Indigenous Initiatives - Centre for Teaching, Learning & Technology (CTLT)
The Indigenous Initiatives team at the CTLT develops and offers programming, resources, and consultations focused on Indigenous engagement in curriculum, pedagogy, classroom climate, and professional development. They provide:
- support for initiatives that improve classroom climate and campus environments across the university
- support for student success
- strengthens local capacity to approach cross-cultural dialogues effectively
- initiates, advances, and maintains curriculum and academic resources to address the gaps and insufficiencies in knowledge around Indigenous topics
Their events and programming are open to everyone, for more information visit https://indigenousinitiatives.ctlt.ubc.ca and https://events.ctlt.ubc.ca/event-category/indigenous-initiatives/
- Consultations & CollaborationsIndigenous Initiatives collaborates and partners with units, departments, faculties, and groups across campus to integrate Indigenous content in the teaching and learning of faculty, staff, and students through workshops and consultations.
- Educational ResourcesThe resources CTLT develops and support are used in classrooms and other educational spaces to explore how knowledge gaps, social location and histories of place affect and inform learning.
- The Power of a Name“The Power of a Name” is a film series that examines the contested history of building naming practices at UBC’s first year student residence, Totem Park, and features stories of relationships between UBC and Indigenous communities.
- Respect, Sincerity & Responsibility: Land Acknowledgements @ UBCSelf-enrol in this 60-minute self-paced course to learn more about the importance of territorial acknowledgements.
What I Learned in Class Today: Aboriginal Issues in the Classroom is a research project that explores difficult discussions of Indigenous issues that take place in classrooms at UBC and how the challenges around talking about race work as an educational barrier at the classroom level.
- Project: What I Learned in Class TodayFor information about the project, the project itself, discussion topics, and more.
- Our Work with Classroom Climate: Complicating How Classroom Climate Works - Advancing the FrameworkA message from Indigenous Initiatives regarding how they approach their work, and their article exploring how, "[they] apply the framework to a real classroom situation to identify what the framework does and does not fully capture or articulate."
Open Case Studies at UBC is an interdisciplinary project that surfaces open access case studies. There are several case studies relevant to this guide: see Inclusive Practices & Social Justice.
- Case Study: What I Learned in Class TodayLearning Objectives:
1) Identify how to address and navigate difficult conversations in the classroom in the moment
2) Develop strategies in designing and creating a supportive and productive classroom climate - In/Relation: Developing Guidelines to Navigate Complex Classroom DynamicsLearning Objectives:
1) Identify key concerns around inclusion and equity in situations where students (particularly underrepresented students) present differing and/or conflicting perspectives
2) Explore the complexities and importance of setting guidelines for classroom inclusion and diversity when students have differing background knowledge, life experiences and perspectives relating to the issues
3) Work in groups to brainstorm strategies to facilitate more inclusive and equitable classroom discussions and classroom climate - In/Relation: Educational Resources for International Students Learning Indigenous Contexts and HistoriesPurpose is to conduct research on international students’ engagement with, knowledge about, and interest in Indigenous topics. This research will contribute to the creation of educational resources to support these teaching and learning goals.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
- Equity & Inclusion Office (Okanagan)Through leadership, vision and collaborative action, the Equity & Inclusion Office continues to further UBC’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and inclusion.
- Equity & Inclusion Office (Vancouver)Works to build a community in which human rights are respected, and equity and inclusion are embedded in all areas of academic, work and campus life.
- Inclusive Teaching @ UBCDeveloped by CTLT, theses resources were "created for instructors in all disciplines interested in creating more inclusive learning environments."
- Faculty Resources for StudentsResources to consider including in course syllabus or Canvas courses.
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Inclusive Education (SOGI)SOGI UBC seeks to transform educational environments to support self-determination surrounding gender and sexuality in schools.
- Anti-Racist SOGI EducationProfessional development on anti-oppressive frameworks that engage in conversation about sexuality & gender in ways that center intersectionality.
UBC Student Resources & Groups
UBC Okanagan:
- Aboriginal CentreThe Aboriginal Centre, located on the second floor of the UNC building (UNC 212), provides a sense of belonging and community to Aboriginal students. A home away from home and also has a team of Aboriginal peer mentors and tutors.
- Student Resources - Equity & Inclusion OfficeFor a comprehensive list of resources available to students (physical and mental supports) as well as advocacy.
- S.A.R.A. (Sexual Assault & Rape Awareness)An on-campus, student-led prevention campaign that promotes healthy, consensual sexual activity and educates the campus community to be an active bystander and stand up against rape culture.
UBC Vancouver:
- Student Resources - Equity & Inclusion OfficeFor a comprehensive list of resources available to students (physical and mental supports) as well as advocacy.
- Indigenous Students CollegiumStaffed by a team of Indigenous student advisors who can connect you with relevant supports based on your needs.
- Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO)Offers a safe place for students, faculty, staff who have experienced sexual violence, regardless of where or when it took place.
Both campuses:
- Office of the Ombudsperson for StudentsThe office works with UBC community members to ensure students are treated fairly and can learn, work and live in a fair, equitable and respectful environment.