Indigenous Peoples in Education: A Stock Photo Collection

Impact Story

Written by Ananya Kamboj

“Indigenous Peoples in Education: A Stock Photo Collection” by Christine Miller

In a world where representation matters, Christine Miller, an ABE educator, Regional Representative for the Cariboo Okanagan for the Adult Basic Education Association of British Columbia (ABEABC), and Co-Chair of the ABE Science Articulation Committee, embarked on a mission to ensure that her students, especially Indigenous learners, could see themselves reflected in their educational materials. Through her collaboration with the TRU Open Press, Christine initiated two impactful projects that have reshaped the landscape of educational resources.

The first project, the Indigenous Peoples in Education stock photo collection, began in 2019 and was born out of Christine’s realization that her students were not adequately represented in their learning materials. Determined to fill this gap, Christine, who identifies as Indigenous, secured grants and engaged Indigenous students and photographers to create a diverse and inclusive collection of images. However, the project faced a setback when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, causing a delay in its completion. TRU Open Press was able to step in to provide critical support in organizing and completing the collection, making it accessible, and ensuring its integrity. Through collaboration, the Indigenous Peoples in Education stock photo collection became a reality, empowering Indigenous students to see themselves in their education.

The second project, the biology laboratory guide for instructors, was a natural extension of Christine’s commitment to inclusivity and support for faculty. Recognizing the unique challenges instructors face in preparing and delivering lab sessions, Christine developed a comprehensive guide to accompany her lab manual. This laboratory guide, supported by the TRU Open Press, provides instructors with the necessary tools and information to effectively teach labs right from lab setting to lab activities to reference section, ultimately benefiting students’ learning experiences and saving instructors time so they can focus on their pedagogy and student success.

Looking to the future, Christine envisions expanding the Indigenous Peoples in Education stock photo collection to include contributions from diverse Indigenous groups across Canada. She hopes to continue securing funding and support from the TRU Open Press to sustain and enhance these projects, ensuring their continuous improvement and impact on future generations of learners. In short, Christine’s story is a testament to the power of collaboration, determination, and inclusivity in education. Through her work with the TRU Open Press, she has not only filled a crucial gap in educational resources but has also paved the way for greater representation and inclusion in learning environments. Christine’s journey serves as an inspiration for educators and institutions alike to strive for equity and diversity in education.

The interview with Christine can be found below, which will help in better understanding the project and its impact.

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