The Indigenous Co-op/Work-integrated Learning (WIL) Resource Hub

Presented by University of Victoria:

• Renée Livernoche
• David Busch

The Indigenous Co-op/Work-integrated Learning (WIL) Resource Hub (IRH) was developed to support Indigenous student access, retention, and success in WIL programs and placements. Resources for the IRH were informed by the findings of a literature review and by responses to a needs-assessment survey distributed to BC WIL practitioners over the summer of 2021. These resources address:

• self-identification
• tokenism, 
• partnership and representation, 
• program accessibility, and
• responding to the TRC Calls to Action

These serve as useful tools for WIL program developers and practitioners to assist in relationship-building with employers and students, or as helpful springboards for internal program development.   We will engage participants in how institutions can bring these materials into their WIL practice with a good heart and with Indigenous student interests, priorities, and safety at the centre of their work. We will commence with an overview of the TRC Calls to Action and UNDRIP, our role as post secondary institutions in responding to these calls. We will then provide an overview of the Indigenous WIL Resource Hub, and explore resources on self location, tokenism and others. 

The session will invite participants to reflect on the following questions: 

1. How could you use these resources at your institution?
2. What barriers do these resources help you address in your work?
3. Are there other resources that may be helpful?