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Edition #11

(PDF Version, 130 KB)

Working from home without access to the departmental network?

Have no fear, eLearning@ESDC is here!

With a variety of eLearning options that allow you to explore First Nations, Inuit and Métis histories in honour of National Indigenous History Month.

eLearning@ESDC

Many ESDC employees are continuing to work outside of their normal workplaces and in fully virtual settings. This certainly doesn’t mean that learning needs to take a back seat! Have no fear because eLearning@ESDC is here to connect ESDC learners – like you – with a variety of meaningful eLearning options.

In this 11th edition of eLearning@ESDC, we honour National Indigenous History Month, which is the month of June, and National Indigenous Peoples Day, which takes place on June 21.

National Indigenous History Month has been celebrated since 2009, with the passing of a unanimous motion in the House of Commons to honour the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and the strength of their present-day communities. National Indigenous Peoples Day began in 1996 following consultations and support from various Indigenous groups.

Normally there are a number of in-person events commemorating National Indigenous History Month & National Indigenous Peoples Day. This year, in-person events will take place honouring First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples once we're back to regular business operations.

As we continue to work virtually, what better time for you to explore the diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis histories to advance Reconciliation and strengthen your intercultural competency, awareness, and sensitivity? Take advantage of the eLearning opportunities available to you on Saba, GCcampus and through other providers…all available both on and off the departmental network!

Top 5 Learning Recommendations

Indigenous Awareness learning is a part of every ESDC employee’s Mandatory Training curriculum, in an effort to equip us with an understanding of the people we work with and serve every day.

Even if you’ve completed your Indigenous Awareness learning requirements, there are always more opportunities to learn, which can help you to work more effectively alongside and serve Indigenous Peoples and communities.

In addition to the below-mentioned recommendations, Saba (ESDC) & GCcampus (CSPS) offer a wide variety of learning opportunities, available to you from on and off the ESDC network. Search “Indigenous Awareness” in Saba, or visit the Indigenous Learning Series on GCcampus to find more learning. You can also follow @GCIndigenous to keep on top of virtual ways to celebrate!

  1. National Indigenous History Month Activities: Learn about the traditional territory you live and work on, explore the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and make a commitment to fostering an environment of reconciliation in the workplace!
  2. Indigenous Perspectives podcasts: Ever wonder how it feels to be an Indigenous person in the Public Service? Check out this podcast series.
  3. Educational Playlists: Never underestimate the power of learning through the National Film Board of Canada. Learn more from films that highlight different Indigenous communities across the country.
  4. Sitting by the Fire: Listen to this podcast series to find additional learning that best meets your needs.
  5. Understanding the Impact of the Response to COVID-19 on Indigenous Youth: On June 23, 2020, join us to hear how Indigenous youth are coping with and adapting to the social restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Did You Know?

Indigenous Self-Governance

Did you know that due to colonialism, Indigenous governance that we know today (e.g. Elected Chief and Band Council System for First Nations) is different than how it was traditionally organized? For example, Anishinabek or Ojibwe governance is traditionally clan-based and Red River Métis/Michif laws came from buffalo hunts. Inuit laws continue to be followed through a set of rules known as maligait, piqujait and tirigusuusiit, although as equivalents to modern Western notions of law.

June is Pride Month!

The month of June marks Pride Month in Canada; a time of year to celebrate the resiliency, spirit and contributions of the LGBTQ2 community across the country.

Do you know what each letter and number in LGBTQ2 stands for? If not, be sure to check out the @FreeToBeMe_CA, where you can find this information and much more!

Looking For More Learning?

As we continue to navigate these challenging times, Workplace Mental Health may be more important now than ever. If you are looking for tools and resources to help you Respond to, Recover from and Thrive in our “new normal”, then look no further!

  1. As part of the Staying Connected initiative, a variety of learning opportunities have been developed for ESDC employees and managers to help them feel engaged, mobilized, and empowered, even during these uncertain times.
  2. June 25, 2020: Power Chat on Mental Health and the Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions in the Workplace Webinar from Canada School of Public Service. Space is limited, so register now!
  3. As an ESDC employee, you have full access to the new LifeSpeak Expert Blog. Visit the LifeSpeak iService page for login instructions.

Guess What?

In honour of National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we are pleased to bring you a special message from Indigenous Perspectives Champions Sylvie Bérubé and Karl Carisse:

Throughout June, we celebrate National Indigenous History Month and the rich history of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Together with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, it is an opportunity for all of us to learn about and honour the heritage, diversity and achievements of the Indigenous peoples who have helped shape Canada.

While this year’s activities are taking less public forms, a host of virtual resources and opportunities are available from coast to coast to coast. Whether learning more about the traditional territory you are on, discovering a new author through #IndigenousReads or joining ESDC’s Indigenous Employees’ Circle, you can find resources to support you on your personal learning journey.

By acknowledging the past and learning about the present, we can all play a role in advancing reconciliation. We are inspired by the dedication and commitment within ESDC toward this goal, and invite you to join us as we continue on this journey together.

On a Personal Note...

eLearning@ESDC was created in response to the COVID-19 crisis. As the situation has evolved, so has this bulletin! We will be transitioning to a monthly schedule for the months of July and August, so be sure to keep an eye out for the July edition of eLearning@ESDC.

The College@ESDC is committed to providing you with meaningful learning options to support you during this period of change and uncertainty. Learning is a powerful tool that can rescue us from our current reality - if only for a short time - by connecting us virtually, triggering inspiration and reflection, and helping us to maintain and build the skills we need to keep serving Canadians. We hope you enjoy this week’s recommendations and that you will tune in again next month.

Don’t forget! You can catch up on past editions of eLearning@ESDC at any time. All editions of eLearning@ESDC can be found on the Learning Never Stops page on iService (on network), the Learning@ESDC page on GCcollab (on and off network) and on Google Drive (off network).

Do you have questions related to learning at ESDC? If so, be sure to contact us at NC-COLLEGE-GD@servicecanada.gc.ca and we would be more than happy to answer any queries you may have. You may even get the chance to have your question featured in a future learning bulletin!