GETCA 2025

Ocean School makes free environmental education resources that engage learners in the world of ocean science. One of the main goals of Ocean School is to amplify the voices of Indigenous content creators and environmental activists through our learning resources and activities. We know it can be difficult for teachers to feel confident bringing Indigenous ways of knowing into their classrooms, so we're here to offer our resources, support, and community-building opportunities to help support teachers on this journey. In this workshop, we will connect teachers with several ready-to-go projects and activities to facilitate learning about some of the many Indigenous perspectives on ocean science and conservation here in Canada. Participants will have the opportunity to explore Ocean School's content, connect with other educators, and work on customizing an activity for immediate use in their classrooms.

With AI and misinformation abundant online, researching any subject topic is problematic. Free lessons and resources help build critical inquiry and assessment skills using lateral reading, a simple evaluation checklist, and scientific research skills. Also new are lessons on Indigenous history in Canada as well as Indigenous teachings to support strong development, all co-developed by Indigenous educators and Elders that includes local input. There are many more cross-curricular and relevant topics with lessons and adaptable resources for building literacy, comprehension, inquiry, and group centre activities. In this interactive workshop, teachers become students and experience the engaging learning format that includes audio, images, videos, and quizzes where scores of 80% or higher earn life-saving vaccines (polio, diphtheria, tetanus and measles) for others in need around the world through UNICEF. This is why the resource is called Kids Boost Immunity (KBI). There is also a teacher-led option where the class can earn vaccines to help others without being online. The aim of the session is for teachers to leave with everything they need to start using the resource.

kiyokewin is visiting in Michif. kiyokewin is a traditional way in which Métis people connect and shape community and relationships with each other, the land, water, plants, cosmos, and animals. In this session you will learn how kiyokewin can educators, students and community connect more deeply. Rupertsland Institute will share how many initiatives, resources and programs are created through kiyokewin.

Land Based Learning is central to Métis ways of knowing and being. When we create relationships to the land, we have a responsibility to live in reciprocity by protecting and caring for the land and all that lives on it. Join Rupertsland Centre for Teaching and Learning in exploring what Land-Based Learning could look like in schools, what it is and resources to support this learning.

This session will introduce teachers and instructional leaders to the basics of Indigenous pedagogies as informed by lived experience, Indigenous knowledges, and research. Using a holistic approach to teaching and learning, participants will develop an understanding of approaches to Indigenous pedagogies and reflect upon how their new learning can be woven into their professional practice.

Indigenous lessons on pre-contact, contact, treaties, colonialism and The Indian Act, as well as Indigenous teachings to support strong development have been co-developed by Manitoba Indigenous educators and Elders along with input from local Indigenous educators, and are available FREE to teachers on Kids Boost Immunity (KBI). Also new are lessons and tools to help students identify and avoid online misinformation. Students are shown how to use lateral reading strategies, decipher and deconstruct information to assess accuracy. These and many more social studies curricular and relevant topics include sequenced lessons along with accompanying resources that help build literacy, comprehension, inquiry and include group centre activities. In this interactive workshop, teachers become students and experience the engaging learning format that includes audio, images, videos, and quizzes where scores of 80% or higher earn life-saving vaccines (polio, diphtheria, tetanus and measles) for others in need around the world through UNICEF. There is also a teacher-led option where the class can earn vaccines to help others without being online. The aim of this session is for teachers to leave ready to use resources in a way that works best for their classroom needs.

Paskwa moshtosh, lii bufloo, buffalo, bison... No matter the name, for many Métis families paskwa moshtosh was key in shaping their lives and livelihoods. While the herds no longer roam across the land here, the teachings from these amazing animals still guide Métis society. Join Métis artist and Knowledge Holder Krista Leddy in stories and art around the importance of lii bufloo where participants will have an opportunity to create a small decorated bison to take home. This session includes stories to help educators understand and connect with Métis identities and culture as well as a simple art technique that can be easily adapted for many different learners.

This session outlines how students combined skateboard art with a history lesson on Indigenous culture and colonialism in an effort to raise awareness about reconciliation. Students worked with a number of Indigenous creatives and leaders to explore Indigenous history and strengthen their understanding of the effects of government policies, legislation and practices on Indigenous cultures and peoples. Participants will learn about the inspiration behind this project, how it was implemented and what it would take to do it in their own classroom. They will also hear about how skateboarding can be a form of activism to inspire social change and used as a call to action to forge the path to decolonization.

Rooted in the land-based resources of the North, Inuit traditions and culture flourished despite the unforgiving Arctic climate. Demonstrating incredible resilience and ingenuity, the Inuit have a rich history that Goota enthusiastically shares through her vivid storytelling and genuine Inuit artifacts.

Join us for an engaging session dedicated to the rich tradition of Inuit games. Participants will delve into the cultural significance, historical roots, and the skills involved in these traditional activities. Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on participation, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the games that have been passed down through generations, fostering community and resilience in Inuit culture. Whether you're learning about the endurance-testing Knuckle Hop, the strategic Blanket Toss, or the cooperative Seal Crawl, this session promises a fun and educational experience for all ages. Be prepared for an immersive journey into the world of Inuit games, where tradition meets play!

Decolonization is a scary word for some. Join me to learn that the work of decolonization is not about guilt or shame- it is about making education more equitable for Indigenous students and all students. It is not about Western culture being bad, either. It is about including all voices, points of view, and ways of being equally. Educators always say, "Just tell me how to do it." In this session, I will share what to look for, where and how to start, strategies to use, resources for planning, and missteps to avoid when working toward decolonizing education.

Angela Hall will share many of her Trauma Informed & Indigenous Ways of Knowing Art lessons that she has developed and used to support students and educational staff in self expression, feeling safe, emotional regulation and understanding oneself. These include: My Safe Place Landscape Art, Tree Meditation & Art, Star Blanket Art Renewal, Sacred Circle Meditation & Art, Flowers are Our Medicine, Rites of Passage Art Mandala, Dressing Up Your Spirit, and Medicine Wheel Reflection Art. Teachers will be able to participate in the Flowers Are Our Medicine Reflection Art workshop to understand the significance and effectiveness of these art lessons.

Growing Up in Nunavut Goota recounts her life in Kinngait, revealing the trials and triumphs of her early years. Please note that this powerful narrative may contain content unsettling for some audiences.

This will be a presentation of a new Documentary film retelling the story of a little girl Betty who survived the Residential School System. Educator Guide Fleury of Samson Nation and film director Eppo Eerkes will present this true story to help futher gain momentum to include this in the Alberta Education Curriculum. It also will have a companion Teachers Guide applicable to the story timeline. This engaging new film will give teachers a new tool in the delivery of the needed materials to include the Residential School story in Curriculum. ***PLease be advised that this is not a graphic film of abuse but rather a film that shows how the sacred teachings of an indigenous father will help his young daughter survive the Residential School system. IT will show how the story of Elder BEtty Ross is that of resilience, forgiveness and reconciliation. Delivery is for Grades 5 - 12

When approaching the concept of Truth and Reconciliation in the classroom, it can feel overwhelming, especially if one is concerned with avoiding tokenism and cultural appropriation. This session is about the journey taken, as an ally teacher, to provide authentic opportunities for both teachers and students, as we honour the traditions and wisdom of the many who have come before us on this land. Julie Arsenault will share important learnings that have been passed to her through members of the Indigenous Community, including how to approach Elders and Knowledge Keepers about sharing their traditions, and ways that she has incorporated Indigenous ways of knowing and being into her classroom.

Angela Hall will share many of her Trauma Informed & Indigenous Ways of Knowing Art lessons that she has developed and used to support students and educational staff in self expression, feeling safe, emotional regulation and understanding oneself. These include: My Safe Place Landscape Art, Tree Meditation & Art, Star Blanket Art Renewal, Sacred Circle Meditation & Art, Flowers are Our Medicine, Rites of Passage Art Mandala, Dressing Up Your Spirit, and Medicine Wheel Reflection Art. Teachers will be able to participate in the Medicine Wheel Reflection Art workshop to understand the significance and effectiveness of these art lessons.