Kenjgewin Teg is an Indigenous-led educational institute at M'Chigeeng First Nation, on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island). Queen’s has a long history of partnership with Kenjgewin Teg through the university’s community-based Indigenous Teacher Education program.

“The new partnership between Kenjgewin Teg and Queen’s reflects the shared goals of both institutions to enhance educational opportunities that promote an understanding of the lived histories and current realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada,” says Rahswahérha Mark Green, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic). 

The new courses will also add to the breadth and depth of Queen’s existing Indigenous studies academic offerings. Indigenous-focused education and research are growing areas of strength for the university and a priority for continued growth. Recent milestones in this area include Queen’s new Bachelor of Arts (Honours) major and medial in Indigenous studies and the Certificate in Indigenous Languages and Cultures. 

“This new collaboration with Kenjgewin Teg adds to the long history of partnership between both institutions,” says Kanonhsyonne Janice Hill, Associate Vice-Principal (Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation). “Queen’s strength in Indigenous-focused programs has grown significantly in recent years, and I’m so pleased we are combining our expertise in Indigenous studies with that of Kenjgewin Teg to provide these new courses to students, allowing them to grow their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and experiences.”

The new courses will be offered by remote instruction through Queen’s Faculty of Arts and Science from January to April 2022 as part of the one-term pilot agreement. The courses will focus on Indigenous perspectives on climate change and sustainability practices related to water, Indigenous theatre and performance, and the significance of language in relation to collective and individual identity. Kenjgewin Teg and Queen’s will collaborate on the recruitment and selection of Indigenous faculty members to teach the courses.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Queen’s on this important work to expand access to Indigenous studies courses,” says Stephanie Roy, President of Kenjgewin Teg. “The new courses will provide students with the opportunity to enhance their awareness of Indigenous perspectives on a diverse range of subjects — from climate change, the connection between language and identity, and the arts. Building awareness of the perspectives and knowledge of Indigenous peoples is a key part of the reconciliation process.”

The new courses are now open for registration in SOLUS for the 2022 winter term.