On February 6, Niagara College’s Indigenous Education team hosted a community celebration titled Sharing Our Good Stories: Educators Summit at White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa, bringing together educators and partners from across the Niagara region to celebrate and strengthen support for Indigenous learners.
This event marked the first time representatives from multiple educational institutions across the region gathered with a shared purpose: to celebrate, reflect on, and strengthen the work being done to support Indigenous learners. Approximately 70 participants attended, representing NC and a wide range of organizations including the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN), Niagara Catholic District School Board (NCDSB), Brock University, and the Indigenous Education and Management Circle (IEMC).
“Planning and hosting Sharing Our Good Stories: Educators Summit was all about coming together in community to celebrate each other and the work we are all doing towards reconciliation,” said Leah Hogan, Director, Indigenous Education. “This was our opportunity to give back to our community partners and thank them for the work they do to help us surround our students with the supports they need. By coming together to share stories, build relationships and hear inspiring perspectives, the intention was to strengthen our community and the work we’re doing together.”
Designed as both a celebration and a space for honest conversation, the summit focused on connection, collaboration and collective care, particularly among educators and partners who experience fatigue related to the reconciliation journey.
The day began with a traditional opening led by Karl Dockstader, Indigenous Cultural Consultant, followed by welcoming remarks from Dr. Chris McGrath, Vice-President, Students. One of the morning highlights was a student panel featuring three NC students who shared their experiences participating in Indigenous programming and land-based learning initiatives such as Paddle Forward and the College’s Be World Ready land-based learning experience in Hawaii. Their stories offered a powerful reminder of the impact these cultural experiences have on Indigenous students.
One of the students, Robin Geerdink, from NC’s Myhal School of Nursing, reflected on the impact of her experience.
“Experiencing land-based education in the Yukon was something I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to do. It helped me feel truly connected and grounded,” she said. “One teaching that carried me through nursing school, and that I continue to hold onto as a partner, mother and health-care provider, is that you are your own medicine bundle. Keep it full for all of life’s offerings and never stop building your bundle.”
Throughout the day, attendees also took part in breakout sessions that explored barriers associated with reconciliation work, best practices for supporting Indigenous learners, opportunities for collaboration, and the importance of celebrating and uplifting the people committed to this area the work.
Dr. Pam Palmater delivers her keynote address at IE’s Educators Summit (photo courtesy of Landscape of Nations).
The morning ended with a keynote address by Dr. Pam Palmater, a Mi’kmaq social justice activist, lawyer, academic, and internationally renowned speaker from New Brunswick. Dr. Palmater is a prolific author, award-winning Indigenous podcaster, and a leading voice on reconciliation, Indigenous rights, and social justice. Her keynote focused on the theme of transforming education through reconciliation, offering a grounding and inspiring perspective that resonated deeply with attendees.
Her keynote highlighted the realities Indigenous Peoples face while working with limited resources and challenged institutions to think critically about how policies and legislation shape meaningful action. She acknowledged that conversations about reconciliation can be difficult and require honest reflection on where we are as a country and community, recognizing that while important progress has been made, there is still much more work ahead.
Sharing Our Good Stories: Educators Summit demonstrated that when institutions gather with intention, powerful things can happen. By celebrating successes, listening to student voices, and openly addressing challenges, the event encouraged continued collaboration and collective action in support of Indigenous learners in the community.
“Bringing together this community was incredibly impactful and grounding,” said Aria D’alimonte, Indigenous Culture and Events Coordinator. “When we come together to share our good stories, we strengthen relationships, renew our energy and remind one another that this work is collective and meaningful.”
Dr. Palmater’s keynote address will soon be available for the larger NC community to view on the IE website. Stay tuned for more details.
