My philosophy of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is ongoing, similar to all areas of my learning, I acknowledge that I am a student, first, and that it is my responsibility to embrace opportunities to learn, engage and critically analyze.
I would like to begin this philosophy by recognizing that I am only beginning to understand the depths of what Truth and Reconciliation is and how it will be woven, cross-curricular, into my everyday teachings, practices, and understandings. I believe that it is also important to recognize that the TRC, and Treaties in general, are not only applicable within my own education journey – but in my life. As a White Settler Canadian, I recognize my positionality as I benefit from the Treaties. I live on Treaty 4 Territory. Please find further information on the traditional and contemporary Treaty 4 land here, this link is extremely valuable- Treaty 4. The next link is helpful for visualizing Treaty Territories in Saskatchewan: Treaty Map.
I have always been taught in ethnocentric ways- I am beginning to notice and unravel the ‘societal normalities’ in my life and critically question and analyze them. I am a Treaty Partner and as such, I have the responsibility to educate, be educated, and to be active in my involvements surrounding social justice issues.
To begin, I would like to invite you to take a peek at the progress I have made while engaging in conversations surrounding Treaties, Canada and relationships. This past summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to learn from and with Audrey Aamodt and Evelyn Poitras in the course ‘ECCU 400’ Treaties in the Classroom. Please take a look at my blog engagement from this course at the following link: ECCU 400
In this course, I had the opportunity to participate in a Treaty Walk: Treaty Walk Field Trip: Regina to Fort Qu’appelle and Lebret
Due to the fact I am only beginning my own personal teachings, I recognize that I have not done much work in terms of supporting the TRC. My goal for my own education is to be avid in the representation, support and proper delivery in Treaty Education. I will continuously update my portfolio when I create new materials, lesson plans and discover resources.
In my understanding of Truth and Reconciliation, I plan to take up the Calls to Action through:
- Work diligently to teach culturally appropriate materials, activities and teachings in the classroom. As the teacher, it is my responsibility to seek knowledge, respectfully and with proper protocol, and to learn how and what I can teach.
- I must attend events to become educated- as a Treaty Partner, it is important that I put in work to gain knowledge and do not solely rely on others to teach me.
- Though, it is also important for me to recognize the cultural implications of teachings and to be respectful, conscience and understanding. I will not assume that knowledge is mine for the taking.
- Language and culture are interconnected- I strongly support the addition of Cree into our Saskatchewan Schools. As the teacher, it is my responsibility to add language into the classroom in meaningful ways. I believe that all Indigenous languages native to Saskatchewan need to represented within the classroom. I can represent language through:
- labeling items in the classroom
- using Indigenous language to explain natural items and create a connection to nature
- invite presenters, Knowledge Keepers and Elders into my classroom to share knowledge
- incorporating books, posters, visual representations with traditional languages present
- work hard to incorporate land-based education into the classroom. Land-based education connects Treaty Education in meaningful ways. Please read this article to learn more: Land Based Education Links Curriculum and Indigenous Culture (plus research further!)
- showcase Indigenous authors, illustrators and community members in the classroom
- Teaching the Truth of Treaties to my students and questioning the ‘Canadian Narrative’
- giving my students opportunities to participate in Treaty Walks and to engage in experiential learning. Sheena Koops, a teacher at Bert Fox Community Highschool, shares her experiences/knowledge through her blog. Please click this link to read further (worth the read!): Sheena Koops Blog.
- creating an opportunity for my students, and their families, to participate in an active conversation. A great idea for these ‘meetings’ is to host a feast. This idea was taken from Sheena Koop’s blog, please refer to this blog post to read further: Feast Kit for Monday Afternoon
… this list is only beginning and will be updated, continuously. I have attached links to helpful resources to refer to.
- Indigenous Writes by Chelsea Vowel. You can buy the novel here: Indigenous Writes (Chapters)
- Listen to ‘Truth and Reconciliation in Canada: If It Feels Good, It’s Not Reconciliation’ by Pam Palmater
- CBC Asks: Is reconciliation possible?
- Listen to Chelsea Vowel’s Keynote
- Listen to Sheena Koops’ Treaty Song & lyrics
- Read The Truth About Treaties
Teaching Portfolio 