2026 MISKO AKI KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
Hyperlocal Worlding
An opportunity for Indigenous, Black, and racialized community helpers involved in local, place-based initiatives who are interested in expanding and deepening their knowledge on the theory and practice of hyperlocal worlding and what it means to refuse conditions of settler colonialism, racial capitalism, and climate injustice.
Applications are open for the Misko Aki Knowledge Exchange (MAKE) spring session, running throughout May 2026.
The Misko Aki Knowledge Exchange (MAKE) is a tuition-free, non-accredited, educational program. This innovative program explores the many ways academics, artists, and activists enact hyperlocal worlding informed by Indigenous and decolonial perspectives and research. The Misko Aki Knowledge Exchange is grounded in theoretical learning and practical application; it aims to be rigorous, intentional, and devoted to transformation and revitalization. The lessons of this interactive and collaborative program can be applied to learner’s professional and personal activities and pursuits.
LOCATION
Virtual + In-Person in Toronto, Ontario
COST
There are no application, enrollment, tuition, or supply fees for MAKE 2026. Yellowhead School will cover students’ travel, accommodation, and most meal expenses during the required in-person session.
POTENTIAL TOPICS
- Intergenerational Movements
- Online Movements, IRL Change
- Embodied Learning Through Somatics
- Carceral Borders on Indigenous Land
- Neighbourhood Outreach and Mutual Aid
ABOUT OUR NAME
Our program is named after Anishinaabe leader William Yellowhead (1760-1865), who was also known as Misko Aki or ‘Red Earth.’ With support to name our Institute after Chief Yellowhead from the Yellowhead family as well as the Rama First Nation Chief & Council, we strive to honour the legacy of Misko Aki.
2026 Key Program Dates
Accepting Applications
February 18 – March 4
Virtual Orientation
April 30
Virtual Session Dates
Thursdays, April 30 – May 21, 7-9pm EDT
In-Person Session (Toronto)
May 26 – 29 (does not include travel days); full-days of programming.
Meet Our 2026 Faculty
To be announced.
Meet Our 2026 Selection Committee
Alumni from our 2024 & 2025 program and current Research Assistants will help us select the final cohort.
Jiyun Alex Jung
Omar Elsharkawy
Courtney Vance
Selene Littlepoplar
Each year, the MAKE program is guided by a new theme. MAKE 2026’s theme is “Hyperlocal Worlding,” inspired by the far reach of neighbourhood organizing and the concept of 'worlding' coined by postcolonial scholar Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
The Misko Aki Knowledge Exchange is an ideal program for Indigenous, Black, and racialized community helpers involved in local, place-based initiatives who are interested in expanding and deepening their knowledge on the theory and practice of hyperlocal worlding and what it means to refuse conditions of settler colonialism, racial capitalism, and climate injustice.
Applicants are not required to have completed any level of formal education. MAKE 2026 encourages applications from those who have been excluded from formal learning opportunities.
This Indigenous-led, place-based program will allocate 50% of enrolment opportunities to Indigenous applicants and 50% residents of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Applicants from across Canada will be considered.
This is an intensive program that requires students to commit an average weekly time of 2-4 hours a week — two hours per week for virtual sessions and up to two hours for additional course preparation.
Students must attend a minimum of two in order to attend the in-person gathering.
The program concludes with a four-day in-person gathering in Toronto, ON. These sessions are intensive and run all-day. Out-of-town students should allot an additional two days for travel.
There are no application, enrollment, tuition, or supply fees for MAKE 2026. Yellowhead School will cover students’ travel, accommodation, and most meal expenses during the required in-person session.
Students must ensure reliable, consistent access to a computer and internet connection to attend virtual sessions.
Costs relating to time away from paid employment will not be covered by Yellowhead School.
This Misko Aki Knowledge Exchange session is for Indigenous, Black, and racialized community helpers.
To offer the best programming within our organizational capacity, we can only invite a small number of applicants to join the MAKE 2026. We may invite some applicants to join a waitlist – if this is the case, please note that this invitation to join the waitlist is not a guarantee of acceptance.
