News

Mi’kmaw traditional knowledge keepers are those within the community who have attained great knowledge of history, carry wisdom, and are caretakers of traditional teachings.  Five such knowledge keepers will be an integral part of a new course on the Agricultural Campus this winter.

Mi’kmaw Natural Resources will introduce students to Indigenous practices of being custodians of the land and of animals. Students will have the opportunity to interact with Mi’kmaw community leaders and gain a greater understanding of what it means to live and learn in Mi’kam’ki.

“We are so fortunate to be located within close proximity to 13 First Nations communities and in particular Millbrook First Nation,” said Dr. Heather Bruce, dean and campus principal Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture.  “Learning other ways of knowing is an important tenant of higher education and one that will further enhance the experience and perspective of our students.”

Topics will include economic development, land, aquaculture, fisheries, animals, environment, climate change, forestry, green communities and plants.

By the end of the course, students will be able to discuss other ways of knowing and appreciate the world in which they live, compare Mi’kmaw cultural practices in relation to natural resources to non-Indigenous practices, analyze their own thoughts and beliefs regarding Indigenous ways of knowing and identify resources.

“I was extremely pleased to see how Joy designed the course in an anti-colonial way, giving the Knowledge Keepers the freedom to present their sessions in a format that best honors their unique traditions and knowledges,” said Keah Gloade, manager Indigenous students. “Their enthusiasm to be part of this course speaks volumes about its importance and the value it brings,” she added. “The initiative Joy has taken truly demonstrates her deep allyship with our communities and her commitment to fostering a space for Indigenous voices and perspectives to thrive.” 

The Faculty of Agriculture is also developing a series of co-curricular activities on campus with an aim of increasing Indigenous cultural awareness and inclusivity.  The incorporation of Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing in curriculum, policy and on campus landscapes will ensure administrators, faculty and staff have a broader understanding of Aboriginal culture, values, traditions and customs.

“I designed this course as an ally and someone who wishes to continue to learn and work toward Truth & Reconciliation,” said Senior Instructor Joy Galloway-Jones.  “Sometimes as settlers we get focused on our world view.  I am hopeful this course will expand and enrich the students’ world views and set them up to learn more and take action.”

This course is one in a series of initiatives the Faculty of Agriculture has undertaken to acknowledge a shared history between Dalhousie University, the Faculty of Agriculture and the Millbrook First Nation community.

The Mi’kmaq Grand Council Flag was permanently installed in 2016 acknowledging the campus sits on Traditional Territory of the indigenous Mi’kmaq people.  River Road was renamed to “Sipu Awti” in 2018, reflecting the literal Mi’kmaq translation of its name and this past spring, a powerful symbol for Indigenous Peoples- the eagle feather - was added to campus in the form of a Seven Feathers crosswalk adjacent to Cumming Hall and Sipu Awti.