Saskatchewan Polytechnic is offering a free online Indigenous studies course. (file photo/Rawpixelimages | Dreamstime.com)

By paNOW Staff

Free online course

Sask. Polytech to offer free Indigenous Studies course

Jun 4, 2019 | 5:01 PM

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is hoping to create a deeper understanding of Indigenous nations through a free online course.

The Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) will focus on culture and history, particularly as it relates to Saskatchewan and examines the theme of reconciliation in Canada. Students will learn about the colonization of Indigenous peoples, reconciliation, Indigenous histories, perspectives, worldviews and approaches to learning.

“We developed the Introduction to Indigenous Studies MOOC with our students in mind,” Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO, said in a press release. “Our instructors requested more information to develop their knowledge and understanding of Indigenous people’s worldviews and cultures to create inclusive learning spaces. This is one of the ways we are helping our instructions learn more about Saskatchewan’s Indigenous history.”

As part of a new strategy for the school, Sask Polytech is working to ensure all of its programs include Indigenous content by 2023.

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“We have over 150 programs and knowing that we don’t have some of the resources, like enough Indigenous studies instructors, we felt the creation of this course is something that would help support that initiative of having Indigenous content in all of our courses,” Jason Seright, director of Indigenous strategy for the school, said.

He added it’s also in recognition of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s “calls to action” which invite all levels of government to work together to repair the harm caused by residential schools and begin the process of reconciliation.

The Indigenous studies MOOC is open to anyone over the age of 13 who has access to a computer or mobile device and the internet. The one-credit course is expected to take 15 hours to complete and includes a reflection paper and group assignment. Students can register for the free course online any time before June 20. The course will be offered again in September.

“In order to establish miyo wahkohtowin (good relations), we have to learn about Indigenous peoples, to enter into the history of colonization through the lens of those who experienced injustices,” Has Malik, the dean of arts and science, business and information and communication technology said in a press release.

This is the second free online course the school has offered. MOOCs gained popularity in 2012 when post-secondary institutions like Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology started developing and delivering these types of highly accessible courses.

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panews@jpbg.ca

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