Local to Global – Reimagining international education to align with DRI and JEDI initiatives
BCCIE has long supported the development of intercultural capacities as foundational to the increasing cultural diversity on our campuses. Since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action in 2015, BCCIE has expanded their efforts to support institutions commitments to meaningful reconciliation. At the same time many institutions have also dedicated resources to the establishment of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles. In British Columbia many colleges and universities are developing strategic plans for international education. As we consider these strategies, it will be important to explore how we might align more intentionally with decolonization, reconciliation, and indigenization (DRI) efforts, as well as, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) initiatives.
With the support of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, BCCIE is organizing regional workshops that will bring together local band members and elders, community members and international educators to explore these conversations at a local level. Through dialogue and learning activities, participants will consider how, where, and whether international education can be reimagined to align with these other institutional imperatives.
This event is intended for institutions located on the territory of the Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, Snuneymuxw, Snaw-Naw-As, Tla’amin, and Quw’utsun peoples - also known as the Vancouver Island/Coast region. Registration for international office staff from institutions in these territories is limited. BCCIE reserves the right to cancel your registration if you are from an institution that is outside of the territories listed above. If you register and can no longer attend, please inform us as soon as possible so we may reallocate your spot.
Details for the workshop being hosted at Vancouver Island University
Date: March 3, 2023
Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location: Shq'apthut - A Gathering Place (building 170)
Registration Deadline: February 27, 2023
Jonathan Joe held the position of Regional Negotiator for the Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada and brings with him 30 years of experience working in various roles. He has experience researching policy positions related to Treaty and Indigenous rights and has supported negotiations with many First Nations of Southern British Columbia and Vancouver Island. Most recently, he worked in Indigenous program Implementation responsible for furthering ongoing negotiations with Vancouver Island Nations. Not only is Jonathan a DFO veteran, but a leader in his community of Cowichan Tribes. Jonathan is a current student / Instructor within Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Cowichan Tribes & Southern Coastal Vancouver Island Salish Communities in Hulqiminum language, linguistics course – Instructor Donna Gerdts. Also, a Cultural Hul’qumi’num Sqwi’Qwal Speaker on the Southern Vancouver Island – Mainland / USA Washington First Nations communities. Jonathan graduated Grade 12 from Cowichan Senior Secondary School in 1983 and post-secondary at Vancouver Island University studying Business, Fisheries, Linguistics, and is an active cultural mentor. The role includes master of ceremonies for many cultural & educational events.
Dr. Kyra Garson has worked as the Intercultural Coordinator at Thompson Rivers University for over a decade. Kyra has provided hundreds of professional development workshops for higher education provincially, nationally, and internationally with a focus on enhancing intercultural understanding, inclusive pedagogies, and equity literacy. Her research interests include critical pedagogies, multicultural group work and critical internationalization studies. She has edited and published numerous special issues, chapters, and papers related internationalization, intercultural understanding, and critical perspectives in education. Kyra’s doctoral study entitled “Are we graduating Global Citizens?” received the Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education’s dissertation of the year award in 2014. In 2011, the Canadian Bureau for International Education selected her to receive the Internationalization Award for her work with faculty to intercuturalize the curriculum. In 2017, she was awarded the Distinguished Leadership Award by the British Columbia Council for International Education. In 2020 she was recognized by her TRU peers with the Excellence in Interculturalization Award.
For more information and to register for the workshop being hosted at Thompson Rivers University, please click here