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Teacher Preparation

Gakino’amaage’s Summer Enrichment Program

The Summer Enrichment Program is the cornerstone of Gakino’amaage’s community-focused preparation program. It is led by Indigenous leaders, northern teachers, and education experts. It helps teachers to learn about the histories and cultures of northern First Nations, to adopt culturally-relevant pedagogies, and to establish effective self-care practices.

 

In 2024, teachers participated in a hybrid Summer Enrichment Program. They began their learning journey by completing 15 hours of asynchronous online learning modules before joining the 2024 Cohort and Gakino’amaage staff for one week of in-person learning from Indigenous leaders, northern teachers, and education experts.

 

See an example of the Summer Enrichment Program Agenda and Presenter Biographies for the 2024 Summer Enrichment Program for more details.

 

A Preparation Program

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Focus 1: Culture
Teachers learn about First Nations’ histories, cultures, languages, traditions, and contemporary realities.
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Focus 2: Community
Teachers will learn about community values and governance, local traditions and local knowledge. Teachers will also meet with members of the First Nations where they will teach to ask community-specific questions.
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Focus 3: Classroom
Teachers learn culturally-responsive pedagogy, outdoor education, and classroom strategies. They are coached to develop professional and personal goals and concrete self-care strategies.
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When

2025 Dates – TBA

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Where

Lakehead University, Thunder Bay

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Why

Prepare you for teaching and living in the North

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How

Gakino’amaage will braid tradition, history, and pedagogy to create an exciting and memorable learning experience

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Who
  • All new Gakino’amaage teachers must attend
  • Indigenous leaders, northern teachers, and education experts will
    lead sessions
  • Education directors and principals from community partners will
    join
  • Other Gakino’amaage educators and staff will join

STORIES FROM THE SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM