouraging First Nations and Métis peoples to take their
rightful place in all sectors of Canadian society.
George’s passion for education spans his career, from his early
work as a teacher encouraging school attachment for success
for First Nations and Métis students, through to his recent work
on postsecondary education and academic excellence. For the
past number of years, George has been the Special Advisor to
President Peter MacKinnon on Aboriginal Initiatives at the
University of Saskatchewan. He serves on several Boards,
community organizations and sporting initiatives. Through
many leadership roles in business, politics, education and
community service, George counts many accomplishments.
These include coalition building with Métis, non-Aboriginal and
other community representatives leading to successes like
Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Treaty Land Entitlement, the White
Buffalo Youth Lodge in downtown Saskatoon, and other lasting
partnerships for change.
TOURS
Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School
Cultural Room Est. 2008-2009
Early Years Family Centre at Scott Collegiate
(3350 7th Avenue)
(1027 College Avenue)
& Regina Public Schools Cultural Room
& Sacred Heart Community School Pre-K
(1600 4th Ave)
(1314 Elphinstone Street)
The Cultural room was a result of a community grant
called the “Aboriginal Urban Strategy.” The goals and
visions were:
•
To establish a cultural room for students at
Miller High school that will be used to promote cultural
understandings and competencies.
•
For staff and students to access the room to
be used for traditional teaching sessions, connections
to multiculturalism educations and gathering of
leadership groups
•
The room has created an environment which
respects and supports cultural, ethnic, and racial
diversity
•
The room is to foster, communication, and
promote mutual respect and peaceful co-existence
among all students of Miller High school
Sacred Heart Community School Pre-K classroom
focuses on children as capable and competent learners.
We use our classroom as the "third teacher" focusing on
authentic materials that support play and exploration.
Our classroom is anything but traditional!
The Early Years Family Centre is a Free Drop-In Centre for
Children ages Newborn to Six with their Caregivers.
It is a place to:
- play, interact and learn together
- meet other families
- participate in programming for children and adults
- meet with community professionals
Website: reginakids.ca/eyfc
Facebook: Regina Early Years Family Centre
Regina Public Schools Cultural room was established
under the guidance of the Elders Advisory Council. The
room provides a space for cultural teachings and serves
ceremonial purposes. The room is used by students,
teachers, division staff and our community. This tour will
be hosted by Calvin Racette, Aboriginal Education
Coordinator
Campus Regina Public
Regina Public Schools
1069 14th Ave. E
Campus Regina Public provides high school students (Grades 11 and 12) from across the division the opportunity to enroll in
specialty two credit courses, and dual university courses. Each course is industry supported and features approved training
that may not be available in their home school.
Students engage in learning opportunities with others who share their passion for a specialty field of study which better
supports their learning as they prepare for the transition to post-secondary studies and the workplace. Students from all high
schools have access to Campus Regina Public. Programs here are different from what is done at their home schools. These
programs are interest based and lead to career pathways. Campus Regina Public is truly a unique place to receive hands on
experience while attaining a credit. Please visit our website for a full list of the programs we offer.
campusreginapublic.rbe.sk.ca
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2015 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
11
Wednesday, April 29
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Registration – Meet & Greet
The Owl Students Union Building
University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway
Thursday, April 30, 2015
University of Regina Education Building
7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Registration - Education Building Foyer
Continental Breakfast - Riddell Centre, University of Regina
8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks - Education Auditorium
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Keynote Address: Wab Kinew - Education Auditorium
10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Break
10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Breakout Session #1
12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Lunch - Riddell Centre, University of Regina
12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Tell Them From Me – Large Group Session – Education Auditorium
1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Breakout Session #2
2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Break
2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Breakout Session #3
4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
SACE – Annual General Meeting (CK 185)
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mexican Madness Social - Education Auditorium Foyer
Friday, May 1, 2015
University of Regina Education Building
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast - Riddell Centre, University of Regina
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Breakout Session #4
10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Break
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Keynote: Treaty Commissioner George E. Lafond - Education Auditorium
11:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Closing Remarks
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch (on your own)
1:00 p.m.
Buses depart for optional tours (choose one)
1:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Miller Catholic High School
Multicultural Room & Sacred
Heart Community School Pre-K
3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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Early Years Family Centre at
Scott Collegiate &
Regina Public Schools
Cultural Room
Buses return to the University of Regina
Campus Regina Public
2015 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Breakout Session #1: April 30 10:45– noon
Newcomer
Welcome Centre
Implementing the
Renewed K-9
Treaty Education
Resources
Aboriginal
Advocacy
Adventures in the
Teenage Brain
11 and Under
Initiative
Trauma and its
Effects in Children
and Youth
ROOM - CK 185
ROOM - CK 187
ROOM - ED 114
ROOM - EA 106.1
ROOM - ED 191
ROOM - EA106.2
Breakout Session #2 : April 30 1:15—2:30
Learning Online: A
Student First
Initiative
Implementing the
Renewed K-9
Treaty Education
Resources
Healthy Kids are
Happy Kids!
Building a Healthy
Food Environment
at your School
Good Grief:
Understanding
and Supporting
Grieving Students
Help me tell my
Story- Aski Shares
the Secrets of the
Pond
Self-Declaration:
Identifying,
Monitoring &
Tracking Aboriginal
Student Progress
ROOM - CK 185
ROOM - CK 187
ROOM - ED 114
ROOM - EA 106.1
ROOM - ED 191
ROOM - EA 106.2
Breakout Session #3: April 30 2:45-4:00
Following
Their Voices
Treaty Education
High School
Aboriginal
Advocacy
Good Grief:
Understanding
and Supporting
Grieving Students
Help me tell my
Story- Aski Shares
the Secrets of the
Pond
Trauma and its
Effects in Children
and Youth
ROOM - CK 185
ROOM - CK 187
ROOM - ED 114
ROOM - EA 106.1
ROOM - ED 191
ROOM - EA 106.2
Breakout Session #4: May 1 9:00-10:15
Following Their
Voices
Healthy Kids are
Happy Kids!
Building a Healthy
Food Environment
at your School
Adventures in the
Teenage Brain
Youth Gangs
11 and Under
Initiative
Self-Declaration:
Identifying,
monitoring &
tracking aboriginal
student progress
ROOM - CK 185
ROOM - CK 187
ROOM—ED 114
ROOM - EA 106.1
ROOM—Ed 191
ROOM—EA 106.2
8
7
7
PRESENTERS
Newcomers Welcome Centre
During this session you will be provided with general information on the NWC and the process newcomer families follow to begin
school. You will learn about who must visit the NWC, the process the families follow, and view the assessment tools. You will also
see what information is sent to the school and how it is valuable to the classroom teacher(s).
Leanne Mejia, EAL facilitator
Stacee Young, EAL facilitator
Implementing the Renewed K – 9 Treaty Education Resources
Susan is a Nêhiyawak/ Nahkawé educator from Cowessess First Nation and has worked for the Office of the Treaty
Commissioner (OTC) since 2001. She is the primary author of the K – 12 Teaching Treaties in the Classroom (2001 &
2008) and the curriculum writer for the renewed K – 9 treaty education resources (2015).
Mike is a member of the OTC Elders Advisory Council. Mike has been involved in the development of the treaty
education resources since 2007. He is recognized as a historian in relation to Treaty 4. His knowledge and wisdom
has ensured that the Nêhiyawak cultural beliefs and teachings are integral to understanding treaties from the
Nêhiyawak worldview.
Susan Beaudin
It is mandatory for all teachers in the province of Saskatchewan to teach treaties. The Kindergarten to Grade nine
treaty curriculum renewal project’s main purpose is to align the Ministry of Education’s Treaty Outcomes and
Indicators with grade level subject area outcomes and indicators. The inquiry based teaching and learning method is
used as the main teaching tool. Treaty education is embedded into the curriculum. This presentation will show
teachers the alignments to the provincial curricula and assist in teaching treaties in the classroom.
Mike Pinay, Elder
Aboriginal Advocacy
Rick is a graduate of the University of Regina, SUNTEP program. Rick has 21 years of teaching/aboriginal advocacy
experience. He has served as a curriculum development officer at the Gabriel Dumont Institute, an Aboriginal
literacy coordinator for the Regina Public Library, and an Aboriginal Education Coordinator at Youth Unlimited.
Russel is a plains Cree First Nations from Red Pheasant Saskatchewan and a Graduate of the University of
Saskatchewan (Indian Teacher Education Program-ITEP). He has taught for 4 years in Saskatchewan, the first of
which he spent with Saskatoon Public School division, where he worked with at risk youth at Egadz Youth Center,
and City Park Collegiate as a resource teacher. Russel spent two years with Makwa Sahgaiehcan (LoonLake) First
Nation School as a Physical Education teacher and is currently employed with Regina Public School. He has danced
Pow-Wow for 25 years and is also a traditional drum maker/keeper and singer. Russel is a proud father of 8 children.
Rick Desjarlais, Aboriginal Advocate
Martin Collegiate/Academy
Participants will gain an understanding and knowledge of the challenges and successes of the Aboriginal Advocates
Roles within their perspective high school communities. They will also come away with ideas on how to implement
such a program within their own communities.
Russel Paskimen, Aboriginal Advocate
Sheldon-Williams Collegiate
Adventures in the Teenage Brain
Rand has been working with teens for over 40 years and for the past 15 years has been helping them understand how
substance use can get in the way of having the life they want. He is the developer of the Drug Class program which
has been offered in many Regina High Schools for several years and is the writer and host of the Award Winning Drug
Class TV Series. (Gemini Award Best Direction in A Youth Series 2008). Rand is also a very experienced addiction
counselor. He has also worked as a counselor in the Regina Detox Centre.
Rand Teed, B.A, B.Ed, ICPS
(Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist)
Rand’s session will be a valuable tool for participants to help them understand the nature of adolescent substance
use and abuse. It will touch on the short and long term affects teenage substance abuse has on the brain as well at
the problems created and exuberated by it.
11 and Under Initiative
The 11 and Under Initiative (11UI) is a collaborative partnership aimed at supporting children under the age of 12 who are
exhibiting behaviour that puts them at risk for criminal involvement or are at risk for victimization. The 11UI collaborative
partnership includes commitment from: Regina Public Schools, Regina Catholic Schools, the Regina Police Service, the Ministry of
Social Services, Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Child and Youth Services (Randall Kinship Centre), and Regina Qu’Appelle Health
Region Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Presented by Vicki Conway, Melinda Lalach & Lance Dudar
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The 11UI Team
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PRESENTERS
Trauma and its effects in Children and Youth
Isabel has been employed by the RCDS since 2006. She has more than 30 years of experience in counselling children, Youth and
adults in the area of Trauma Recovery. She has been married for 33 years, has 3 adult children and 1 grand-daughter.
During this presentation you will look at traumatic events, the effects of this event on the person, and the many responses
elicited by the Central Nervous System. We will also look at the manner in which individuals who are traumatized can be
supported by those present in their lives.
Isabel Solano, Family Support Coordinator
Learning Online - A Student First Initiative
Regina Catholic School Division has learned a great deal about learning in an alternative environment since the Learning Online
program’s inception in 2009. Delivery of curricula to students is changing at an alarming rate. Visit this session to learn more
about how Learning Online is providing students with the opportunity to put their needs first.
Wade Hackl, Educational Leader
Healthy Kids are Happy Kids! Building a Healthy Food
Environment at your School
Regina Education and Action against Child Hunger (REACH) is a food security non-profit
organization. Meghan provides education and cooking programs at REACH. She facilitates with
adults, school aged and Pre-K aged children. Chelsea works on health promotion initiatives
involving the school age population and supports the school communities within RQHR with their
work to create healthy learning environments (physical, mental, social & emotional) for all
students.
Meghan Holness, BSc in Food & Nutrition
Community Education Supervisor for REACH
In this session you will learn about how the school food environment impacts students’ food
choices and in turn, student learning and health outcomes. We will also provide ideas and tools
that you can use in your school from teaching nutrition in the classroom to what is served, sold
and promoted in schools.
Chelsea Brown, RD, BSc in Nutrition
Public Health Nutritionist with the RQHR
Good Grief: Understanding and Supporting Grieving Students
Marlene is the Bereavement Coordinator for Palliative Care Services, RQHR, working out of the Greystone Bereavement Centre in
Regina. She has worked in the area of palliative care and bereavement for over 20 years and has extensive experience working
with bereaved children and teens.
This presentation will give an overview of childhood and teen grief coupled with information on how teachers and staff can
support grieving students. Visual examples will be given of creative interventions offered through “Caring Hearts Camp,” a
weekend retreat for bereaved children and teens developed by the presenter, which is transferable to other settings.
Marlene Jackson, MEd, CCC, MTA
Help Me Tell My Story-Aski Shares the Secrets of the Pond
Calvin has worked in the area of First Nations and Métis education for over 30 years as
a teacher, administrator, and on committees that support Aboriginal curriculum and
community based initiatives. Laurie has worked as a classroom teacher and
administrator for nearly 30 years.
Calvin Racette
Aboriginal Education Coordinator, RPS
In this breakout session, you will meet Aski. Aski is a puppet who uses an iPad and
works with Kindergarten to Grade 1 students to help them with a holistic assessment
of their speaking, preferences, and who they interact with. This program looks at the
early stages of assessment for young learners in a fun oriented way. Attendees will
enjoy this session because it is a fun and easy way to gather ideas on how they assist
young learners.
Laurie Gatzke
Assessment Supervisor, RPS
10
PRESENTERS
Self-declaration: Identifying, Monitoring and Tracking Aboriginal Student Progress
Sarah has been an Educator for 22 years. She has worked with primary, middle years and post-secondary students.
She is a proud member of George Gordon First Nation. Her passion has always been Aboriginal Education.
This session will walk you through an overview of Regina Public School’s journey in developing a clearer process to
assist in getting an accurate picture of who our Aboriginal learners are. The division implemented a three phase
project to identify, monitor, and track Aboriginal learners in a large urban school division.
Sarah Longman, Educator
Following their Voices
Russell Fayant is a Métis educator originally from Lebret, Saskatchewan. He is a graduate of the Saskatchewan Urban
Native Teacher Education Program. He has a passion for Indigenous histories and in his current role teaches three
separate Indigenous studies courses to pre-service teachers. Russell is currently a Faculty member with SUNTEP
Regina and is on a part-time secondment with the Ministry of Education where he is working to help develop the
“Following Their Voices” Initiative.
Russell Fayant, Métis educator
“Following Their Voices” is a research based initiative, designed to engage and support students through improved
relationships with their teachers that will result in increased First Nations and Métis educational achievement and
higher rates of Grade 12 graduation. Participants will learn about the inspiration and origin of the initiative as well as
be introduced to the ‘voices’ of Saskatchewan Indigenous youth that are providing insight as to how to finally close the
‘achievement gap’.
Treaty Education High School
Sandra is a Cree woman from the Peepeekisis First Nation and works for Regina Public Schools as an Aboriginal
Education Instructional Consultant. Sandra spent a majority of her career focussing on Indigenizing education for all
students. Her aspiration is to give every student the opportunity to fully understand and make sense of the impact of
our shared history on contemporary realities, thinking, and citizenship.
Treaty Education plays a vital role in shaping the citizenship of all our students. The Ministry of Education set out four
Treaty Education Goals in the document, Treaty Education Outcomes and Indicators, 2013. The content and activities
for this session will focus on the four Treaty Education Goals for grades 9-12 and will engage participants in content to
deepen understandings of historical context, treaty relationships, spirit and intent, and treaty promises and provisions.
Classroom ideas, content and resources will be shared at the session.
Sandra Bellegarde, B.Ed., M.Ed.
Youth Gangs
Spurgeon Root has been engaged in inner-city youth work in Regina for almost 20 years in a variety of roles. He is
currently a pastor at Healing Hearts Ministries (14 years) and recently began mentoring at Street Culture. He has
spent time working in youth custody, doing chaplaincy in adult corrections and was an outreach worker with Regina
Anti-Gang Services for 5 years. In 2011 he completed a Masters in Counseling with a focus on gang exit work and
marginalized populations.
The session will start with a brief overview of what constitutes a gang and different approaches to dealing with gangs
and gang members. The majority of the session will focus on recognizing gang activity, assessing the threat level of
gang activity, and providing approaches and strategies for dealing with gang activity within a school context.
11
10
Spurgeon Root
EDUCATION BUILDING
12
UNIVERSITY OF REGINA
13
Notes
Thank you for attending. It is because of caring people like you that the future of community education is bright. See you next
year. Safe travels home.