Global Skills Opportunity Program

Indigenous Knowledge Exchange Canada & Brazil

Welcome to the Global Skills Opportunity program (GSO) offered through Concordia University of Edmonton in collaboration with our esteemed partner, Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC) in southern Brazil. Our immersive summer program, scheduled for May 2024, is dedicated to the Indigenous knowledge exchange between the rich cultural and historical context of Canada and Brazil.

The Global Skills Opportunity program (GSO) aims to empower post-secondary institutions to increase the participation of young Canadians—especially underrepresented students—in international learning opportunities both at home and abroad. Global Skills Opportunity is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada, administered jointly by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada.

Program Dates in 2024

May 15 to May 28

Program Introduction

At the heart of our Global Skills Opportunity Program (GSO) is a commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence. Our program is designed to provide CUE students with a unique opportunity to engage with Indigenous communities in Brazil while delving into the vibrant tapestry of Indigenous Knowledge Exchange. Participants will gain invaluable insights into the history, traditions, and contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples in Brazil.

CUE received funds for this program to run for two years. This allows a total of 30 CUE students to travel to Brazil to visit partner University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC) in 2023 and 2024. The students will remain in Brazil for two weeks and participate in programming focused on Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing. Of the 15 students, 5 must be Indigenous students. The others must have demonstrated interest in learning more about Indigenous cultures. The available funding will cover all travel related expenses for these students. The focus of the program will be on creating an awareness of similarities and differences in Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing in the two countries with a special focus on community and healing.

In our GSO summer program held in June 2023, participants had the privilege of:

• Engaging with Indigenous Communities: Students had the opportunity to interact closely with Indigenous communities in Brazil, allowing for a deeper understanding of their cultural practices and challenges they face.
• In-Depth Academic Exploration: The program featured lectures, seminars, and workshops led by experts in the field of Indigenous Studies. Students explored various topics, including Indigenous rights, traditional knowledge, and sustainable development.
• Field Excursions: To enrich the learning experience, participants embarked on excursions to historically and culturally significant sites. These excursions provided first-hand exposure to the diverse Indigenous cultures of Brazil.
• Cultural Exchange: The program encouraged cultural exchange through art, music, and dance workshops, allowing students to connect with Indigenous traditions on a personal level.
• To learn about the experiences our students had during their GSO Program – Indigenous Knowledge Exchange Canada & Brazil – in 2023, in their own words, please follow the stories below to read the recent interviews with the 2023 summer program abroad student.

Program Application

If you’re ready to embark on this life-changing academic journey and experience the rich tapestry of Indigenous Studies in Brazil, follow these simple steps to apply:

1. Program Targets:
   • Indigenous students: students who report being an Indigenous person, that is, First Nations, Metis or Inuk (Inuit).
   • Students who are interested and committed to indigenous studies: students who report to have enrolled in an indigenous course at CUE.
2. Application Submission: click the registration link here to begin the application process.
3. Application Submission Deadline: January 31, 2024.
4. Application Review: Our program administration team will review your application and notify you of your acceptance status.
5. Secure Your Spot: Once accepted, you’ll need to secure your spot in the program by completing the enrollment process.
6. Prepare for Your Journey: Start preparing for your journey to Brazil, including obtaining
   necessary travel documents, vaccinations, participating all the mandatory training sessions before departure.

If you have any questions or need further information about the Global Skills Opportunity Program (GSO) in Indigenous Studies in Brazil, please don’t hesitate to contact us at international@concordia.ab.ca. We look forward to welcoming you to this transformative experience in June 2024!