In & Beyond the Classroom
Guiding Your Next Step in Walking Towards Reconcilliation and Connecting with the Land.
In & Beyond the Classroom
Guiding Your Next Step in Walking Towards Reconcilliation and Connecting with the Land.
About Us
INOQOM?
ABOUT US? WITH US!
ABOUT US? WITH US!
INOQOM (ell Nah Holm)
the term for Green Wood in Mi'kmaw
Meaning; although Green Wood is often referred to as freshly harvested timber prior to the aging process, INOQOM refers to a forest or wood, when the leaves are green. Inoqom was selected with great care and guidance. When we look at Indigenous education, whether it be in a classr
INOQOM (ell Nah Holm)
the term for Green Wood in Mi'kmaw
Meaning; although Green Wood is often referred to as freshly harvested timber prior to the aging process, INOQOM refers to a forest or wood, when the leaves are green. Inoqom was selected with great care and guidance. When we look at Indigenous education, whether it be in a classroom or amongst nature, imagining our minds as newly budding leaves, that are ready to grow no matter the weather that lies ahead, seems very fitting. This budding growth is as significant to the educator as it is to the student.
THE LAND and EDUCATION
Having education and experience in Forest Technology and Forest Conservation, I find the pathway to educating students with nature is a win-win blend! Alberta's backyard is green and plentiful just as the minds our our children.
ABOUT US? WITH US!
ABOUT US? WITH US!
ABOUT US? WITH US!
Although the term ‘founder’ is often used to describe a person or persons who have established something, We feel the term initiator is more accurate; we do not own the process of expanding the understanding of something, we are more of the go-between; initiating new growth and encouraging the seed that is already established to continue
Although the term ‘founder’ is often used to describe a person or persons who have established something, We feel the term initiator is more accurate; we do not own the process of expanding the understanding of something, we are more of the go-between; initiating new growth and encouraging the seed that is already established to continue growing. The knowledge we have received has been gifted to us by others.
Following the premise of *‘NOTHING ABOUT US, WITHOUT US’, Consultation with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Land Guardians, Community Members, and Friends is at the forefront of all we do.
ADVOCACY
ABOUT US? WITH US!
ADVOCACY
As I value and honour my Mi'kmaw ancestry and culture, I am responsible for reconciliation through my settler heritage. I am passionate about advocating for recognizing and integrating Indigenous truths, knowledge systems, resurgence, and resilience as essential threads to the fabric of 'Canada'.
Being blessed to assist others in connecti
As I value and honour my Mi'kmaw ancestry and culture, I am responsible for reconciliation through my settler heritage. I am passionate about advocating for recognizing and integrating Indigenous truths, knowledge systems, resurgence, and resilience as essential threads to the fabric of 'Canada'.
Being blessed to assist others in connecting with those of 'lived experience' to provide authentic learning experiences is a gift I do not take lightly. Advocacy through awareness and appreciation is my goal. With this, Elders, Knowledge Holders, and Culture Carriers guide all learning experiences Inoqom provides.
I am firm about 'LIVED EXPERIENCE HOLDERS' being the experts, not textbooks or colonial designations. My Indigenous ancestral connection is too far from my lived settler life; I am simply a connector and helper. With this, I honour what was lost but do not take the space and place of the experts and those of lived experience. This is my goal, and I promise to be better and to do better. I hope others can learn and become the best allies and advocates they can be.
INOQOM EDUCATION offers a trifold project for a TWO EYED SEEING APPROACH to LAND STEWARDSHIP: Land Stewardship for All (elementary and junior high schools), In & Beyond the Classroom for Indigenous Studies (high schools), and Professional Development for Land Stewardship (adult learning).
Our Advisors
Elder Barry
Elder Barry
Elder Barry
Barry Welsey is a sought-after Elder and Land Guardian. He guides various industries, government sectors, and tourism-based organizations through ceremonies and protocols.
He is an educator and organizer of various forums set to amplify Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Land Stewardship. Barry has been an integral part of the 'In & Beyond
Barry Welsey is a sought-after Elder and Land Guardian. He guides various industries, government sectors, and tourism-based organizations through ceremonies and protocols.
He is an educator and organizer of various forums set to amplify Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Land Stewardship. Barry has been an integral part of the 'In & Beyond The Classroom for Indiegnous Studies Project' for over 5 years!
With the Rocky Mountains being his ancestral home, since time immemorial, he holds and protects the Iyethka language that was born of the mountains.
Having certification for Environmental Assessment and monitoring allows Barry the unique perspective and knowledge to effectively align indigenous knowledge systems with the Western science-based policies these certifications have been built upon.
His passion is to create safe spaces and places for Indigenous Knowledge Systems to guide Western Science. Being rooted in the original teachings given by Creator he honors the harmony and balance of all beings.
Elder Linda
Elder Barry
Elder Barry
Elder Linda aka 'Kokum' is loved by all and holds her role as Kokum in all she does. Often you can hear students shout out across the park or local grocery store 'Kokum, Kokum...' as they want to connect their families or friends with their beloved Elder.
Elder Linda is a true Matriarch, honoring her ancestral ways and embracing those ar
Elder Linda aka 'Kokum' is loved by all and holds her role as Kokum in all she does. Often you can hear students shout out across the park or local grocery store 'Kokum, Kokum...' as they want to connect their families or friends with their beloved Elder.
Elder Linda is a true Matriarch, honoring her ancestral ways and embracing those around her regardless of where they are in their life journey.
From Kehewin Cree Nation and having Metis heritage, she holds a wealth of knowledge and teachings. She has been part of the In & Beyond the Classroom program for about 6 years now. She is also a sought-after Elder in the community and is an advisor Elder for many schools in the area.
We are truly blessed to have Elder Linda’s guidance and advisory. Hiy Hiy Kokum!
Elder Glen
Elder Glen
Elder Glen
Elder Glen of Onion Lake Cree Nation is a well-known educator and advocate of Indigenous education here in Central Alberta. He holds great knowledge of his culture and truths. Glen is a proud father and grandfather of many and is seen as a mentor to many in the community.
Through his experience as an RCMP Officer, an Educator, a Board memb
Elder Glen of Onion Lake Cree Nation is a well-known educator and advocate of Indigenous education here in Central Alberta. He holds great knowledge of his culture and truths. Glen is a proud father and grandfather of many and is seen as a mentor to many in the community.
Through his experience as an RCMP Officer, an Educator, a Board member for the Âsokêwin Friendship Centre (RMH), and a trusted Elder for a variety of schools, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to ‘In & Beyond the Classroom for Indigenous Studies’.
A key role of Elder Glen is in connecting learning outcomes with truths, based on collective experiences. Having followed the Powwow trail for decades, he has kinship relations across Alberta and Turtle Island.
Glen’s advisement and teachings reflect tradition, culture, and protocols essential to Natural Law. His lived experience and steadfast commitment in bringing the community together are essential to our program's success.
Hiy Hiy Elder Glenn
Alison
Elder Glen
Elder Glen
Alison holds great responsibility for reconciliation through her settler heritage. Alison advocates bringing Indigenous Knowledge Systems to the forefront of environmental practices and is a sought-after educator for indigenizing and deconstructing colonial practices in educational-based organizations. She commits time each week to commu
Alison holds great responsibility for reconciliation through her settler heritage. Alison advocates bringing Indigenous Knowledge Systems to the forefront of environmental practices and is a sought-after educator for indigenizing and deconstructing colonial practices in educational-based organizations. She commits time each week to community connections.
For over 8 years she has taught Indigenous Studies, ensuring the premise of ‘Nothing About Us, Without Us’ is followed. She is now in her second year of coaching teachers to follow the premise and practice of bringing authentic voices and truths to classrooms. With the guidance of Elders, Knowledge Holders, Land Stewards, Language Protectors, and Culture Carriers Alison strives to create relationships that bring lived experiences to youth. Alison's greatest pride is being that of a helper.
“Being blessed to guide others, is a gift I do not take lightly. Advocacy through awareness & appreciation is my goal for those I guide. I am honoured to have Elders and Knowledge Holders steering me in this learning journey”.
In & BeyonD THE CLARssOoM FOR INDIGENOUS STUDIES
MISSION
With the current Alberta curriculum for Aboriginal Studies Levels 10, 20 & 30 being developed more than 20 years ago, many essential truths are missing; it is up to educators to make relevant updates and connections.
The In & Beyond the Classroom for Indigenous Studies program, funded through an FRIAA sponsorship, fills in the gaps so educators are able to deliver the curriculum with relevant truths and expressions of resilience guided by those who hold the knowledge, our Guides.
GUIDES
Each theme of study has been developed with the guidance of GUIDES to the program. GUIDES are Elders & Traditional Knowledge Holders of lived experiences and truths.
Our advisory team consisted of Elders and Knowledge Holders of the area we live and beyond. This allows us to provide experiences and truths that honour the uniqueness of each Nation.
Our goal is bi-fold: for Indigenous Students we hope to provide opportunities where they see themselves as being abundant in knowledge and understanding. For non-Indigenous students, our goal is to provide the opportunity to develop an understanding that honours Indigenous Systems and truths and parallel Western systems.
CURRICULUM
Alberta's curriculum for Aboriginal Studies was developed in 2002. As with all curricula, educators must update to reflect changes in world events and technological developments. With this, we have ensured key events and truths are incorporated to convey up-to-date information on Indigenous rights & self-determination and reflect reconciliation.
As English Language Arts educators use preferred literature to teach concepts, we refer to Mother Earth and her offerings. Being that our program is delivered in the vast forested area of Central Alberta, we connect our learning to her resulting in students leaving the program with authentic learning that honours forest stewardship.
RESILIENCE & RESURGANCE
Cultural resilience and resurgence are key to our program, being sure that students and educators are provided experiences to develop/broaden their understanding of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Language, Culture, and Traditions. We firmly believe to become an ally & advocate, you must be aware of truths and have opportunities for experiential learning.
Coaching, Professional Development & LAND STEWARDSHIP
We offer a wide range of interactive, multi-grade-level, and grade-level specific PD to help YOUR SCHOOL and EDUCATORS build foundational knowledge and connect to Land Learning.
INTENTIONAL PD
Elders, Traditional Knowledge Holders, Culture Carriers, and Community Consultants, are essential to shifting educational systems. Intentional learning is the key to productive and sustainable actions for reconciliation. We can help you on this journey.
Our Neighbours
