Niltze (Hello) NITEPers!
Welcome to the Mentoring Circle. I am Daniel Gallardo your Digital Peer Mentor. I am a nonbinary Mestizx from Mexico. I am Nahua and P’urhépecha on my father’s side of the family and on my mother’s side, I am of settler ancestry, Berber-Andalusian and French. I am a doctoral student in Educational Studies and have been part of the NITEP family for the last 5 years.
I began my teaching journey as a math teacher and will always be one at heart. For the last 14 years, I have been working with curriculum development for social and ecological justice and continue doing that work today. In this mentoring circle, I will share and support you with digital resources created by Indigenous folx, virtual community-based learning, decolonizing activities, culturally sustaining tools and ways to enhance digital learning with experiential resources that include Indigenous knowledge systems.
Looking for that digital resource tip you saw in the bulletin a few weeks ago? Here you will find it! Every week we will feature digital resource tips from the student bulletins, as well as additional links and tools you may find useful.
Unfortunately, I am not an I.T. tech or an academic tutor, but UBC has amazing resources that can further help you!
- For comments, questions or additional mentoring support contact Daniel
- If you need additional I.T. support, click here
- If you need additional academic support, click here
April 22, 2024: Relational Organizing For Climate Justice! Join a global environmental community of Earth Guardians with these digital resources.
Since 1970, Earth Day has been an annual event held on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. In our ongoing battle against the climate crisis, relational organizing through these events has emerged as a powerful strategy to mobilize communities, connect individuals with shared values, and build a sustainable movement for environmental justice. In celebration of Earth Day, this week in the mentoring circle, we learn how to join this critical movement with community organizations that make a difference using their digital platforms…Read this week’s full tip here
April 15, 2024: Indigenous Lessons Worth Sharing | With TED-Ed discover hundred of animated lessons, dig deep into them, and share big ideas.
In our journey to embrace Indigenous education, it’s essential to search for educational digital platforms that highlight Indigenous stories, perspectives and knowledges. TED-Ed focuses specifically on creating short educational videos and lessons aimed at learners of all ages. Known for its captivating animated videos, TED-Ed has amplified Indigenous voices and perspectives through its content. This week in the mentoring circle, we feature TED-Ed lessons that respect and highlight Indigenous wisdom and promote Indigenous education…Read this week’s full tip here
April 08, 2024: Dechinta has created digital resources about land-based education rooted in Northern Indigenous knowledge and values.
Dechinta is the only fully land-based university accredited program in the world, and the only program explicitly mandated to serve Indigenous people. Dechinta delivers land-based programming led by Indigenous experts, professors, artists and knowledge keepers, rooted in Northern Indigenous practices, philosophies and ethics. This week in the mentoring circle, we learn how Dechinta is supporting self-determining and sustainable Northern communities with digital resources rooted in Northern Indigenous Knowledge and values…Read this week’s full tip here
April 02, 2024: Celebrate storytelling through the art of drag! Drag Queen Story Hour is opening hearts and minds with fabulous storytellers.
In honour of International Transgender Day of Visibility, we highlight a colourful and heartwarming program that has emerged in libraries, community events, and schools across the globe — Drag Queen Story Hour. This innovative initiative combines the art of drag with the joy of reading, aiming to foster a love of books, encourage acceptance of diversity, and promote open-mindedness. This week in the mentoring circle, we take a closer look at what Drag Queen Story Hour is all about, its digital resources, and the impact it has on communities…Read this week’s full tip here
March 25, 2024: Indigenous TikTok Visionary Voices! The Indigenous TikTok community is using the digital platform to educate people on Indigenous issues.
The Indigenous TikTok community is harnessing the power of the digital platform to enlighten people on Indigenous issues and perspectives. Indigenous creators are cultivating a vibrant digital space on TikTok, aiming not only to educate and entertain but also to tackle critical issues. This week, in the mentoring circle, we take a moment to recognize and highlight Indigenous content creators who are dedicated to amplifying and supporting Indigenous resurgence. Through their platform, they share the rich beauty, history, and heritage of Indigenous peoples…Read this week’s full tip here
March 18, 2024: Decolonizing Teaching Indigenizing Learning has digitally gathered Curriculum Bundles designed by Indigenous educators.
The Decolonizing Teaching Indigenizing Learning website supports teacher candidates, in-service teachers, and faculty as they move towards implementing Indigenous education and pedagogies into their curricula. The website centres on Indigenous pedagogies and values Indigenous knowledges as fluid and interconnected. This week in the mentoring circle, we follow the heartbeat of this website – its Curriculum Bundles. Indigenous educators across BC designed each bundle, many of whom are NITEP students at UBC…Read this week’s full tip here
March 11, 2024: Become story-ready with the basket of gifts Q’um Q’um Xiiem aka Dr. Jo-ann Archibald offers through Indigenous Storywork!
Start your journey to become story-ready with the gift of Indigenous bushwhacker in the advancement of Indigenous education, Q’um Q’um Xiiem also known as Dr. Jo-ann Archibald. Through her role as an educator, scholar, and author, Q’um Q’um Xiiem has illuminated the path to engaging with Indigenous stories, teachings, and wisdom in meaningful and respectful ways. At the heart of Dr. Archibald’s legacy is the concept of Indigenous Storywork. This week in the mentoring circle, we open Q’um Q’um Xiiem’s gift, a basket of digital resources to understand Indigenous Storywork…Read this week’s full tip here
March 04, 2024: Adding a C to STEM! Culturally Situated Design Tools are restoring the use of heritage algorithms as a path to Indigenous futurities.
In the evolving fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), there is an increasing awareness of the importance of cultural relevance and diversity. This recognition has paved the way to create “Culturally Situated Design Tools (CSDT)”, a project that integrates cultural heritage with technological innovation, thus adding a crucial ‘C’ for culture into the STEM acronym. This week in the mentoring circle, we explore how CSDT uses cultural designs to discover mathematical concepts interwoven within Indigenous ways of knowing…Read this week’s full tip here
February 26, 2024: Pink Shirt Day! Build an Inclusive and Connected Community with All Kinds of Kindness to #Lifteachotherup🚀
When we lift each other, we see past the things that separate us and instead focus on the things that unite us. This week in the mentoring circle, we join Pink Shirt Day and dress completely in pink this Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Together we commit to stop bullying across the province by becoming upstanders using resources from the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. This Pink Shirt Day, and every day, remember that all kinds of kindness contribute to building an inclusive and connected community…Read this week’s full tip here
February 20, 2024: The Xwi7xwa Library echoes the voices and philosophies of Indigenous peoples through its services, collections, and programs.
At the heart of the University of British Columbia’s sprawling campus lies a treasure trove of knowledge, the UBC Library, renowned not only for its vast collections but also for its commitment to celebrating and preserving Indigenous cultures and histories. This week in the mentoring circle, we echo the voices and philosophies of Indigenous peoples through – the Xwi7xwa Library. A specialized centre for academic and community Indigenous scholarship that holds collections and services that reflect Indigenous approaches to teaching, learning, and research…Read this week’s full tip here
February 12, 2024: No More Stolen Sisters! Digital resources to respond and learn about the MMIWG crisis.
Thousands of people will gather in Downtown Eastside Vancouver on Wednesday to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, trans and two-spirit people at the 33rd annual Women’s Memorial March (WMM). The WMM is held every year on 14 February, Valentine’s Day, in cities across Turtle Island to remember the ones lost to gender-based violence. This week in the mentoring circle, we pay respects to those who have been lost to colonial violence with digital resources to respond with meaningful action to the MMIWG crisis…Read this week’s full tip here
February 5, 2024: Question the Origin of Everything! Digitally explore the intersecting histories behind realities in everyday life.
Every aspect of our daily reality, whether the words we use, the pop culture we love, the technology that gets us through the day, or even the identities we give ourselves, emerges from thousands of intersecting histories. PBS Origins is the home of history shows from PBS Digital Studios that dive into inclusive, intersectional history content that helps us understand one another more deeply. This week in the mentoring circle, we will explore the 4 shows featured in PBS Origins about under-told histories and cultures that challenge our everyday assumptions…Read this week’s full tip here
January 29, 2024: RISE (Respect, Inclusion, Safety, and Equity) seeks to foreground Indigenous understandings of sexuality and gender.
RISE is a website focused on queering teacher education. Their primary goal is to assist education professors and instructors in preparing teacher candidates to provide welcoming, respectful, and inclusive learning environments where gender and sexuality are celebrated as naturally diverse. This week in the mentoring circle, we visit the Indigiqueer area of the RISE site which seeks to foreground Indigenous knowledges and understandings of sexuality and gender within the context of education…Read this week’s full tip here
January 22, 2024: Elder Wally Brown shares Navajo Traditional Teachings through digital stories to preserve Diné culture.
Navajo Traditional Teachings is dedicated to imparting cultural knowledge that remains unaltered by anthropological or archaeological interpretations. Their approach is rooted in an authentic understanding of the Diné language and the rich oral history passed down through generations. This mission is fulfilled through the sharing of Indigenous digital stories narrated by Elder Wally Brown. In this week’s mentoring circle, we will delve into this Indigenous educational platform to explore how Navajo traditional teachings are preserving Diné culture…Read this week’s full tip here
January 15, 2024: 8 remarkable Indigenous education digital resources! From toolkits and reports to guides and frameworks, find resources that can be interwoven in curriculum design.
A curriculum focusing on Indigenization can lead to an enlightened discussion of First Nation issues and give Indigenous students a sense of place and belonging in the school system. This week in the mentoring circle, we feature 8 remarkable Indigenous education digital resources, from toolkits and reports to guides and frameworks, these resources will help us take action to integrate Indigenous worldviews into curriculum development and how these can be interwoven into curriculum design and our everyday classroom practices…Read this week’s full tip here
January 08, 2024: Decolonizing maps is a process that addresses the biases, inaccuracies, and colonial perspectives inherent in many cartographic representations.
Maps have historically been used as powerful tools of colonization, often reinforcing Eurocentric worldviews, territorial claims, and narratives that marginalize Indigenous cultures and perspectives. Decolonizing maps refers to a process that challenges and revises traditional maps to address the biases, inaccuracies, and colonial perspectives inherent in many cartographic representations. This week in the mentoring circle, we look at several digital resources that support our endeavor to undo map distortions and create…Read this week’s full tip here
December 11, 2023: Empower the Spirit by using a collection of digital resources that support teachers weave Indigenous ways of knowing!
Empowering the Spirit is a collection of digital resources curated to increase awareness and understanding of First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, perspectives and ways of knowing. This week in the mentoring circle, we explore how the collection of tools, videos and websites found within Empowering the Spirit lend support to teachers and school leaders as they endeavour to weave Indigenous knowledge systems into their current practice…Read this week’s full tip here
December 04, 2023: Listen to Indigenous voices! Indigenous podcasts have emerged as a tool to decolonize the airwaves.
With the rise of technology, digital media has become a medium for the creation and dissemination of Indigenous oral traditions through podcasting. Driven by the desire of Indigenous peoples to assume agency over their representation, Indigenous podcasts have emerged as a tool to decolonize the airwaves. This week in the mentoring circle, we examine how podcasting allows Indigenous stories to be broadcast worldwide in a way that gives Indigenous peoples more agency, flexibility, and creative liberties that consequently challenge colonial legacies…Read this week’s full tip here
November 27, 2023: Educators around the world are using Minecraft to ignite game-based learning and uphold the principles of responsible AI!
Minecraft: Education Edition is a game-based learning platform that offers educators a digital way to engage students and ignite their passion for learning! It is an open-world game that promotes creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving in an immersive environment where the only limit is your imagination. This week in the mentoring circle, we explore how Minecraft allows students to create, explore, imagine and contextualize their surroundings by playing a video game. We look into how playing with Minecraft also incorporates learning from and about Indigenous perspectives… Read this week’s full tip here
November 20, 2023: Experience math in a completely new way by using two digital resources that empower educators to embrace Indigenous education and address issues of social justice.
The Math Catcher Outreach program aims to promote mathematics and scholarship in general by encouraging elementary and high school students to recognize how math is used in everyday life and how it forms the basis for many of our daily decisions and life-long choices. This week in the mentoring circle, we explore math through storytelling, pictures, models, problem-solving, and hands-on activities that encourage young people to enjoy numbers and help dispel the myth that math is boring and rigid… Read this week’s full tip here
November 13, 2023: Amplify Student Voice! Flip engages and empowers every voice by recording and sharing short videos together.
Flip (former Flipgrid) is a free online video platform that offers students a place where they can share and reflect on ideas with other students and with their teachers. This week in the mentoring circle, we explore how Flip provides the perfect space for students to take part in classroom discussions, share their thoughts, and hear their classmates’ ideas. Teachers post topics to initiate conversations between students by responding with short videos. Ready to meet Flip… Read this week’s full tip here
November 06, 2023: Enter a digital workspace that aims to identify and de-activate colonial habits of being and gesture towards the possibility of decolonial futures.
Gesturing Towards Decolonial Futures (GTDF) is an arts/research collective that uses its website as a workspace for collaborations around different kinds of artistic, pedagogical, cartographic, and relational experiments that aim to identify and de-activate colonial habits of being, and to gesture towards the possibility of decolonial futures. This week in the mentoring circle, we look at how Gesturing Towards Decolonial Futures prioritizes collaborations with initiatives that adopt a decolonial orientation… Read this week’s full tip here
October 30, 2023: The Learning First Peoples Classroom Resources developed by FNESC supports educators include Indigenous perspectives.
The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) is a policy and advocacy organization that represents and works on behalf of First Nations in British Columbia. This week in the mentoring circle, we learn how FNESC supports First Nations students and advances First Nations education in BC. FNESC was founded in 1992 by a visionary group of people who determined the need for a First Nations-controlled collective organization focused on advancing quality education for all First Nations learners… Read this week’s full tip here
October 23, 2023: Keeping Our Traditions Strong – The National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education connects communities to share stories about Indigenous education.
The National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education (NCCIE) is hosted by First Nations University of Canada, which has a 40-year history of being Indigenous-owned, operated, and controlled. This week in the mentoring circle, we will visit the NCCIE website to learn about the many digital resources they feature. Their educational resources connect Indigenous communities with each other and share their stories about Indigenous education across Turtle Island and the world… Read this week’s full tip here
October 16, 2023: Mapping reconciliation – Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada is a powerful education digital tool with interactive resources
The Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada is an educational resource created by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, published by Canadian Geographic, and funded by the Government of Canada. It was created to address calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, among them the development of culturally relevant curricula for Indigenous students. Its content includes information about Indigenous lands, languages, communities, treaties, and cultures, and topics such as the residential school system, colonization, racism, and cultural appropriation… Read this week’s full tip here
October 10, 2023: Kanaka Maoli poet and scholar Jamaica Osorio draws on Native Hawaiian relationships to construct more inclusive ways of activism and being with the land.
In the world of poetry and activism, there are voices that need to be heard, speaking truth to power and reinvigorating cultures with their words. Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio is one such voice—a queer Kanaka Maoli wahine artist, scholar, and activist whose words transcend boundaries and inspire socio-political transformation. This week in the mentoring circle, we feature Jamaica Osorio’s work toward justice for Hawaii’s Indigenous population with five digital resources that invoke memory, resistance, and pilina (Hawaiian for connection, among other meanings) through poetry… Read this week’s full tip here
October 03, 2023: Do you have Five Moore Minutes? Shelley Moore shares how inclusive education is not more work, it’s different work!
Five Moore Minutes is back for season 5 after a long hiatus! Created by Shelley Moore a SSHRC-funded inclusive educator who finished her Ph.D. here at UBC. Shelley Moore is a highly sought-after teacher, researcher, consultant and storyteller whose research and work have been featured at national and international conferences and are constructed based on theory and effective practices of inclusion, special education and curriculum. Inspired by a little bowling video…her website Five Moore Minutes features videos dedicated to empowering schools and classrooms to support ALL Learners! Read this week’s full tip here
September 25, 2023: On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation we wear orange! Listen, witness and honour Phyllis Webstad’s Orange Shirt Story.
Two years ago the Canadian federal government passed legislation to mark September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This National commemoration is designated as an opportunity to honour residential school survivors, their families, and communities, as well as acknowledging that the history and legacy of residential schools remain a vital component of the reconciliation process. This week in the mentoring circle, we encourage all members of the UBC community to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, whether through personal reflection, education and awareness activities or by participating in Orange Shirt Day! Read this week’s full tip here
September 18, 2023: Get ready for story time! Use Global Storybooks to promote multilingualism and celebrate diversity in our classrooms.
Storybooks Canada is a free open educational digital resource that supports multi-literacy and multilingual learning in homes, schools, and communities. This educational resource aims to promote multilingualism in Canada by making 40 stories from the African Storybook available with text and audio in the major immigrant and refugee languages of Canada as well as Indigenous languages. This week in the mentoring circle, we celebrate diversity with storytelling through digital portals like Indigenous Storybooks and Global Storybooks. Read this week’s full tip here
September 11, 2023: MOA presents – The Musqueam Teaching Kit: xʷməθkʷəy̓əm: qʷi:l̕qʷəl̕ ʔə kʷθə snəw̓eyəɬ ct – Musqueam: giving information about our teachings
As you begin your journey at UBC, it is important to take some time to learn about the history of the land UBC Vancouver is situated on and its original inhabitants, the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation. As we recognize and respect the traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories, it is important that this recognition of Musqueam territory and our relationship with the Musqueam people don’t appear as just a formality. Read this week’s full tip here
September 5, 2023: Canvas 101! The orientation session you were looking for. Canvas helps users focus on the content being delivered, rather than the system delivering it.
Canvas is UBC’s learning management system. It is designed to connect learners and instructors in a natural way, emphasising user experience, by using clean graphics, a simple layout, and logical language. Canvas is known for its user-friendly online environment and ability to easily connect both in and out of the classroom. Canvas’ student-centred learning environment includes basic LMS functionality for managing courses, sharing documents, submitting assignments, assigning grades, ePortfolios, and peer reviews in both Discussions and Assignments. This orientation session is designed to give you a basic overview of the features and functionality of Canvas and help you build your confidence using the digital platform! Find the Canvas Orientation Session here
April 24, 2023: BealsScience is a place to share science experiments and lessons to help inspire the next generation of dreamers, thinkers and doers!
The goal of BealsScience is to make science fun! Their digital science resources have created a place to share science experiments and lessons to help inspire the next generation of dreamers, thinkers and doers! On their website, they feature wacky science experiments from exploding five-pound gummy bears to building a bowling ball cannon from scrapyard parts – that will have you laughing – and learning – as you click through over-the-top fun demonstrations. This week in the mentoring circle, we keep on learning with BealsScience through digital labs, experiments, and STEM projects! Read this week’s full tip here
April 17, 2023: Join the World’s Largest Environmental Movement by Celebrating Earth Day with these digital tips for helping our planet.
Our systems need transformation! It’s time for the people of the world to hold governments and the private sector accountable for their role in our environmental crisis while also calling for bold, creative, and innovative solutions led by Indigenous knowledges. That’s why each year on April 22nd, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to protect the planet, get inspired, take action and be a part of the green revolution. This week in the mentoring circle, we join the world’s largest environmental movement by taking action for the planet with supportive digital resources. Let’s picture a better planet! Read this week’s full tip here
April 10, 2023: Find new ways of teaching mathematics with the help of videos from amazing math teachers!
Looking for a math tutor? The search is over! This week in the mentoring circle, we feature inspirational math educators who can help us find new ways of teaching math. One of them happens to have a famous educational mathematics channel with amazing videos of actual math lessons! Meet your first math tutor, Australia’s most famous math teacher and YouTube star Eddie Woo. His YouTube channel, WooTube has more than 1.7 million subscribers and his videos have been viewed over 50 lifetimes of teaching! We did the math! Read this week’s full tip here
April 03, 2023: GENESKOOL develops educational resources about scientific complex topics in new and interesting ways!
Interested in an opportunity to explore life science concepts in an innovative and fun way? Genome BC Geneskool offers digital educational resources and hands-on activities to allow students to transfer scientific knowledge into real-life situations. Geneskool is able to provide genetics/genomics-themed workshops and resources tailored towards teachers, completely free of charge and aligned with BC Curriculum standards. This week in the mentoring circle, we highlight some of the fascinating educational resources Geneskool has to offer. Read this week’s full tip here
March 27, 2023: AMAZE provides medically accurate and age appropriate Sex Ed for youth through an amazing video series.
AMAZE is a series of sex ed videos that recognize child and adolescent sexual development as natural and healthy. They envision a world in which young people everywhere are supported and affirmed, and the adults in their lives communicate openly and honestly with them about puberty, reproduction, relationships, sex and sexuality. This week in the mentoring circle, we feature fun, animated videos empowering healthy relationships worldwide, with all the answers you want to know about sex, your body and relationships. Read this week’s full tip here
March 20, 2023: Stand Up 4 Human Rights during the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination with digital resources to fight racism!
Did you know that March 21st is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination? On this day in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against apartheid. After the tragic events, the United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate racial discrimination. In 1979, the UN decided that a week of solidarity with the people struggling against racism and racial discrimination would be organized annually, beginning on March 21st… Read this week’s full tip here
March 13, 2023: Create a virtual classroom bulletin board and add numerous media resources with Padlet!
Padlet is a real-time collaborative web platform in which users can upload, organize, and share content to virtual bulletin boards. It supports a wide variety of file types and allows you to embed content from anywhere on the web, including YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Vimeo, and 400 other apps. As an educational digital platform, Padlet allows us to create single or multiple walls that are able to house all the posts we want to share and even create a presentation from those same posts with the click of a button. This week in the mentoring circle, we examine this online noticeboard that helps digitize content and facilitates group collaborations… Read this week’s full tip here
March 06, 2023: Move beyond the gender binary by creating inclusive spaces with the help of fabulous digital resources!
On every continent, a variety of cultures have recognized, revered, and integrated more than two genders for all of recorded history. Prior to the colonization of Indigenous land and the introduction of western European social constructs, gender diversity was widely accepted and celebrated in many cultures around the world. The construction of a gender binary has shaped modern societies, and the idea of gender fluidity and expression has unfortunately been suppressed, yet there are some cultures that still honour these ancestral ways of being today… Read this week’s full tip here
February 27, 2023: Avoid Death by Powerpoint! Take your presentations to the next-level with the power of storytelling using digital resources.
Today’s post is dedicated to playfully shunning one of the most used digital tools for student learning in modern times: PowerPoint! A software that has become essential to teaching. At some point in our classes, we may find ourselves sitting down in a darkened room, looking at a large white screen, waiting for some technical difficulties to be solved, squinting our eyes to understand the small words, taking weird pictures of the screen as slide after slide pass by, making it impossible for you to read everything and pay attention at the same time… Read this week’s full tip here
February 20, 2023: On Wednesdays We Wear Pink! #Lifteachotherup🚀 and raise awareness about anti-bullying by taking kindness to new heights.
Pink Day Shirt = Anti-Bullying Day! This Pink Shirt Day, and every day, take your kindness to new heights by lifting each other up! When we lift each other, we see past the things that separate us and see instead, the things that unite us. This week in the mentoring circle, we learn about how we can help stop bullying in communities across the province using digital resources from the Pink Shirt Day website to become Upstanders and join Pink Shirt Day on February 22nd, 2023, by wearing pink! Read this week’s full tip here
February 13, 2023: The environment is the third teacher! These five incredible schools completely reimagine learning environments.
There are various factors that affect students learning – who is teaching the class? who is learning alongside each other? And also where is the learning happening? Numerous educators view the learning environment as the third teacher. A learning environment can either enhance students’ comprehension by creating a safe and culturally sustaining space of exploration and reflection or it can detract students from grasping what is being taught. This week in the mentoring circle, we will learn more about the meaning of the third teacher and witness five incredible schools that completely reimagine learning environments. Read this week’s full tip here
February 6, 2023: Honour and promote the legacy of Black people with insightful digital resources! ✊🏾
February is Black History Month! Every February, people across Turtle Island participate in Black History Month events, festivities and activities that honour the legacy of Black people in our communities past and present. We take this time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black folks who, throughout history, have done so much to make the world culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous. This week in the mentoring circle, we gain insight into the experiences of Black people and the significant contributions they have made to the world. Read this week’s full tip here
January 30, 2023: Together, we can conquer cyberbullying using ReThink – a digital technology that detects and stops cyberbullying before the damage is done!
Bullying can occur in many places and as the digital sphere continues to expand and online technology becomes part of our daily lives, bullying online is part of it too. Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies. It can take place on social media, messaging platforms, gaming platforms and mobile phones. Together, we can conquer cyberbullying using Rethink – a digital technology that detects and stops cyberbullying before the damage is done! This week in the mentoring circle, we explore a call-to-action to end online hate and raise responsible digital citizens. Read this week’s full tip here
January 23, 2023: Teachings In The Air is an Indigenous health and wellness podcast hosted by Elder Gerry Oldman. Be inspired, motivated, and empowered to be healthy in mind, body and spirit.
Teachings In The Air is an Indigenous health and wellness podcast hosted by Elder Saa Hiil Thut Gerry Oldman aiming to inspire, motivate, and empower Indigenous peoples to be sound in mind, body and spirit – because that’s what healthy means. In the podcast, Elder Gerry explores issues relating to Indigenous men’s health and wellness, such as healthy masculinities, relationships, parenting, addictions, intergenerational trauma and healing, resilience, innovation and much more. Read this week’s full tip here
January 16, 2023: Think Indigenous is an initiative to inspire educators to think about education through an Indigenous knowledge lens.
Think Indigenous is an initiative that seeks to support programs, innovations, and education that focus on Indigenous knowledges. For Nakota/Nehiyaw educator Chris Scribe who is the Executive Director and Founder of Think Indigenous, Indigenous knowledges are an embodiment of life, it’s all levels of understanding relative to the area in which we live. This week in the mentoring circle, we are inspired to look at education through an Indigenous knowledge lens with wonderful digital resources to Think Indigenous. Read this week’s full tip here
January 09, 2023: A new dawn is upon us – Two of the most compelling voices in Indigenous storytelling join forces for Indigenous freedom through radical resistance.
Happy 2023! Welcome back to the mentoring circle – today we witness the work of two of the most compelling voices in Indigenous storytelling, as they join forces for Indigenous freedom through radical resistance. Leanne Betasamosake Simpson is a renowned Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, artist, musician, poet and writer, who has been widely recognized as one of the most compelling Indigenous voices of our generation. In collaboration with Michif (Metis) interdisciplinary artist and Indigenous filmmaker Amanda Strong, they have created astonishing pieces of art through animated music videos and short films that focus on Indigenous resurgence. Read this week’s full tip here
December 05, 2022: Let’s continue Learning for Justice! Follow a road map guided by social justice standards for anti-bias education using digital resources.
Learning for Justice seeks to be a catalyst for racial justice working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements and advance the human rights of all people. Their digital educational resources—articles, guides, lessons, films, webinars, frameworks and more—help foster shared learning and reflection for educators to create an educational space where students can harness collective power and take action on issues about social justice. This week in the mentoring circle, we follow a road map guided by social justice standards for anti-bias education using digital resources that support our learning for justice. Read this week’s full tip here
November 28, 2022: The Critical Role of Digital Mentorship – Teaching in a World surrounded by “Fake News”.
In the age of information, the internet and digital technology have changed the boundaries of education. Finding information online is a great tool for student-led learning, but also a dangerous one. Before our students can access the power of digital information, they need to understand how it can also mislead and manipulate their thinking. Although access to digital resources remains an important equity issue, digital information has never been more popular, making digital literacy an essential subject in the school curriculum. With the rise of “Fake News” in our everyday life, this week in the mentoring circle we ask – how can we tell the difference between fact and fiction? Read this week’s full tip here
November 21, 2022: We Matter is a digital place that brings messages of hope and strength for Indigenous youth to support each other through hard times.
We Matter is an Indigenous youth-led organization dedicated to Indigenous youth support, hope and life promotion. Their work started with a national multi-media campaign in which Indigenous role models, youth, and community members from across Canada submit short videos, written and artistic messages sharing their own experiences of overcoming hardships, and communicating with Indigenous youth that no matter how hopeless life can feel, there is always a way forward. This week in the mentoring circle, we explore a digital place where people across the country share messages of hope and positivity reminding us that We Matter! Read this week’s full tip here
November 14, 2022: Yellowhead Institute generates digital resources about critical policy perspectives in support of Indigenous self-determination & Land Back.
Yellowhead Institute is an Indigenous-led research and education centre based in the Faculty of Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University. The Institute privileges Indigenous philosophies and amplifies Indigenous voices that provide alternatives to settler colonialism in Canada today. The Institute generates critical policy perspectives in support of Indigenous self-determination and Land Back. This week in the mentoring circle, we look into critical and accessible digital resources offered by Yellowhead Institute to support the reclamation of Indigenous land and life. Read this week’s full tip here
November 07, 2022: Meet Indigenous activists who are using digital media to share their voices and fight for Indigenous rights!
Despite being some of the most impacted groups by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, and systems of inequality and exclusion, Indigenous people protect 80% of biodiversity left in the world and only make up around 6% of the global population. Indigenous youth are demanding their communities’ rights be respected and their voices included in all decision-making that impacts their lives and futures. To celebrate Indigenous youth’s agency and drive, this week in the mentoring circle we highlight the work of 6 young Indigenous women who are leading the way in fighting for a more sustainable future. Read this week’s full tip here
October 31, 2022: The National Film Board of Canada features over 5,000 productions and many include educator resource tools and digital study guides.
A film can open your heart and mind at the same time. As you are watching you are receptive to a range of experiences and emotions in a short amount of time. This week in the mentoring circle, we will explore a video streaming resource that is available through UBC Library — NFB Campus (National Film Board). With over 5,000 films, including documentaries, animations and interactive productions, NFB showcases films that take a stand on issues of global importance including stories about the environment, human rights, international conflict, Indigenous issues and more. Read this week’s full tip here
October 24, 2022: Be inspired to do the best you can! Google Earth partnered with Kenyan storyteller Wangari Maathai to give a voice for trees.
As we continue to witness the effects of climate catastrophe, we may find ourselves feeling hopeless. In the face of continuous world problems and injustices, it can be difficult to know what to do. Every time I find myself feeling very overwhelmed or powerless, I remember the story of the hummingbird, as told by celebrated Kenyan environmental activist, women’s rights advocate, and 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Professor Wangari Maathai. Watch the story of the humming narrated by Wangari Maathai in this beautifully animated clip from Dirt! The Movie. Read this week’s full tip here
October 17, 2022: Visit Four Directions Teachings to learn about Indigenous knowledges from five diverse First Nations through a stunning digital resource!
Four Directions Teachings is a visually stunning audio-narrated digital resource for learning about Indigenous knowledges from diverse First Nations in Canada. Inside their website, teachers and educators may select any combination of videos representing the traditions of the five First Nations – Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwe, Mohawk and Mi’kmaq – and further explore their chosen focus with the help of the accompanying age-appropriate lesson plans. This week in the mentoring circle, we will visit Four Directions Teachings to learn what this beautiful digital resource offers. Read this week’s full tip here
October 10, 2022: Take Me Outside Day is almost here! Join virtually to learn from amazing Indigenous speakers and explore outdoor learning using digital resources.
Take Me Outside is a non-profit organization committed to raising awareness and facilitating action on nature connection and outdoor learning in schools across Canada. They believe in a future in which spending time outside playing, exploring and learning is a regular and significant part of every student’s day. They also work collaboratively with other organizations, school boards and individuals to encourage children and youth to spend more time outside through various projects and initiatives. This week in the mentoring circle, we will explore Take Me Outside Day and review their digital programs which are simple, fun and accessible to all. Read this week’s full tip here
October 03, 2022: Listen to FirstVoices! The First Peoples’ Cultural Council has developed an online environment that connects Indigenous knowledges to digital technology.
The First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) provides leadership to strengthen and rebuild systems disrupted by cultural genocide through the revitalization of Indigenous languages, arts and cultural heritage. FPCC is a provincial Crown Corporation formed by the government of British Columbia in 1990 to administer the First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Program. As Indigenous cultural heritage and the living expression of Indigenous identities are integral to the health of all members of Indigenous communities, their mandate is to assist B.C. First Nations in their efforts to revitalize their languages, arts and cultures. This week in the mentoring circle, we will review two wonderful resources the FPCC has created. Read this week’s full tip here
September 26, 2022: On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation we wear orange! Listen, witness and honour Phyllis Webstad’s Orange Shirt Story.
Last year, the federal government passed legislation to mark September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This National commemoration is designated as an opportunity to honour residential school survivors, their families, and communities, and acknowledge that the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. This Friday, join UBC’s intergenerational march to commemorate Orange Shirt Day which aims to be educational and supportive to the Indigenous community on campus and beyond. Educational activities will allow younger participants to connect with the original inhabitants of the land and honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, through personal reflection and wearing an orange shirt! Read this week’s full tip here
September 19, 2022: MOA From Home – Stay connected with Art virtually! MOA encourages us to keep art, culture and heritage from the comfort of our homes.
As education continues to adapt to the new realities of digital engagement, The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) provides virtual ways to stay connected with art. While we move through this digital era, having access to art from anywhere can give us daily doses of culture and delight. MOA encourages us to keep art, culture and heritage in our daily life by expanding our minds and keeping our spirits high. This week we will explore just a few ways that we can connect, learn online and experience MOA From Home. To start our exploration, let’s take a Virtual Tour of the Great Hall! Experience a 360° virtual tour of the stunning Great Hall and read more about the massive carvings that fill it. Read this week’s full tip here
September 12, 2022: Explore the UBC Learning Technology Ecosystem – Learn about the services and learning technologies available at UBC to improve your academic experience!
Ximopanolti! Welcome, NITEPers! Today we start a new academic year where many of us will be learning remotely or enrolled in online courses. As you adapt to online ways of learning, remember to be patient with yourself as technology offers many advantages but also occasional setbacks, like figuring out how new applications work or troubleshooting technical issues. This week we explore the UBC Learning Technology Ecosystem to help you set up technology, learn effectively online, find the digital platforms used at UBC and get support no matter how online courses are presented. Read this week’s full tip here
Let me know what else would you like to see. Below are some possible future posts:
- Prezi Follow-up
- Two-Spirit Digital Resources
- Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives in the Classroom: Moving Forward
- 15 Digital Learning and Engagement Resources (Voki, Kahoot, Menti, Slido, Kaltura, Padlet, Decktoys, Quizlet, Plickers, Socrative, Poll Everywhere, Piazza, Perusall, Slack, Kaizena)
- Edx MOOC’s
- Sustainable Mathematics & Stats
- Domain of Science
- Minecraft Next Level: Coding
- Digital Bibliography
- Mental Health Literacy
- Digital Resources for Peer Learning
For comments, questions or anything else you would like to know about digital resources please contact Daniel