Education Knowledge
Knowledge Transfer + Education

Indigenous Perspectives Society Centre Of Excellence In Community Education

Recently renamed the Indigenous Perspectives Society: Centre of Excellence in Community Education (IPS), IPS is always striving to expand and grow quality services to strengthen Indigenous communities.

About us

IPS is unique in the space it operates within, the programs they offer, and even their very structure. In an effort to expand profits and claim independence from government funding and grants, IPS is both a charitable society and a social enterprise, which supports a business arm that can earn income while also contributing to positive social and community outcomes. This model allows IPS to lead with the heart, expand knowledge and skills, and exercise more fiscal independence.

Located in Lkwungen territory, IPS’ creation story starts more than 30 years ago with a group of founding Elders who saw a need for an Indigenous-led entity advocating for Indigenous children and youth within the child welfare system. The founding Elders created the Caring for First Nations Children Society that eventually became Indigenous Perspectives Society in 2014. Its longevity is another one of the many qualities that sets IPS apart and demonstrates impact.

While Indigenous child and family wellness remains a priority mandate of the organization, their programming is expansive and serves Indigenous peoples and communities, as well as providing training and resources for broader cultural competency among non-Indigenous audiences. Today, the training offered is extensive, and the health and well-being of Indigenous families is always at the core. Offerings include: 

  • Cultural Perspectives
  • Indigenous Child and Family Services Training
  • Community and Family Support 
  • Leadership and Governance Best Practices 
  • Justice and Equity 
  • Youth Leadership

See a full list of programming and training a calendar here.

Cultural Perspectives training is one of the most popular workshops offered because it is widely applicable and covers history and cultural knowledge that isn’t offered through mainstream education or media. IPS’ objective is to support learning journeys that serve Indigenous communities, particularly children, youth, and families navigating colonial systems. IPS is committed to remaining an advocacy body and safe space to bring services to Indigenous youth and their caregivers and connect Indigenous youth to their identities.

IPS is a CARF certified training provider, meaning they maintain a high level of accountability and standard of service delivery. They are committed to continually improving their services, encouraging feedback, and serving the community and receive accreditation to do so.

Approaching the next phase of its work, the Indigenous Perspectives Society: Centre of Excellence in Community Education is now expanding its programs and building up a donor base to support its growth. Emerging trainings include: Cultural Competency for Caregivers, and developing its All My Relations Training to build and expand support for Indigenous 2-spirit and LGBTQ youth. 

All My Relations Training Fund: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/63281

Mission + Vision + Values

Mission: to provide culturally relevant training, research and policy development that advances and strengthens the lives of Indigenous people

Vision: IPS Centre of Excellence in Community Education’s vision is to strengthen the lives and contribute to the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples through culturally relevant training

Values: Honour self-determination; Innovative & sustainable growth; Honour contributions; Challenge ourselves to highest levels; Demonstrate accountability, transparency, respect

Indigenous Perspectives Society Centre Of Excellence In Community Education

Structure

Charitable non-profit Social enterprise

Geographic Region

Office location: Lkwungen Territory (Victoria) Programs are offered kanata and throughout Turtle Island

Keywords

Cultural training, Indigenous child and family, Indigenous children and youth, Indigenous community education, Indigenous education, Indigenous justice, Indigenous perspectives, Social enterprise

How Indigenous Perspectives Society Centre Of Excellence In Community Education upholds United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

Article 20
  1. Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and develop their political, economic and social systems or institutions, to be secure in the enjoyment of their own means of subsistence and development, and to engage freely in all their traditional and other economic activities. 
  2. Indigenous peoples deprived of their means of subsistence and development are entitled to just and fair redress.

Article 21
  1. Indigenous peoples have the right, without discrimination, to the improvement of their economic and social conditions, including, inter alia, in the areas of education, employment, vocational training and retraining, housing, sanitation, health and social security. 
  2. States shall take effective measures and, where appropriate, special measures to ensure continuing improvement of their economic and social conditions. Particular attention shall be paid to the rights and special needs of Indigenous Elders, women, youth, children and persons with disabilities.

Article 22
  1. Particular attention shall be paid to the rights and special needs of Indigenous Elders, women, youth, children and persons with disabilities in the implementation of this Declaration. 
  2. States shall take measures, in conjunction with indigenous peoples, to ensure that indigenous women and children enjoy the full protection and guarantees against all forms of violence and discrimination.

There are 46 Articles within the Declaration and they are all interrelated. The above list is not exhaustive but makes direct links between UNDRIP and this organization.

similar organizations

Coast to Coast to Coast
Tkaronto (with a cross-canada network)
Atlantic Coast (HQ in Nova Scotia)
Tkaronto (with a cross-canada network)
Coast to Coast to Coast

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Organization Name:
Indigenous Perspectives Society Centre Of Excellence In Community Education