Our conference vision is one that celebrates the richness and wisdom of Indigenous knowledge, while simultaneously embracing the principles of open education and advocating for sustainability in every facet of life. We strive to offer conference attendees an array of learning opportunities, ranging from conventional presentations to immersive learning labs and captivating dance performances. 

Our conference planning is based on the concept of two-eyed seeing, which is “learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledges and ways of knowing … and learning to use both these eyes together, for the benefit of all.” (ISSH 2023) By attempting to walk in both Indigenous and Western worlds, we may discover revolutionary ways to usher in a brighter and more sustainable future through openness, inclusion and connection. In addition to organizing some conference sessions using a typical thematic approach, we will also apply the concept of Indigenous braiding. In many local Indigenous cultures, particularly First Nations, braiding is a significant cultural practice with tremendous symbolic meaning, including the feeling of connectedness to the “creator, their ancestors, and the land,” (Monkman 2017). At OE Global 2023, some sessions will interweave and braid together different tracks and sessions to capture this spirit of connection and belief in a better future for all through the power of open education. Our aim is to provide each participant with the opportunity to experience the beauty of Indigenous braiding by intricately weaving some distinct conference tracks, leaving them with insight into other subject areas and a more holistic experience.

By fostering the practice of braiding, we actively encourage NorQuest’s and OE Global’s values around diversity, agency, interconnectedness, decolonization, Indigenization, and the co-creation of shared values and relationships.

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References

Monkman, Leonard. 2017. “Why Indigenous boys and men choose to wear braids.” CBC, June 13, 2017. https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/why-indigenous-boys-and-men-wear-braids-1.3463817

IISH (Institute for Integrative Science and Health). 2023. “Two-Eyed Seeing.” http://www.integrativescience.ca/Principles/TwoEyedSeeing/