Module 6: Living Inquiries – Identities, Social Responsibility, and Diversity
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators recognize their role in educating others about Canada’s history of colonization and seek ways to contribute to reconciliation.
Critically Reflective Questions
- What do I know about Canada’s colonial history and the systemic marginalization and forced assimilation of Indigenous peoples? How can I find out more?
- Think about the resource “This Land”, Indigenous cultural competency video modules (Lantern Films, n.d.) How might I bring this resource to my colleagues?
- Educators have an important role to play in discussing Canada’s history of colonization. How can I contribute?
- Indigenous social and cultural revitalization is underway in many communities. How can I contribute? How can I find out more?
- In what ways have I included and honoured knowledgeable community Elders in my program?
Case Study: Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
An educator explores Indigenous literature with the children in a grade 3 classroom. One of the books the children read is “Stolen Words” by Melanie Florence and Gabrielle Grimard. It is the story of the beautiful relationship between a little girl and her grandfather. When the little girl asks her grandfather how to say something in his language, Cree, he admits that his language was stolen from him when he was a boy. The little girl then sets out to help her grandfather find his language again. This sensitive picture book explores the intergenerational impact of the residential school system that separated young Indigenous children from their families.
The children learn from this story, recognizing the pain of those whose culture and language were taken from them, how that pain is passed down, and how healing can be shared.
Reflective Questions
How might you promote reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in your community and more broadly?
What do we know about Canada’s colonial history and the systemic marginalization and forced assimilation of Indigenous peoples? How can we find out more?
