Indigenous Studies Program educates about aboriginal issues

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/indgstudies.jpg” caption=”Dawn Martin-Hill, academic director of Indigenous Studies; Theresa McCarthy, Lecturer, Indigenous Studies; James Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor; Rick Monture, Phd student; and Walter Cooke, Elder of President’s Committee on Indigenous Issues”]

Lieutenant Governor James Bartleman paid a special visit to McMaster yesterday
to meet with members of the University's Indigenous Studies Program.

Bartleman met with Dawn Martin-Hill, academic director of Indigenous Studies,
and other program representatives to discuss present indigenous issues, especially
those that affect Indigenous Studies directly.

Explained Martin-Hill, There are many issues that surround Indigenous
Studies at the post-secondary level, and we are hoping that His Honour will
bring this message to different levels of government and higher educational
institutions.

McMaster's Indigenous Studies Program offers a unique and innovative
approach to education by combining traditional indigenous knowledge with mainstream
scholarship, resulting in creative and interactive learning opportunties.

Indigenous Studies has established an interdisciplinary approach to capitalize
on the various areas of knowledge and expertise of aboriginal instructors. Courses
examine a wide range of topics, including history, health, literature, land
claims, environment, spirituality, indigenous knowledge, research, arts and
drama, politics, women, languages, and more. Instructors include Elders and
Native academics.

The unique backgrounds of the instructors help establish the holistic
approach of Indigenous Studies, says Martin-Hill. Indigenous Studies
honours the knowledge that exists not only in various disciplines in the academy,
but also within indigenous communities. It is our resolve to enhance the educational
experience of all students through innovative indigenous approaches to learning
and scholarship.

The Indigenous Studies program has over 200 students participating in courses
each year. An open and inclusive program, Indigenous Studies allows non-native
students to expand their knowledge and understanding of indigenous culture while
developing professional skills to work with native people.

The program contributes substantially to diminishing public ignorance
of aboriginal issues and concerns, explains Martin-Hill. Professors,
staff and students work to integrate recognition of aboriginal community issues
into the University space, and I'm pleased that we were able to meet with
the Lieutenant Governor to inform him of some of the most pressing issues currently
facing Indigenous Studies.