Online U of A courses aim to educate public on issues facing Indigenous peoples

Faculty of Native Studies opens learning opportunities to all with five self-directed continuing education micro-courses

EDMONTON — As individuals around the world seek out opportunities to learn more about the histories of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the complexities they continue to face today, the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies is striving to make that information easy for anyone to access and understand.

The Faculty is offering five self-directed continuing education courses that are open to the public online. The courses showcase the role post-secondary institutions can play in Truth and Reconciliation by expanding educational opportunities to the general public.

On April 1, the Countering Stereotypes of Indigenous Peoples micro-credential series, featuring three separate courses, will launch. The new series, derived from an undergraduate class of the same name, strives to pull the rug from underneath colonial ideas of what it means to be Indigenous, by exploring some of the most prevalent stereotypes of Indigenous people. Each of the three courses in the series, led by Dr. Tasha Hubbard, takes about 20 hours to complete. It is designed for professional development with a focus on reflection.

Inspired by the popular 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course, Indigenous Canada, the Faculty of Native Studies offers a condensed version called Indigenous Peoples and Canada. This six module micro-course, led by course instructor Dr. Paul Gareau, looks at historical and contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples to understand the legacy of settler colonialism and affirm Indigenous self-determination.

The Tackling Structural Racism micro-course presents ways to recognize and tackle issues related to structural racism in Canada. This course takes about 8-10 hours to complete. It was created by a team led by Dr. Nykkie Lugosi-Schimpf, using Indigenous-led content, perspectives and experiences, and is grounded in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

Digital badges that can be added to LinkedIn are available upon completion of any of the continuing education courses.

Acting Dean Dr. Nathalie Kermoal of the Faculty of Native Studies is available for interviews on the significance of these courses. Please contact:

Sarah Vernon | University of Alberta communications associate | svernon@ualberta.ca