Sept. 17, 2021

What We Are Learning This Week

With Dr. Adela Kincaid
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Nunavut Animation Lab: Lumaajuuq by Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, 2010

September 20, 2021 in INDG 201 Introduction to Indigenous Studies

Dr. Adela Kincaid is exploring Indigenous storytelling from around the globe by reading, viewing, listening and talking about origin stories.

 

Can you tell us a little more about this topic?

To listen to Indigenous stories is to take part in a living history. Oral history is rigorous and provides important teachings, guidance, protection and healing. According to Dr. Little Bear (2009, p. 12), “…Elders’ teaching methodology causes the learner to analyze information for meaning” leading them to arrive at their own conclusions. Stories also engage critical thinking by providing a multitude of layers and interconnections of meaning, leaving the listener with the responsibility to interpret the message. Stories allow “listeners to creatively expand their thinking processes so that each problem they encounter in life can be viewed from a variety of angles before a solution is reached” (Baskin, 2005, p.180). Storytelling is grounded in spiritual teachings where the land and all beings act as the teacher.

Dr. Adela Kincaid headshot

Dr. Adela Kincaid, course instructor

What else do you cover in your course?

The course is loosely structured around four general themes: precolonial history, colonization, justice and relationships with the land. I encourage students to become engaged learners and to attend Indigenous focussed lectures, presentations and learning opportunities that take place on campus and in community. This class has a diversity of learners from various Indigenous communities and I am honoured to take part in various knowledge co-creation opportunities along side the students. Each student brings with them their lived experiences and aspirations and that makes the class exciting to teach!

 Cara Peacock, course teaching assistant

Cara Peacock, course teaching assistant

What do you love about teaching this course?

I love co-creating knowledge with the students and the meaningful discussions and experiences that we share. I am fortunate to have a highly passionate graduate student assisting me with the course this semester. Cara Peacock is the TA for INDG201 this term and she will be developing and delivering teaching material from her own research. Cara’s area of study focuses on Indigenous feminism and Indigenous women’s political organizing in Idle No More. Cara will also be discussing Indigenous resistance and looking at various instances of Indigenous protests throughout the past 70 years, such as the Constitution Express and the Occupation of Anicinabe Park. Overall, Cara hopes to highlight the contributions and history of Indigenous peoples' protesting and direct organizing.

Finally, what other courses would you recommend for students interested this topic?

There are so many diverse, exciting courses and excellent Professors in the International Indigenous Studies program that I do not have enough space to highlight them all. Some courses that immediately come to mind are:

  • Metis Peoplehood and Culture
  • Indigenous language courses offered through the School of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Culture
  • Introduction to Indigenous Art
  • Indigenous Governance
  • Indigenous global film and media
  • Indigenous Psychology
  • Animal-human relations

References

Baskin, C. (2005). Storytelling Circles: Reflections of Aboriginal Protocols in Research. Canadian Social Work Review / Revue canadienne de service social, 22(2), 171-187. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41669834

Little Bear, L., (2009). Naturalizing Indigenous Knowledge, Synthesis Paper. (ISBN: 978-1-926612-32-4) University of Saskatchewan, Aboriginal Education Research Centre, Saskatoon, Sask. and First Nations and Adult Higher Education Consortium, Calgary, Alta. Retrieved from www.aerc.usask.ca or www.fnahec.org or www.ccl-cca.ca.

Our Thanks to Dr. Adela Kincaid for sharing your course with us!