TakingITGlobal

Bringing Indigenous Cultures, Ceremonies, Bringing Indigenous Cultures, Ceremonies, and Teachings into Virtual Spaces and Teachings into Virtual Spaces The Importance Even though ceremony cannot be filmed or virtually carried out, ceremony can be shared through virtual teachings or recordings that teach about the ceremony The use of social media provides opportunities to discuss topics such as the sacred medicines and cultural appropriation Teachings can be shared with a broader community There are more opportunities to collaborate with other institutions and organizations Access to cultural teachings and traditions is important for many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students studying in post-secondary education. Staff and faculty have been creative in ensuring Indigenous students can still access cultural teachings and traditions despite COVID-19 restrictions. Virtual spaces and technology make it possible for Indigenous students to stay connected. With the many possibilities emerging from a more virtual means of cultural engagement comes some limitations. The following information emerged from a Virtual Sharing Circle involving staff and faculty who work with Indigenous students in post-secondary education across Canada. How can learning and listening to cultural teachings be encouraged beyond virtual spaces? How can cultural practices be encouraged "beyond the closing of the laptop?" How are Indigenous students being supported in accessing cultural teachings through a virtual means? How are Elders and Knowledge Holders being supported in offering their teachings by a virtual means? How can we encourage student engagement in cultural teachings online? How can we collaborate with other institutions and organizations to co-create virtual spaces where cultural teachings are being shared? How can we better listen to what students need spiritually at this time? The Limitations The Possibilities Following important cultural protocols (i.e. no filming ceremony) Funding restrictions (i.e. unable to send materials to every student) Low student engagement during online teachings and workshops Students who do not have access to technology or WIFI capabilities are limited in how they can access these teachings How staff and faculty are bringing Indigenous Cultures, Ceremonies, and Teachings into Virtual Spaces: VIRTUAL KNOWLEDGE SHARING EVENTS MAIL SACRED MEDICINES TO STUDENTS RECORD TEACHINGS ABOUT CEREMONY WITHOUT RECORDING CEREMONY ITSELF FINDING YOUTUBE VIDEOS TO POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA The Considerations VIRTUAL STUDENT BOOK CLUBS WITH INDIGENOUS CONTENT VIRTUAL CIRCLES WITH ELDERS

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