An Indigenous post-secondary institution in Sault Ste. Marie has announced a partnership that will eventually lead to the launch of an academic program dedicated to land stewardship and Indigenous knowledge.
Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG) and Wahkohtowin Development recently signed a memorandum of understanding to accredit the Wahkohtowin Guardian Program, which will provide participants with high school and post-secondary credits, along with “new, educational pathways that blend traditional ecological knowledge with formal academic recognition,” according to a news release issued by SKG.
“This partnership is a transformative step in recognizing the value of Indigenous land stewardship within the academic landscape,” said David Flood, general manager of Wahkohtowin Development.
“By formalizing accreditation, we are bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary education, and further we are grounding practices that have been practiced for generations as part of the praxis that is used to manage the land this in turn creates pathways for Indigenous students to thrive while maintaining a strong connection to their culture and lands.”
The Wahkohtowin Guardian Program is designed to equip Indigenous land stewards with skills in conservation, environmental monitoring, and cultural knowledge with the goal of ensuring the protection and management of traditional territories.
"This collaboration ensures that Indigenous Knowledge and land stewardship are not only preserved but also formally recognized within our education systems," said Mary Wabano-McKay, president and chief academic officer at SKG.
"Through this initiative, we are creating meaningful educational opportunities that empower Indigenous learners and communities.”
More information on the program can be found on the Wahkohtowin Development website.