Indigenous Knowledge, Perspectives, and Design Principles in the Engineering Curriculum

Abstract

Canadians live with a legacy of troubled relationships between Indigenous Canadians and non-Indigenous Canadians, rooted in a history of colonialism and racism. Aligned with the Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and the University of Manitoba's Strategic Priorities 2015-2020, The Faculty of Engineering is planning curriculum initiatives to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge, perspectives and design principles.The paper reviews the conceptual approach which encompasses both the culture of the institution as well as specific curriculum initiatives. These curriculum initiatives include redeveloping three core courses, first-year Design in Engineering, third year Engineering Economics, and third year Technology & Society for explicit inclusion of Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and design principles; integrating Indigenous design emphases in capstone design courses, including Indigenous design principles and design application of importance to Indigenous communities, such as infrastructure development, energy independence, and food security; increasing the participation of Indigenous students in the Coop/Industrial Internship Program (IIP), and using the Coop/IIP to build authentic linkages to Manitoba Indigenous communities and environments; and, fostering linkages between teaching and existing faculty research programs