“When a person comes into a relationship with certain knowledge, this person is not only transformed by it, but must assume responsibility for it” (David Newhouse)

The Engineering Change Lab (ECL) is excited for our community to be welcomed by Trent University’s Indigenous Environmental Institute (IEI) for our next workshop. The intent is to learn and advance our work by connecting deeply with Indigenous worldviews. To this end, the workshop design and facilitation will be led by our Indigenous colleagues at Trent in collaboration with Turtle Island Institute, an Indigenous social innovation think and do tank founded by ECL Strategy Team member Melanie Goodchild.

A holistic and thoughtful conceptualization of technological stewardship, one that considers relationships at the interface of coupled human-natural systems, includes recognition of the potential for Indigenous ways of living in nature (IWLN), to serve as an important source of understanding of the physical world. The workshop will thus be a landbased experience focused on Indigenous Principles and Values, introducing participants to content that will help them to appreciate and potentially incorporate multiple ways of understanding technological stewardship within their ongoing work.

Please note that Indigenous knowledge systems are “internally consistent and self-validating” (Cajete, 1999). This land-based workshop will be a unique experience of coming to know. As such a special request has been made by the elders and knowledge holders that ECL participants, embrace the principles of humility and respect in understanding that when the elders share their beliefs and reflections with others it requires reciprocal responsibility.

Please be aware that this workshop will be substantively different from previous ECL workshops. Physical activities will play a key part of the landbased experience, and will require particular levels of exertion, while making space for those differently-abled. Participants should come prepared for all-weather outdoor activities (raincoats, walking shoes, water bottles, etc.). The emotional introspection from deeply learning about Indigenous perspectives can often be intense. Please prepare yourself to come with an open heart and mind in order to best receive the teachings that will be offered. This includes being adaptive in response to fluid schedules, and comfortable engaging with non-Western approaches to time and agendas.

This workshop will take place in the traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabeg, a group of Indigenous people comprised of the Ojibwa, Odawa, Potawatami, Chippewa, Mississauga, Algonquin, and Delaware communities. Before it became known as Peterborough (Ontario), the area was called Nogojiwanong, Ojibwa for “place at the end of rapids”.

For ECL members, note that he increased cost of this workshop is due to significant differences between this and past workshops, in particular the contributions of local Indigenous Leaders. A limited number of Discounted and Fully Subsidized registration fees are available. Please contact markabbott@engineeringchangelab.ca

PLEASE BOOK YOUR OWN ACCOMODATIONS by calling one of the following hotel options and askng for the Engineering Change Lab group booking.

Peterborough Waterfront Holiday Inn - located in Peterberough. Business Class King rooms with river view for $159/night + taxes. Call 1-866-258-5181 or 705-743-1144 (dial 1 for reservations). Requests can also be sent via email to hi-peterborough@whg.com.
Village Inn - located in Lakefield just north of Trent University. Rooms are $112.50 per night. Reservations can be made by calling toll free 1-800-827-5678 or 705-652-1910.

These hotels are a short distance from the university and we will coordinate car pooling.

We are looking into the possibility of offering the option of staying with local famlies from the Curve Lake Frst Nations community (a short distance from Trent University). Please let us know if you are interestred. As we're not yet sure if this option will be feasible and spots will be limited even if it is, we encourage you to also reserve a spot in the hotel.

Principles of Indigenous Worldviews & Technological Stewardship Workshop - Trent University (ECL Workshop #13)