Indigenous Learning Initiative

Overview

The Indigenous introductory training provides public servants with an overview on Indigenous histories, residential schools, treaties and contemporary issues. Public service employees learn about:

• First Nations, Métis and Inuit experiences and perspectives
• residential schools
• treaties and contemporary issues
• how they can apply what they have learned to their work

Indigenous introductory training is a 6-hour, in-person course that includes:

• an Elder-led ceremony
• history and contemporary experiences from an Indigenous perspective
• a sharing circle
• a discussion on reconciliation

Objectives

Course objectives include:

• increased knowledge of Indigenous culture, history, worldviews and contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples in Alberta
• improved ability to recognize myths and assumptions held about Indigenous peoples
• enhanced understanding of the relevance and applicability of this knowledge at work as a public servant
• increased interest in learning more about Indigenous peoples in Alberta

Development

The training was developed with input received through engagement with Indigenous communities and scholars, Alberta Public Service employees and representatives from Alberta’s agencies, boards and commissions.

An Indigenous Learning Panel with representation from Indigenous communities in Alberta will provide ongoing input and advice to the Alberta government on Indigenous learning for public service employees.

Summary reports

The following is summarized input from the engagement sessions:

• Executive Summary of Engagement
• Engagement Summary Report: Indigenous Community
• Engagement Summary Report: Indigenous Scholars
• Engagement Summary Report: APS, Agencies, Boards and Commissions