In this episode, host Gladys Rowe is joined by Heather Burke and Cheyenne Williams for a conversation about the power of community-led learning and environmental stewardship. The guests share their experiences working on The Xwulqw'selu Riparian Guardians Program in Cowichan territory, highlighting the importance of centering Indigenous knowledge holders in education. The discussion also explores how institutions like Vancouver Island University are shifting toward more responsive, land-based learning approaches in collaboration with Indigenous communities. Tune in for a rich dialogue about decolonizing education, building lasting relationships, and holding and resourcing space for communities to lead their own stories of environmental restoration and stewardship.

Heather Burke, BA, MA is Métis with ancestral ties to the former Red River Settlement, a historical Métis community. She has Indigenous and European ancestry on her father’s side and English and American ancestry on her mother’s side. Heather is the Manager, Indigenous Initiatives in the Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement at Vancouver Island University. Heather works to centre and amplify Indigenous voices through sharing promising practices and teachings coming from Indigenous learners, communities, families, the VIU community, and other learning partners as a way to be accountable to these groups and honour the responsibility to be transparent and authentic in our work together.

Cheyenne Williams is from Cowichan Tribes, with roots in both Tsaminat Village and Kyuquot on the west coast of Vancouver Island. She also has ancestry from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Cheyenne is dedicated to environmental stewardship in her role with Cowichan Tribes, where she is developing a riparian guardians program to address environmental concerns in her community. Her work is informed by deep connections with community members and an understanding of the land, combining traditional knowledge with modern environmental practices to restore and protect Cowichan territory.

Show Notes

The Office of Indigenous Education Engagement at Vancouver Island University: https://indigenous.viu.ca/

“Xwulqw’selu Sta’lo’: Quw’utsun Mustimuhw Hwialasmut tu Tumuhw.” By Heather Burke, Cheyenne Williams, and Maureen Thomas. Feb 16, 2024. https://news.viu.ca/community-classroom/community-classroom-blog/xwulqwselu-stalo-quwutsun-mustimuhw

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