November 27, 2018
MEDIA RELEASE
Collingwood, Ontario
Elephant Thoughts Educational Outreach is pleased to announce $74,400 in funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This funding is being used to create and deliver The Indigenous Journey program, a tool that will be used as a launch pad for Indigenous youth to expand and further explore their history, culture and current political and social climate. As a result of OTF funding, youth will learn new skills, such as interviewing techniques, storytelling, digital filmmaking, computer coding, graphic design, photography and sound engineering. These new skills will set the stage for Indigenous youth to create work that they can showcase through a free online education platform, accessible to all.
The Indigenous Journey is a series of multimedia educational modules created by a team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members that provides an overview of Indigenous history, culture and current events. This is an excellent tool for teachers to integrate Indigenous studies into their classroom with each interactive module designed to fit into a 45-minute class. The program is supported by the Simcoe County District School Board.
Indigenous youth will have the opportunity to advance discussions on topics such as Truth and Reconciliation, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, land claims, etc., through their perspectives, shedding light on how the past continues to affect their lives, how communities are reclaiming, decolonizing and healing, and how they see themselves contributing creatively and meaningfully in the future.
Anyone can access The Indigenous Journey via https://youthtalktruth.com/ Elephant Thoughts is available to discuss support for the program.
Support for The Indigenous Journey:
“It’s a new day! And the time has come for the exploration of Indigenous contributions to the reformation of a new Canada built on equity, well-being and acknowledgement of rights, histories, cultures, languages and faith traditions of many Indigenous Nations. The Indigenous Journey provides a marker for us along the trail to reconciliation.”
Kahontakwas Diane Longboat Education Advisor to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Education
“The Indigenous Journey provides teachers with ready-to-use lessons surrounding First Nations history and contributions, and is a fantastic resource that offers an array of components that reach a variety of learners through visual, auditory, written, and some hands-on components. The lessons are meaningful and incorporate first-hand experiences/teachings from First Nations communities, providing students with authentic learning experiences while raising an awareness surrounding issues that continue to affect Indigenous peoples in Canada.”
Laurie Smith, OCT, SCDSB
“Everyone from our youth to our elders is intrigued and wants to participate and learn. Support and learn from The Indigenous Journey online program – my hope is that our communities will continue to benefit from this work.”
Regional Chief Morley Googoo, Assembly of First Nations Nova Scotia and Newfoundland
“The Indigenous Journey is a fun and interactive way to learn and explore the poignant issues of Canadian colonialism and Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island. The lessons pull no punches while at the same time approach sensitive issues without accusation or blame.”
Glen Trivett, Ojibway Elder, Knowledge Keeper and Cultural Resource Coordinator, Midewin Medicine Society.
“The impact of this grant cannot be underestimated.” Jeremy Rhodes-Executive Director, Elephant Thoughts Educational Outreach. “We are grateful for the on-going support of OTF.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded more than $120 million to some 700 projects this year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.
Lisa Farano
Elephant Thoughts Educational Outreach
705 444-8032
lisa@elephantthoughts.com
www.elephantthoughts.com
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