About the Event

Date: September 29, 2025

Time: 3:00 - 4:30 PM

Location: Student Lounge (Room 1005), Education Building

Inspired by the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the College of Education ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan Committee is hosting a panel and discussion on the role of teacher education in promoting truth and reconciliation in schools.

The panel will explore the role and future of teacher education in the TRC era and enhancing responsiveness to the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities. The panel discussion will explore the following questions:

  1. What are schools in Canada getting right as it relates to the inclusion of Indigenous content and perspectives, and what patterns are you seeing among teachers that are better able to support the inclusion and aspirations of Indigenous communities in schools?
  2. What do schools need to do differently or better to ensure that Indigenous students participate, are well, and succeed, and how can teacher education in Canada better prepare teachers to contribute to these aspirations?
  3. What contributions can schools in Canada make to speaking truths and fostering reconciliation and what knowledge, skills, and attitudes do teachers need to ensure that schools fulfil these expectations?

The panel is open to all College of Education undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty, as well as members of the campus community. Teachers and leaders from First Nations, Métis, and provincial schools and organizations are also welcome to participate. We will reserve time for the panelists to respond to questions from the audience, and attendees are invited to meet the panellists in a reception following the discussion.

Panelists

 

Darryl Bazylak is Deputy Chief of Programs and Services for the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan with oversight of a variety of portfolios including Early Learning and Childcare, K-12 Education, Post Secondary Education, Language, Economic Development, and Child and Family Services. He serves on the University of Saskatchewan Senate representing the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan. Darryl was born and raised in Saskatoon where he lives with his wife Tracy and daughter Alora. He is a proud Métis Nation-Saskatchewan citizen with roots in Duck Lake, SK, Fish Creek, SK, and the Red River Settlement.

In the past, Darryl served as Director of Education for Prairie Spirit School Division and Superintendent of Education for Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division with experience across several portfolios. He has served on several volunteer community and education Boards and is currently Chair of the Emmanuel Health Board and Board Member on the Saskatchewan Research Network (SRNET) Board.

Deloris Netmaker is a proud member of Big River First Nation. She has been married for 34 years, mother of 4 sons and a proud grandmother! Being an educator at this time has been both challenging and exciting. Becoming a grandmother has been one of her greatest motivations as she moves forward in the work being done today. She inspires others through education, advocacy and reconciling work. She desires that we will all work together (miyo-wicihitowin), to have an open mind and a willingness to see positive changes in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.

Netmaker has served in various leadership capacities throughout her life. These areas of influence include family, First Nations, faith communities, and various organizations within many sectors of society. Deloris’ leadership roles within the education sector have been diverse and fulfilling . With over 30 years experience, she has had the opportunity to work as an administrator, teach in all grade levels, was a Cree teacher, Special Ed., as well as a Superintendent. She has worked with First Nations in Ontario and in Saskatchewan along with the Public-School Board in Saskatoon. Through her experiences, it has given her insight into the needs of the students and staff and the challenges they face. She left the public school system to work for FSIN and currently serves as the Executive Director of Education. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is a Saskatchewan-based First Nation organization. The FSIN represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made
more than a century ago.

Education has always been her passion and desires to see all succeed regardless of cultural perspectives, beliefs or worldviews. She believes in the high call of reconciliation in its various forms which ultimately involves knowledge, understanding and doing. Her hope is to see that all walk in the spirit of reconciliation both young and old. When we understand where we have come from, it will give us a more clear direction of where we need to go.

Bio coming soon.