Dechinta: Centre for Research and Learning

Dechinta Centre for Research & Learning

Dechinta is recognized as a leading organization in the field of higher education for its leadership in Indigenous land-based education in the north of Canada. Dechinta develops their land-based culturally immersive programming in collaboration with local Indigenous communities. Dechinta's programming includes instruction from Elders, land-based practitioners, Knowledge Holders and Indigenous academics. Programming prepares students for leadership roles in their communities with a focus on land-based practices, governance, self-determination, gender and artistic practice.[1][2][3]

Dechinta is committed to delivering culturally relevant educational programming that prioritizes reconnection, skill-building, knowledge and practice with the land. Our curriculum and method of delivery has been internationally recognized. Dechinta prioritizes the importance of being together on the land, learning with the land, and having a strong relationship to the land. Dechinta directly fulfills many of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s education recommendations, including closing the education gap by delivering culturally appropriate and community developed curricula, enabling parent and community responsibility and control, and respecting and honouring Indigenous government relationships.[4][5]

Dechinta's programming is grounded in a holistic approach to education, which includes comprehensive wrap around services such as free integrated childcare, on-site counselling, and health services. Dechinta is committed to creating programs that are family inclusive and safe spaces for gender non-conforming and Indigenous queer and two-spirit folks. Dechinta's curriculum that ensures all Indigenous women, girls, and queer/trans/Two-spirit people are provided with safe, no-barrier, permanent, and meaningful access to their cultures and languages in order to restore, reclaim, and revitalize their cultures and identities.[6][7]

Dechinta is currently committed to expanding their partnerships and developing programming in different regions in the north.[8] Dechinta has on-going partnerships with several academic institutions including the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta.,[9] Collège Nordique Francophone and Aurora College.[10]

Dechinta has recently completed a research project investigating the impact of COVID-19 on land-based education with funding from the Mastercard foundation.,[11][12] and the final report is available on their website.