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CIRCLE of ABUNDANCE
In June 2020, Coady Institute launched the Circle of Abundance – Amplifying Indigenous Women’s Leadership bringing together the Institute’s work with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women leaders. The Circle of Abundance provides educational opportunities, learning events, and nurtures partnerships across the country. Our approach is informed by more than a decade of working with Indigenous graduates, mentors, and Elders and emphasizes the abundance of gifts, talents, and contributions that are alive in all Indigenous communities.
We use a Two-Eyed Seeing (or Walking in Two Worlds) approach, meaning that teaching and learning practices are grounded in Indigenous worldviews, values, and teachings while sometimes using western tools and methods that align with those practices. Working alongside a Circle of Abundance Advisory Group, our team continues to look at ways to decolonize our programing both within the Circle of Abundance and across Coady while supporting Kiknu, StFX Indigenous Student Affairs.
Our Building on Abundance in Indigenous Communities online course introduces Indigenous principles and practices for community work that build upon strengths and assets so that participants can help meet the needs of presentday Indigenous families, communities, and Nations. Other educational programs include our Indigenous Women in Leadership online course and the Indigenous Women in Community Leadership certificate program.
We also have partnered with the Saugeen First Nation, AB; Further Education Society of Alberta, the Urban Aboriginal Voices Society, Red Deer, AB; Native Communities Cooperative Development; and Wapna’kikewi’skwaq, Women of First Light, for a various online and in person workshops, training sessions, and educational sessions.
