Wilfrid Laurier University and City of Brantford offer Introduction to Indigenous Matters course

November 14, 2024

BRANTFORD, ON – Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus, in partnership with the City of Brantford, is excited to launch a free online learning course to provide community members with an opportunity to learn about Indigenous peoples experiences, history and culture.

The Introduction to Indigenous Matters course, offered through the Department of Indigenous Studies, Law and Social Justice, will be available online starting in January 2025 and has unlimited registration. Learning is self-directed, giving participants the ability to complete the 6 to 8-hour course at their own pace.

“This region has been home to Indigenous peoples since time immemorial,” said Bruce McKay, Interim Dean for the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Wilfrid Laurier University. “As Canada continues its journey to recognize the truth of its own history in relation to Indigenous peoples, many local individuals are seeking to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the topic. We are pleased to work with the City to provide this learning opportunity, and to support the community in its work toward truth and reconciliation.”

This course provides learners with a brief overview of the discipline of Indigenous Studies including the understanding of Indigenous matters, specifically land, language, identity and community structure. Modules explore the lives of Indigenous communities before contact, the dynamics of early contact, and contemporary issues and experiences.

As a member of the UNESCO Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities, the City of Brantford is committed to promoting the respect, inclusion and appreciation of diverse communities. This work is further connected to the City of Brantford’s Inclusive Community Plan’s guiding principle to learn from each other and expand Indigenous-led education opportunities.

To access course registration, visit bit.ly/IndigenousMatters

– 30 –

Media Contact:

Kelly Page | Communications Specialist, Communications and Community Engagement

City of Brantford | 519-759-4150 ext. 5779 | kpage@brantford.ca

Beth Gurney | Director, Communications and Community Engagement

Wilfrid Laurier University – Brantford Campus | bgurney@wlu.ca

NT4