Career Talks: Dr. Christopher Scribe

Summary

Dr. Chris Scribe, founder of Walks First Educational Consulting and Think Indigenous, shares his journey from teaching to leadership in education. He discusses the creation of Think Indigenous, a conference promoting indigenous perspectives in education, and his personal path from working in the oil industry to pursuing a PhD to honor his grandfather's legacy. Scribe emphasizes the importance of indigenous knowledge, giving back to the community, and learning from life's experiences and mistakes.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Dr. Chris Scribe is the founder of Walks First Educational Consulting and Think Indigenous, focusing on indigenous education.
• 🏫 He is passionate about classroom teaching, especially with middle years students, valuing authentic learning experiences.
• 🔄 Dr. Scribe was drawn into leadership roles, such as vice principal and principal, despite not favoring administrative work.
• 💡 The idea for Think Indigenous was born from conversations about indigenous education and control, aiming to approach education through an indigenous lens.
• 📈 Think Indigenous grew into a successful event, attracting 2,000 attendees for a national and international conference.
• 💼 Dr. Scribe's work in the oil field taught him about hard work and the value of money, but his grandmother instilled that happiness and love are more important.
• 🎓 He pursued higher education, obtaining a Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD in education, to honor his grandfather and incorporate indigenous knowledge into school systems.
• 🏆 Dr. Scribe's grandfather, Murdo Scribe, was an award-winning author and educator, influencing Dr. Scribe's dedication to indigenous education.
• 💰 Think Indigenous operates as a not-for-profit, funding its programs through event registration fees and focusing on giving back to the younger generation.
• 🛠 Walks First Consulting offers educational services to support communities and maintain a sustainable operation, without relying on grants or land-destroying industries.
• ⏰ As an entrepreneur, Dr. Scribe enjoys the flexibility of deciding his work hours and focusing on projects that benefit indigenous communities.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Chris Scribe?

Dr. Chris Scribe is the founder and executive director of Walks First Educational Consulting and the non-profit Think Indigenous. He is an educator with a passion for indigenizing education.

What is Think Indigenous?

Think Indigenous is a conference event created by Dr. Chris Scribe to bring people together to approach education through an indigenous lens.

What is Dr. Scribe's educational background?

Dr. Chris Scribe has a Bachelor of Education, a Master's in Education and Educational Administration, and a PhD in Educational Administration.

What is the significance of Dr. Scribe's grandmother's story about residential school and the licorice candy?

Dr. Scribe's grandmother's story illustrates the resilience and love of indigenous people despite the hardships faced in residential schools, and it emphasizes the importance of sharing and giving back.

How does Dr. Scribe's work in education honor his grandfather?

Dr. Scribe's work in education honors his grandfather by incorporating indigenous knowledge into school systems and advocating for the recognition of indigenous wisdom as valuable as Western education.

What is the business model for Think Indigenous as a non-profit?

The non-profit Think Indigenous generates revenue from event registration fees and ensures that all funds are reinvested into the community, without accepting federal grants or funds from land-destroying industries.

What advice does Dr. Scribe give to young people regarding life experiences?

Dr. Scribe advises young people to experience life, step out of their comfort zones, and learn from their mistakes, as experiences guide them to their destined work.

How does Dr. Scribe define success in his work?

Dr. Scribe defines success as having the freedom to choose work that makes a difference for indigenous communities and contributes positively to their realities.

What is the role of 'Kak' in Cree culture as mentioned by Dr. Scribe?

In Cree culture, 'Kak' refers to elders or knowledge keepers who educate and guide younger generations by sharing their life experiences, including their mistakes.

What is the importance of the concept of 'giving back' in indigenous culture according to Dr. Scribe?

The concept of 'giving back' is a significant part of indigenous culture, emphasizing reciprocity and the continuous cycle of supporting the younger generation and community.

How does Dr. Scribe view the flexibility of his work as an entrepreneur?

Dr. Scribe appreciates the flexibility of his work as an entrepreneur, allowing him to balance family life, cultural practices, and professional commitments while making a meaningful impact.