Date/Time
Date(s) - 20/03/2026
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Speakers: Ruth Beatty and Christina Ruddy (Lakehead University)

Location: Hamilton Hall, Room 305

Title: Embedding Indigenous Knowledges into Curriculum: Connections to Mathematics

Abstract: Our interactive colloquium will present examples from our multi-year multi-site Canadian Indigenous mathematics research study, The First Nations and Métis Mathematics Voices Project. Since 2012, research teams comprising Indigenous leaders, artists and educators and non-Indigenous educators have collaboratively explored the mathematics that has always been inherent in Indigenous cultural practices including beading, birch bark basket making, moccasin making, and Métis finger weaving. Our goal has been to make math meaningful and relevant to First Nations and Métis students by creating explicit connections to their community, and to provide an opportunity for all students to experience culturally sustaining mathematics instruction. In this workshop, we will outline the cyclical process of consultation, co-planning, and co-teaching, and present examples of approaches to mathematics instruction centred within Indigenous design, technology and artistry. We will highlight student thinking with respect to their increased knowledge of Indigenous culture as well as mathematical (multiplicative, algebraic, proportional and spatial) reasoning. We will listen to the experiences of community partners, and analyze the recovery and renewal of traditional cultural pedagogical patterns including a mentor/apprentice model of instruction, modeling and observation, and the creation of a community of learners based on trust, safety, and humour.

 

Coffee will be served in Hamilton Hall, Room 216 at 3:00pm. All are welcome.