George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Creating global learning opportunities for Indigenous students
This June, three Indigenous students from George Brown will travel to NMIT to connect with Māori learners and explore how the Indigenous peoples of New Zealand are leading positive change in their communities. They will participate in cultural practices to deepen their understanding of history, traditions, sacred teachings and the impact that plays in guiding Indigenous people today in New Zealand. The college will host a follow-up visit in September for NMIT participants to engage with Indigenous George Brown students and faculty, and gain insight into diverse experiences and knowledge in Toronto and across the province.
“We are proud to partner with NMIT to provide this immersive world views exchange for Indigenous learners. It is an opportunity for students and faculty to share local and global experiences and consider this knowledge within the context of their own studies, careers, and communities,” said Dr. Gervan Fearon, President, George Brown.
The course is the first of its kind at George Brown as it was co-created with an international institution and adds to general education courses already available in Indigenous studies at George Brown. The five George Brown learners are social service worker students and are either already working in Indigenous agencies or preparing to enter the field.
“Our NMIT learners and staff are excited to share their knowledge, language and cultural practices with the George Brown students, and to learn about Indigenous culture in Canada. It will be enlightening to learn about the similarities and differences between the cultures and we look forward to seeing how this partnership can continue this important work into the future,” said Olivia Hall, Executive Director, NMIT.
George Brown and NMIT share a global engagement principle of creating greater equity, diversity, and inclusion in international mobility for Indigenous and equity-deserving students. Recognizing financial barriers to participation, these students received funding through a donorship from Canadians Doug Steiner, a technology innovator and entrepreneur, and Jasmine Herlt, a human rights lawyer, who also facilitated the partnership between the two institutions. Upon completing both parts of the course (in New Zealand and Toronto), the students earn academic credit.
The world views exchange opportunity is the first phase of a broader collaborative partnership agreement between George Brown and NMIT. Indigenous learning is the foundational step with a planned expansion to other areas of mutual interest and benefit.
