Regenerative Capacities: Bringing social studies and Indigenous studies together for education that responds to climate crisis

Authors

  • Heather E. McGregor Queen's University
  • Sara Karn Queen's University
  • Micah Flavin Queen's University

Abstract

This article summarizes the results of interviews concerning intersections found among social studies and history education, climate education, and Indigenous studies. We explore what may be involved in curricular and pedagogical reform that better features these intersections, and what considerations arise in approaching reform in schools, universities, teacher education, and decolonizing pedagogies. Following a literature review and explanation of our interview methods, we summarize current barriers and strengths in social studies and history practices, and their capacity to address critical issues related to climate crisis as well as decolonizing schools and universities. We conclude with suggestions for the future of teaching, teacher training, and educational research and how these may contribute to regenerative capacities that better honour the relationships between human and more-than-human beings, while remaining attentive to Indigenous imperatives.

Author Biographies

Heather E. McGregor, Queen's University

Assistant Professor of Curriculum Theory, Faculty of Education

Sara Karn, Queen's University

Sara Karn is a doctoral candidate in the Faculty of Education, Queen’s University. Her research explores historical empathy within history education in Canada. Sara is a trained K-12 teacher in Ontario and has taught environmental education courses in the B.Ed. programs at Queen’s and Wilfrid Laurier University. She is a founding member and the project coordinator of the Social Studies & History Education in the Anthropocene Network.

Micah Flavin, Queen's University

Micah is an M.Ed. student at Queen’s University and an outdoor educator with the Limestone District School Board. His research seeks to develop arts-based resources that respond to the climate crisis and its interconnectedness with capitalism, while also cultivating hope to fuel age-appropriate climate action. He is a research assistant with the Social Studies & History Education in the Anthropocene Network.

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Published

2024-09-23

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Section

Articles