To highlight the work that 伊人直播 teams do and the impact they make, The Quad has introduced a team version of Have You Met.
Meet the kiskinwahamakewak (academic learning facilitators) or the ATEP Aunties. This team supports primarily Indigenous students in the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) in achieving academic success as pre-service teachers. Reporting to the director of ATEP, the ATEP Aunties integrate Indigenous perspectives into the program, provide academic and emotional support through regular contact and referrals, identify strategies for academic growth, coordinate events to support students’ through their spiritual and cultural journeys and, overall, walk alongside students’ in good and intentional ways.
Question 1: What does your unit do, and what is one way your team contributes to the 伊人直播 community?
"ATEP is dedicated to preparing Indigenous students for careers in education. We provide a supportive, culturally relevant curriculum that integrates Indigenous ways of knowing and learning, ensuring that students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective, culturally responsive educators. The program emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship and fostering a sense of belonging while empowering students to embrace their cultural identities and contribute to positive change in the education system."
"One way the ATEP team contributes to the 伊人直播 community is by promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity across campus. The team fosters an environment where Indigenous perspectives are valued and respected, not just within the program but throughout the university. Through workshops, events and collaborations with other departments, ATEP actively works to educate both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, faculty and staff about Indigenous cultures, histories and contemporary issues. This contribution enriches the overall university experience, encouraging dialogue, understanding and reconciliation within the broader campus community."
Question 2: What is one word you would use to describe your team?
"Sacred."
"Empowering."
"Deadly."
Question 3: Who is impacted by your unit’s work the most across campus, and how do you support them?
"The group most impacted by ATEP is our Indigenous students pursuing a career in education. ATEP specifically supports these students by providing a culturally relevant curriculum, mentorship and a community that respects and incorporates their Indigenous perspectives and knowledge. ATEP students are most definitely impacted by our team but instructors and community members are also impacted by our work. We have developed strong, collaborative and trusting relationships with our ATEP instructors and faculty members to support these students in a holistic way. I think it also highlights one of the ATEP values, kîsewatsîwin (which means “kindness is here”). By working with instructors and the community, we want students to know that we offer wrap-around support in their educational journey."
"The work ATEP does also impacts non-Indigenous students and faculty across campus. The program contributes to greater awareness and understanding of Indigenous issues, fostering reconciliation and promoting an inclusive and diverse educational environment. ATEP helps to equip non-Indigenous educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach in culturally responsive ways — ultimately benefiting the broader campus community."
Question 4: What is your favourite thing about your team?
"Seeing aspects of myself and my culture reflected in my colleagues. Working alongside other Indigenous people with similar values and experiences is incredibly meaningful."
"The opportunity to listen and learn from one another. It is an honour to hold space with talented and dedicated nehiyaw iskwewak (“Cree women”) and be heard, valued and respected."
Question 5: What is something other departments may not expect your unit to do?
"Our job is not confined to academic support; we attempt to support students holistically which honours their whole being. This might include walking alongside them as they navigate their own learning journey, personally, mentally, spiritually and academically. It is not uncommon for us to develop close and personal relationships with our students in which we know and celebrate their accomplishments and support them through their challenges. We seek to uplift our students."
Question 6: What does “Leading with Purpose” mean to your team, and how do you incorporate it into your daily activities?
""Leading with Purpose" for the ATEP team means guiding with a strong commitment to supporting Indigenous students, promoting cultural understanding and fostering an environment of inclusion and empowerment. We recognize the responsibility to integrate Indigenous knowledge, traditions and values into education, ensuring meaningful and relevant experiences for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students."
