Indigenizing Academia: a Roundtable Discussion

For science students, opportunities to engage with Indigenous knowledge, research, and decolonial practices can be limited. How can UBC Science students close curriculum gaps that overlook Indigenous perspectives? “Indigenizing Academia” is an in-person roundtable discussion featuring Indigenous UBC faculty Dr. Charles Menzies and Kristin Kozar. At this event, attendees will explore speakers’ work in ways that may not be accessible in traditional coursework. RSVP here.

While the discussion will focus on Indigenizing and decolonizing STEM study, all students and UBC community members are welcome. This event is open to all UBC students and community despite the focus on the sciences. We would be delighted to have you present to engage with Indigenous scholars.

Speaker Profiles:

• Dr. Charles Menzies – An advocate for Indigenous perspectives in academia, especially within STEM.
• Kristin Kozar – Focused on bridging Indigenous methodologies with Western education.

Learning Outcomes of “Indigenizing Academia: A Roundtable Discussion”:

• Critically reflect on the implications of learning on stolen land
• Reflect on how our education is shaped by our relationships to the land and its people
• Find ways to integrate traditional knowledge and learning practices into your own studies
• Foster a more informed and inclusive science student community through improved Indigenous allyship

Event Schedule (Subject to Change):

• 5-10 minute presentation by speakers
• Q&A portion after each speaker presentation
• Small group discussions after final Q&A portion
• Asynchronous journalling activity  

This community project is made possible by the Inspiring Community Grant. Organized by AMS Tutoring, the Science Undergraduate Society (SUS) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Working Group, and Indigenous Initiatives team members at the Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (Amy Perrault, Janey Lew and Hannah Coderre)