Eddy Robinson

Eddy looks at the methodology of being inclusive of ethno-communities and diversity within the educational systems through Indigenous best practices. Multi-culturalism – although well intended – has been a vehicle that has stifled and silenced many voices. The inclusiveness of the global diaspora and nationhood is crucial to the growth of a nation.

Global citizens have been left out of the conversation of the Indigenous narrative. Truth and Reconciliation is a vehicle that can bring us together. This conversation is important for educators who are on the front line in cultivating the relationship between the next generation of Indigenous & non-Indigenous peoples. Core to this is inclusion and asking the question: How can we strengthen the educational framework for Indigenous learners? As a survivor of the education system, Eddy provides personal accounts of his Indigenous experience growing up in city schools. With a Master’s in Education, he is keenly aware of how the educational system works. Eddy empowers educators, leaders and administrators to be introspective within their educational practice in order to identify how colonialism is perpetuated. Audiences will be equipped to create space for the Indigenous conversation physically, mentally, emotionally and digitally.

Key Takeaways:
• How to incorporate Indigenous insights into strategy and change.
• The ‘5-L’ framework for creating space for Indigenous conversation.
• A structure for educators to approach Indigenous knowledge.

Eddy approaches the topic of Indigenous Ways of Knowing through an urban lens grounded in the Indigenous methodology of locating one self. He also looks at how we can engage Indigenous ways of knowing through modern technology. When Anishinaabe (Ojibway) people locate themselves in the Anishinaabe language they are essentially locating their spirit to the universe and creation. When in the city and we locate ourselves as Indigenous people with Indigenous methodologies we are re-Indigenizing urban
spaces. Eddy creates access points for the audience to engage in the conversation.

In this presentation, Eddy shares his personal narrative. He discusses the struggles he faced with his First Nations (Indigenous) identity and the allies who created safe spaces for him throughout his life. Growing up facing struggles of poverty and marginalization, Eddy ended up being on the front line at shelters within the city before making the decision to rewrite his story. He overcame a learning barrier, took on a self-education through books, before eventually obtaining his masters in education and finding himself on the frontline of the academic realm.

Eddy also offers presentations on the urban indigenous experience and more. View a full list of his presentations here.

Professional learners, educators, teachers and teacher candidates will review Indigenous educational frameworks and methodologies currently being used for; educational institutions, the classroom, academic communities, staff & faculty. Indigenous pedagogy, epistemologies and cultural practices will be contrasted to the current academic environments learners are currently engaged in.

Introduction: Indigenous Awareness 101

This workshop will discuss Indigenous methodologies and how it translates to life today for students, professionals and individuals. This workshop will allow participants to safely ask the question of how we can as a society engage Indigenous Ways of Knowing (culture) within professional and educational environments? There will also be ample opportunity to discuss the current Indigenous presence within society and the distinct differences between; identity (Indigenous, non-status, First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Native American), culture, language, location and populations.

Urban Indigenous Ways of Knowing

Indigenous People do not only live on Reserves. The urban Indigenous experiences takes the narrative to every major city across North America since there were cities. Urban Indigenous Ways of Knowing discusses the urban Indigenous experiences today as well as wholistic technology and prescriptive technology. In this time of modern technology; where everyone pretty much has a computer in their hand. We can be innovative and use technology as a vehicle to engage and mobilize Indigenous culture. During this workshop the idea of Digital Bundles will be discussed and the concept of Traditional Sacred Bundles and how this can translate to digital space and the world wide web. Physical space is not the only space we need to re-Indigenize. This workshop also engages learners with ideas of how to create an online Indigenous presence using social media, audio and video platforms.