Workshop - Intergenerational transition of knowledge

"Innovations in an intergenerational society"

The co-existence of generations is a given in every society. With people living longer lives and a strong want for more social cohesion, professionals in their own field of work need to take a broader view on how people from all generations benefit from each other and address (social) issues together. Working with families and communities means working with people in different generations. Intergenerational collaboration is a key characteristic of a strong society and should therefore be part of any social study. At our University of Applied Science we started in 2016 the international combined research and education program ‘Innovations in an intergenerational society’ and we are very keen on a constant development of our program, working together with (new) international partners and relevant input from international perspective.

During this interactive workshop I invite students, lecturers, researchers and experts to start a dialogue in order to exchange and generate (new) insights and ideas on intergenerational leading questions in social studies and professions. I will share my intergenerational narrative and invite you to share yours. What aspects of intergenerational working do you meet in your work/profession? How is this imbedded in your education and/or profession? What are your good practices and challenges and how can we transfer these insights and ideas to endure professional qualities and how can this be embedded in our curriculum.

"Instilling self-care for indigenous social work students"

Maskwacîs Cultural College was one of the first institutions that began an Indigenous Social Work program based on Plains Cree philosophy. The program recently celebrated its 25^th anniversary by honoring the almost 300 alumni of the program. One of the foundational courses of the program is Cree Identity which students explore their identity as a Cree/Indigenous person by developing a family tree and examining family traditions that still occur within the community. Students in the program also are encouraged to learn by listening to Elders. Elders will often participate with students in classes and talk about self-healing and the importance to taking care of their circle before they can take care of others. Students do not just receive a lecture about self-healing but experience traditional healing practices like the pipe ceremony, feasts, and sweats to name a few. Students make that connection of how to use Cree Indigenous helping practices within their own lives and how to use it in their practice as social workers. Students and Instructors will share their experiences of the program and follow a traditional circle process of sharing their knowledge and practices

"In search of Spirit: Celebration of Native Elders as Warrior-scholars Across the 49^th Parallel"

Stan de Mello and Michael Yellow Bird were sitting around wondering how to honor their elder and friend, Jim Bates, whom they see as an archetype of a warrior-scholar and who embodies his Lakota values of prayer, respect, compassion, honesty, generosity, humility, and wisdom.  When discussing this concept with Jim, he replied, “I’m not the only warrior-scholar.”  From there, the idea to develop a research project on warrior-scholars emerged as a way to honor their friend and other Native elders who led the way in activism and scholarship in their communities.

Warrior-scholars are Indigenous elders with extensive experience navigating activism and scholarship within Western Society.  We hope our research will honor the contributions made by warrior-scholars, who led in developing and supporting Native American / First Nations Ways of knowing in activism and scholarship.  Through qualitative interviews and stories, we will learn from these elders what qualities sustained their commitment to the warrior-scholar path, despite adversities.  Such qualities include courage, resourcefulness, nurturing, wisdom, and humor.  We will present our research vignettes in an academic paper and a collective celebration honoring all participating elders.  We will share our research with Native peoples, in particular teachers, community educators, and younger activists for whom elder warrior-scholars are role models