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AEI Grandmothers - Virtual Classrooms
Nipissing Site
The Coronavirus pandemic has made everyone re-think all the social practices we previously took for granted. This is true for education just as it is for all public spheres. In March 2020, the Anishinabek Educational Institute turned to the virtual classroom for its delivery. We had previously been holding classes on Nipissing First Nation, Munsee-Delaware First Nation, Batchewana First Nation, and in Kirkland Lake. The immediate connection students felt in the classroom with each other, the instructor, and community Elders came to an immediate end. This sudden change, however, also presented a unique opportunity for students to turn their homes into the classroom. Children and extended family members could now see what it is Mom, Dad, or their aunties and uncles did when they attended college. Community Elders who work with AEI have been a vital part of this great change.
Gokmis Virginia Goulais
Virginia Goulais, a member of the Bodewadmi Nation, calls Nipissing First Nation home, and is originally from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. Virginia has been an Elder in the classroom with AEI since 2018, and is known as Gokmis, or Grandmother to students. In the class, Virginia provides immediate support to students as they absorb difficult material. Everything from intergenerational trauma, the loss of land, language, and culture can come up in classroom. Virginia says moving the classroom online has been a big adjustment, and at times it can be difficult picking up on the subtle energies that might tell her a student needs support.
The challenges have been great, but Virginia adds, “With the students being at home, they are in the comfort of their home, they are with their families, so they don’t have to travel away from their family to be with us for two weeks at a time. That’s the advantage I see now, even for myself, I’m in the comfort of my home.” Virginia has some advice for the AEI students who will continue their online learning journey in the coming academic year. “It’s really hard to sit in the classroom. You got to keep your hands busy because that is what we do as people, we’re always being busy, and having to sit still and just listening can be a big challenge for us.” Virginia says maybe students can be doing other household chores or working with crafts, so their hands are occupied while they’re participating in the online class.
Virginia, along with Gokmis Evelyn McLeod of Nipissing First Nation will continue to provide much needed support to students through their online classroom participation and other wellness activities. Student Wellness Coordinator Megan Stevens is also planning a host of online cultural and wellness events for students at the AEI this year.