Pîkiskwêtân
The Indigenous Learning Series
Pîkiskwêtân is a Cree word that means “let’s talk.”
Pîkiskwêtân reflects the vision of a safe space where earnest discussion is fostered, and where participants are engaged in sharing and reflecting on the experiences of living and working alongside Indigenous peoples at Concordia.
About the learning series
Pîkiskwêtân is a continuous series of decolonizing and anti-racist Indigenous awareness training and professional development workshops offered in webinar format.
It is intended for members of the Concordia community who wish to build cultural competence and gain the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively with members of the Indigenous community and provide culturally safe services and programs to Indigenous students.
The series aims to increase awareness and understanding of the diverse cultures and socio-political realities of Indigenous peoples in a safe space, and in a manner that accurately and truthfully conveys the experiences, perspectives and cultural diversity of the Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
The series takes a scaffolded learning approach that slowly introduces topics and concepts. It is designed to help learners progressively develop critical thinking on Indigenous matters. The series provides opportunities to learn about First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and to gain a better understanding of the meaning and the implications of reconciliation, decolonization and indigenization.
Rupert Mackie, Restoring our roots land-based retreat
Webinars offered Fall/Winter 2025-2026
Pîkiskwêtân workshops and webinars are open to Concordia staff, faculty, students and alumni. Alumni interested in registering are invited to contact indigenous.directions@concordia.ca.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For all
The Office of Indigenous Directions is pleased to announce the return of its Cree language workshop. Learning an Indigenous language is a great way to gain a unique insight on Indigenous perspectives and worldviews.
Structured like a fun and interactive introductory language class, but without the hassle and anxiety of exams and term papers, this free not-for-credit workshop is for students, staff, and faculty who are interested in learning how to speak Cree and learning a bit more about what makes Indigenous people tick. Indigenous cultures and worldviews are deeply embedded in language. Learning how the Cree language works gives great insight into our relationships with each other, with our environment, and with the universe.
Please take note that the language taught is what is known as Western Cree, spoken west of the Ontario border. This is a markedly different dialect than the Cree spoken in Eeyou Istchee (Northern Québec). Of course, speakers of Eeyou/Eenou who want to find out how the other half speaks are more than welcome to participate and compare notes!
Who is this for:
- Cree and Métis individuals seeking to reclaim their language.
- Anyone interested in Cree culture or languages in general
- Anyone interested in exercising their brains
- Inquiring minds who want to know.
Date and time: First course on Tuesday, September 23 that noon and every Tuesdays noon after that. Bring your lunch!
Place: Henry F. Hall Building, Room H655.03. Please note that this is an in-person workshop. There will be no recording and no remote alternatives. Spaces are limited.