Episode 6: Indigenous Knowledge and the Spirit in Education with Diane Longboat, Knowledge Keeper, a citizen of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Turtle Clan, Mohawk

“When I think about the two row education, I think we need to aim towards valuing Indigenous languages, valuing Indigenous knowledge systems; the Indigenous literature, the research, the Indigenous science…All of those things that our people have from ancient times to modern times that we can contribute to the betterment of society.” 

Diane Longboat, Knowledge Keeper, a citizen of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Turtle Clan, Mohawk, resident of Six Nations Grand River Territory, and founder of Soul of the Mother, shares how Indigenous wisdom, knowledge, spirituality and way of life should be brought alongside and seen as valid as what is currently taught in schools - much like the Two Row Wampum. Longboat says the education system of the future needs to embody principles that recognize each person as a sacred being with beautiful and unique gifts. Spiritual community leaders provide an essential connection to school boards to help students understand their learning experiences and reach their full potential.  

“Spiritual training is essential. And I think that’s what we represent as spiritual leaders in our communities. We represent an essential connection to school boards to bring that into the school system,” she says. 

Join the conversation between Waterloo Region District School Board Director jeewan chanicka and Diane Longboat as they dream about the future of the education system. Continue to dream with us at WRDSB as we work to transform the possibilities and potential for public education.

Learn more about WRDSB’s DreamEd initiative: https://dreamed.wrdsb.ca/ 

Important Notice to Listeners
Thanks for listening to the DreamEd Podcast. Please note: This DreamEd Podcast episode includes brief references to suicide, alcoholism, drug and substance use, and sex and human trafficking in reference to teaching students about safety and supporting well-being. Please take care as you listen to this episode. If you or someone you know is in need of support, please reach out to local mental health resources, your healthcare provider, or a caring and trusted adult.