Academic Pathway

December 26, 2024

Through the Academic Pathway, we focus on on post-secondary students, including those currently enrolled in colleges, university undergraduate and graduate studies, and postdoctoral training, Indigenous and non-Indigenous students seeking to expand their understanding of Indigenous and place-based knowledge systems, knowledge co-production, and Western-Indigenous knowledge braiding approaches and opportunities.

We aim to create a national cohort of graduates who:

Are better positioned to contribute to reconciliation and the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples;
Understand and respect the distinctiveness of Western and Indigenous knowledge systems;
Can engage with Indigenous Peoples ethically, and;
Have the knowledge, interpersonal skills, and ethical understandings required for effective knowledge braiding in support of conservation, restoration, adaptation, and well-being.

BKC will achieve this through 3 central activities: a Braiding Knowledges Massive Online Open Course (MOOC), student internships through placements with partner organizations, and support through stipends.

MOOC

A Braiding Knowledges Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) for multiple audiences, including post-secondary students, Indigenous Guardians, and established leaders, to gain an improved understanding of knowledge braiding through online instruction.

This opportunity is brought together in partnership with the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta.

Student Exchange Opportunities

BKC will partner with nationally-based and internationally-based organizations and educational institutions to share experiences in braiding of knowledges with partners and participants nationwide and worldwide.

Support through Stipends

BKC will Support post-secondary students involved in BKC’s research through stipends in partnership with Mitacs. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous graduate students will benefit from student stipends.

The opportunities are designed to support BKC Knowledge Hubs to share knowledge and experiences with Western researchers and local and Indigenous communities worldwide, including a biennial international meeting aligned with BKC’s annual Knowledge Gathering.