Indigenous Graphic Recording Program Returns: partnership with CIER, ECCC and Drawing Change

News

Drawing Change is partnering with CIER and ECCC to deliver training for the third, free virtual Indigenous Graphic Recording training program, for a small 2025 cohort with a focus on species at risk. 

This training is offered by the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) and is funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service (ECCC-CWS), who have partnered on a national project: the Species at Risk Consultation, Cooperation and Accommodation (SARA-CCA) project.

The SARA-CCA project builds capacity in Indigenous communities to participate in the Species at Risk Act listing and recovery process for terrestrial species at risk.

The SARA-CCA project is offering the graphic recording training to support species-specific workshops: graphic recording can make meetings and communication more engaging and interesting. This training aims to grow a network of Indigenous graphic recorders who can support important conversations related to species at risk, with the potential to continue this work professionally.

What’s graphic recording?

Graphic recorders listen, synthesize, and draw conversations in real time during meetings and events. These drawings help to make sense of what’s being said, and help people feel heard. Graphic recording increases community engagement, creative thinking, and collaboration. It’s useful – and fun! 

Program information

The program also emphasizes training and mentorship over the long term:

  • guest speakers (paid) who are previous participants come back to share their graphic recording journey
  • CIER offers opportunities for paid graphic recording during CIER species at risk workshops
  • four participants in the 2025 cohort can apply for a short paid project with support from Drawing Change and CIER when the program is complete

The program will be delivered by Drawing Change, who has trained hundreds of new learners to be graphic recorders – from Inuvik to Nepal.  Drawing Change brings 25+ years’ facilitation experience experience working to support health, education, governance, and Indigenous self-determination — always centering equity, joy, and deep listening.

CIER held the second Indigenous Graphic Recording Training Program taught by Drawing Change with a focus on species at risk, this is a student project about the western chorus frog illustrated by hand

Congratulations to @sinspireyo @redriverfoxshop @borealbabestudio