Carrie Bourassa

📢 Calling for a Change: Strengthening Verification for Indigenous Scholarships Over the past 15 years, I suspect that over $1,000,000 of Indigenous-specific post-secondary scholarships and bursaries have been accessed by pretendians. This misuse highlights a significant flaw in the current self-identification process for some scholarships, which often requires no documentation to prove Indigenous identity. Many post-secondary institutions and private sector businesses allow applicants to self-identify as Indigenous without requiring any proof. In contrast, Indigenous organizations such as the National Indian Brotherhood Trust, Chief Joe Mathias, and Lilwat Nation mandate documentation like a status card or a community letter. Having been in post-secondary education since 2010, I’ve observed that only about 20% of recipients of Indigenous scholarships or bursaries seemed authentically Indigenous, explicitly sharing their community, language, and culture. The remaining 80%, often vaguely identifying as Métis without specifying their community, appeared to exploit the self-identification process, thereby diverting much-needed financial support from genuinely Indigenous students. The case of the Gill twins is a notable example of this exploitation going unpunished, and I believe there are many more cases out there. It’s clear that the self-identification process is flawed and primarily benefits pretendians. We must eliminate self-identification for Indigenous scholarships to ensure that resources dedicated to Indigenous Peoples are used to close the socioeconomic gap for those who truly need and deserve it. #IndigenousScholarships #EducationEquity #StopPretendians #AuthenticityMatters

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Improving Impact Measurement for Greater Transparency 📊 For not-for-profit organizations, demonstrating the impact of their work is essential to maintain donor confidence and secure ongoing support. However, effectively measuring and reporting this impact can be complex. Skills Council of Canada aids NPOs in developing robust impact measurement and reporting systems. Our skills management tools help organizations quantify their achievements and communicate this effectively to stakeholders, enhancing transparency and accountability. Showcase your impact with SCC. ✨ For more information on our skills assessments: https://bit.ly/462IQqG For more information on our course content library: https://bit.ly/45ldmwh #ImpactMeasurement #NonprofitAccountability #SCCSupport

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McMaster University's global engagement strategy is founded on the principles of respect, integrity, trust, reciprocity and sustainability. We aim to be a globally engaged university that serves the global common good. The great challenges facing our world today—climate change, pandemic preparedness, peacebuilding in war-torn societies, poverty and inequality, political polarization, toxic digital communication, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence—all require us to work together to find solutions. No one institution, country, or society, however well-resourced, can solve these global problems alone. At McMaster University, we believe that international engagement grounded on principles of integrity and respectful collaboration is how we create a brighter world for everyone.

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Imagine a world where every community can make its own decisions and shape its future. This week, we explore Indigenous Sovereignty and Self-Determination: Pathways to Truth and Reconciliation. Indigenous sovereignty means Indigenous nations have the right to govern themselves. Self-determination means they can choose their own political status and develop their own economies, societies, and cultures. These principles help address past injustices and promote true reconciliation. They build fair relationships between Indigenous peoples and settler societies, ensuring a just future for everyone. Join us to learn how we can all support this important journey. Together, we can make a difference. 🔗 Follow us for more insights and updates on justice and equality. Let’s walk this path together! ✨ #indigenoussovereignty #selfdetermination #truthandreconciliation #justiceandequality #indigenousrights #reconciliationjourney #supportIndigenouscommunities #mvdconsulting #deiconsulting #womeninbusiness #grant #diveristy #justice #entrepreneur #ontario

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The Manitoba Flexible Learning Hub has just launched a new tool called Assessment garden. It features a bank of over 100 assessment methods tagged with suggested Bloom's cognitive taxonomy levels, assessment types (formative or summative), and links to sources of assessment which may include guides and examples. This tool is expected to improve instructors' ability to apply backward design principles, making it easier for them to align their learning objectives with assessments. #AlternativeAssessments #AuthenticAssessments #AssessmentGarden https://lnkd.in/eghx7Q8n

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Seeking representatives from diverse Indigenous & Indigenous Ally organizations and institutions across Alberta willing to take on an advisory role as a part of our Indigenous Studies Diploma Program Advisory Committee. About the Indigenous Studies Diploma Program: More than a program, Indigenous Studies strives to be a community centered in Indigenous culture, community, and relationships – to self, one another, the land and our more than human relatives. Authentic, meaningful, and purposeful Indigenous community centered land-based learning experiences are at the heart of our curriculum. Through the intentional interweaving of scholarly academic endeavors with Indigenous community service, engagement and relational networks of support, we challenge conventional contemporary notions of teacher, text and classroom. Students, Faculty, Staff, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Cultural advisors, together strive to create a learning environment grounded in a culture of inclusion and belonging where we all can walk and learn alongside one another, with and from community and the land. In an ever-changing world, now more than ever, it is essential to reclaim, restore, establish, build, maintain, preserve, and nurture ties to traditional ways of knowing, ways of being, ways of doing. It is through the revitalization and implementation of traditional land-based community centered principles and practices that the solutions to contemporary societal challenges can be found. It is up to the combined collaborative efforts of community leaders, families, Elders, cultural advisors, knowledge keepers, administrators, educators, and support staff to equip our program learners with the tools, experience, skills and knowledge required to tackle and overcome these challenges with confidence in themselves and their community. Education and the authentic interweaving and blending of traditional Indigenous ways of knowing with contemporary western education practices is the way forward. Courses in our program are designed with this in mind. Your contributions as a Program Advisory Committee Member: Your insight and expertise in community are incredibly valuable. As we plan for the future of our Indigenous Studies Diploma Program, I am requesting the gift of your time to share your knowledge and experience with us, to help us shape and guide the direction of the program so that we may uplift our communities in meaningful and purposeful ways. Annual meetings take place in the Fall or Winter term, typically lasting between 2-3 hours. If you have questions, would like additional information, or are interested and available, please email an expression of interest outlining who you are, your connections to Indigenous communities to [email protected], on or before November 30th, 2025.

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Jeff Loomis thanks for sharing this article that deals eloquently with the tension between qualitative and quantitative results. It can be easy to dismiss those who still want "the Numbers", but this article illustrates how it completes the story of impact. The burden of effort should be placed upon those who determine "what numbers", to ensure that the request elegantly brings insight to question of impact and program quality. A valuable read!

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Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) #rci #melborne #university check pdf to understand the eligibility criteria It focus on empowering people with disabilities and fostering inclusive communities. There isn't a single, universal program to join, but many organizations work on CBID initiatives. CBID programs are often community-driven, so specific details and programs will vary depending on your location. Focus on identifying organizations working in your area and contacting them directly.

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Important update, with next steps info here 😃

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Explore the Fellowship in Health Systems Improvement today and take the first step towards transformative leadership. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3wODYd0 #PublicHealth #HealthSystems #CanadianHealth

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A Community Engagement Tip: The least effective thing you can do is to only engage when you need approval or support from the community. Our Indigenous Consultation & Engagement training is recommended for those looking to advance their Indigenous relations knowledge. First Nation Community Engagement https://hubs.la/Q02Vn3cJ0

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Enhance your classroom with resources that tackle climate change and promote Two-Eyed Seeing. Discover materials from R4R that foster environmental stewardship and respect for Indigenous knowledge. Learn more https://bit.ly/3YF4uzD #R4R #LSF #Indigenous #Education #QualityEducation #TruthAndReconciliation

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https://lnkd.in/eDmDxgnq How to foster reconciliations into the indigenous and modern world.

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Proposal for Indigenous Awareness Training Partnership Introduction Congratulations on joining the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) and embarking on your Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAIR) journey. Bear Standing Tall Inc. proposes a comprehensive partnership to support your PAIR journey, including Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation initiatives. We invite you to consider a multi-year contract (3 years) to enhance your organization's cultural competency and commitment to reconciliation. Partnership Overview Bear Standing Tall Inc. offers a robust 3-year partnership designed to support corporations throughout their PAIR certification journey and beyond. Our services include: - Digital eLearn Licensing: Our Indigenous Awareness Training exceeds PAIR requirements, covering essential topics. - Land-Based Education: Experience an authentic sweat lodge ceremony led by Bear Standing Tall in Orono, ON. - AI-Enhanced Learning: Utilize ChatGPT for personalized Q&A and Perplexity AI for up-to-date, cited answers. Key Benefits - Flexibility: 24/7 global, unrestricted, and unlimited access for new, existing, and future employees. - PAIR Support: Content aligned with certification requirements. - Cost-Effective Licensing: $30,000 for the first year, then $3,000 annually after that, or purchase the eLearn program. Expertise and Reach - Expert Guidance: Ongoing support from Indigenous resources. - Global Accessibility: Unlimited access for all employees on any device. - Multilingual Options: 50+ languages. Package Details The partnership package includes: - Unlimited, global Access: eLearn certificate course available on our LMS or yours. - Land-Based Education: Sweat lodge ceremony experience. -Face to face, In-Person, Virtual workshops/training sessions -Sponsorship opportunities -Joint Venture Partnerships - AI-Powered Learning Tools: Enhanced learning through AI technologies. Additional Resources We also offer the following add-ons: - eBook: How to Ally with Indigenous Peoples - eBook: 365 Acts of Reconciliation Invitation to Experience Our Program We invite you to try our eLearn program: 1. Experience our AI-Powered Digital Cultural Awareness Training (ebooks included in the resource section of eLearn). 2. Use coupon code: contact [email protected] to request. 3. Complete the course and print your certificate. 4. Share your achievements on LinkedIn or with HR.  Pricing - eLearn License/Purchase: $30,000 - eBooks License/Purchase (x2): $25,000 each - Total: $80,000 Conclusion As an Indigenous educator with extensive experience in corporate training, I am confident that our partnership can provide significant value to all corporations' reconciliation efforts. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can tailor our offering to meet your specific needs. Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to exploring this partnership further. Sincerely, Bear Standing Tall

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Immersed in new concepts and ideas at the Gender, Work and Organization 2024 conference in Cape Breton. The conference theme is Imagining Decolonizing Knowledge Exchanges: Embracing the JEDDII Way (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Decolonization, Inclusion & Indigenization).

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