Integrating Indigenous Perspectives in the Classroom: Insights from Students and Educators.
Hear from Indigenous subject matter experts, educators and students in a conversation facilitated by Audrey Rochette, Director of Indigenous Initiatives at George Brown College. You will gain valuable insights from our panel of educators on the best practices for integrating indigenous perspectives into your curriculum and listen firsthand to students as they share the impact on their learning experience. Join us to create a more inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment.
Please note this session will not include a networking component in order to maximize the insights and perspectives from the panel participants.
Presenter(s): Audrey Rochette, Russell Evans, Cassandra Carlson, Cheyenne Schmidt-Harlick
About the Speakers
Audrey Rochette, Director of Indigenous Initiatives at George Brown College
Audrey Rochette is an Anishinaabe from Waabadowgang-Whitesand First Nation. As Director, Indigenous Initiatives, she leads George Brown College’s efforts to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action and oversees Indigenization measures as part of the college’s Vision 2030/Strategy 2022 initiative.
Russell Evans, Assistant Professor of Accounting at the University of Windsor
Russell Evans' Indigenous heritage has roots in both Temagami First Nation (Bear Island) and Matachewan First Nation, and he identifies as both Anishnaabe and European. His research focuses on the financial accountability relationship between Indigenous communities and their various stakeholders, including membership and the Government of Canada. Russell’s current projects include research work on Indigenous governance, consulting on Indigenous business plans and grants, as well as various initiatives to decolonize post-secondary education in Canada.
Cassandra Carlson, Fourth-Year Biology and Psychology Student at Brock University
Cassandra Carlson is an Ojibwe from Wauzhushk Onigum Nation. She has just completed her final year of a BSc in Biology and Psychology at Brock University. A recipient of the 2022 NSERC USRA, Cassandra completed her research on conservation towards Indigenous medicinal plants. In April 2022, Cassandra attended the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) with the goal of forwarding indigenous youth representation. Cassandra is an author on OUSA’s Indigenous student’s policy paper, with several years of experience as an EDI coordinator. Cassandra is a current member of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada’s Youth Advisory Council and has completed years of research under the supervision of Dr. Liette Vasseur. Cassandra’s future goals are to forward the work of Indigenous science in academia.
Cheyenne Schmidt-Harlick, Second-Year Psychology Student at York University
Cheyenne Schmidt-Harlick is a non-status First Nation person, specifically Mohawk from Six Nations of the Grand River, also mixed with Mi'kmaw. She is an undergraduate student at York University in her second year of an honours BA program, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Indigenous Studies. She is a student leader at York & work as a Learning Skills Peer with an Indigenous focus in partnership with the Centre for Indigenous Student Services & Learning Skills Services under Student Engagement. She is also a part of the Indigenous Students Association at York as the treasurer, which helps provide cultural programming for Indigenous students.
