Lateisha Ugwuegbula

Born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Lateisha has an undergraduate degree in International Relations from the University of Western Ontario and has recently completed a Master of Development Practice at the University of Waterloo. She is passionate about development and social justice and reducing inequalities for disadvantaged and marginalized communities, particularly through education. In the future Lateisha hopes to pursue a PhD in Social Justice Education and to continue to educate and empower herself and others.

Lateisha worked with Elders and Knowledge Holders from Manitoba (with the support of the Misipawistik Cree Nation) to build a foundation of research and case studies to support the early development of an Indigenous-led Traditional learning system in Manitoba.

Community Engagement Initiative

Lateisha hosted an online roundtable discussion with 8 Elders to envision an Indigenous-led traditional learning space in Manitoba and to share back the results of some of the interviews she conducted earlier in the summer with various Elders and education experts. Read the report: Traditional Education Roundtable.

Report

Reclaiming Education: Indigenous Control of Indigenous Education

This report examines the legacy and consequences of settler colonialism, White supremacy and racism on Indigenous education, culture, identity, and languages, as well as outline the power of Indigenous control of Indigenous education. Drawing from evidence gathered from Elders, Knowledge holders, and representatives of established places of traditional learning, Indigenous-led Traditional Education has the power to foster positive self-identity, self-confidence, and self-perception; cultivate a deep connection to the land and Indigenous culture; support language revitalization; promote community healing, mental health and well-being; and instil a sense of social connectedness and a right to belong.

Keywords

Traditional education, Indigenous-led, Canada, Manitoba, identity, culture, Indigenous, land, language