Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) educators, faculty, staff, and students expanded their knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing during an Indigenous Culture Camp.  

The camp featured authentic outdoor teaching and learning opportunities in tipis, Métis trapper’s tents, and an Inuit tupiq.  

The sessions included a Métis Fiddling and Jigging Demonstration, Traditional Parenting: Medicine Wheel Teachings, and Blackfoot Teaching History, Traditions and Language.     

“Indigenous Culture Camp provided an opportunity for participants to connect and expand their knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing and being through land-based learning,” said Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean of Indigenous Initiatives. “This event is one example of how RDP creates meaningful reconciliation initiatives and educational enhancements for diverse stakeholders.”    

Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders lead the teaching sessions by sharing their culture and knowledge.  

Alongside Indigenous leaders, Red Deer Public Schools, and Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, RDP offered culturally immersive professional and personal development opportunities on the main campus.     

Teachers and post-secondary instructors can integrate the knowledge and experiences they gained from the camp into the classroom.  

During the camp, participants also had the opportunity to foster meaningful reciprocal relationships.