Podcast: An Ongoing Conversation

On a sunny Manitoba morning, three lifelong educators gathered in the Circle Room in Migizzi Agamik,

the Indigenous Student Centre at the University of Manitoba, to discuss big ideas in education, art,

science and community. All have been valued contributors to the ReNewWorldIdeas project since its

inception.

 Lita Fontaine is Dakota/ Anishinaabe/Metis and is a mother, sister, educator and renowned

visual artist/activist. Her work has been exhibited in public and private collections throughout

the country. Her insights into ‘identity and self’ come from a life time of hands on engagement

with teachers and students in classrooms of all shapes and sizes.

 Pauline Broderick is an Irish immigrant who came to Canada with her family during the turbulent

troubles of the 60’s. She has taught in public schools, Adult Education programs and at The

University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Education. Her research interests intersect with the

arts and social change.

 Leah Fontaine is tri-cultural Dakota/Anishinaabe/Metis. Leah is a philosopher, a scholar and

artist. Her work for The University of Manitoba in The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching

and Learning saw her develop and conduct workshops that support faculty and staff in

understanding and integrating Indigenous perspectives into their practice. She has designed

and instructed innovative courses for The School of Art and for The Faculty of Education at the

University of Manitoba where she is currently in the PHD Program.

The following are edited highlights from their conversation.