Standard 9: Educators respect and value the history of First Nations, Inuit and Metis in Canada and the impact of the past on the present and the future. Educators contribute towards truth, reconciliation and healing. Educators foster a deeper understanding of ways of knowing and being, histories, and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Metis.
“Educators critically examine their own biases, attitudes, beliefs, values, and practices to facilitate change. Educators value and respect the languages, heritages, cultures, and ways of knowing and being of First Nations, Inuit, and MĂ©tis. Educators understand the power of focusing on connectedness and relationships to oneself, family, community, and the natural world. Educators integrate First Nations, Inuit, and MĂ©tis worldviews and perspectives into learning environments.”
In June 2019, a ninth standard was added to the Professional Standards for BC Educators as part of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. This standard was important to add because it demonstrated the commitment between the government and Indigenous Peoples of Canada. The changes that needed to be made couldn’t happen all in one day, but this was one step forward in the right direction.
Today in our EDUC 394 class we took part in the Kairos blanket exercise. I really appreciated being able to take part in the exercise, but I felt overwhelmed with the enormity of the devastation that was caused to the First Peoples of Canada. I felt angry at the Europeans for thinking they could just take the land away from these trusting nations, yet I know that part of the land that I grew up on was probably owned at one time by a First Nation as well. So many conflicting feelings are in me after this exercise – guilt, sadness, anger, and devastation.
Today I learned that we cannot put the blame for this attrocity on any one person or government. All we can do is to learn from our past mistakes and repair our relationships with First Nations peoples. The 94 Calls to Action need to be completed so we can move past these chapters and begin to put the pieces back together again, but the government is dragging their feet.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is important because it gives all Canadians a chance to take part in community events that honour First Nations peoples. Learning about what was done to the First Nations People of Canada matters because it was done to make one race identical to another race. They forgot to recognize that all people are different and bring unique gifts to the table.
The second part of the morning took place around the fire circle and the UHNBC drummers came out to play for us. It was very moving, and I felt honoured to be able to drum and sing.
A next step for me is to learn more about my Cree heritage and watch more TED talks that tell peoples’ stories. Learning another prospective is always beneficial to everyone and can only make our lives here in Canada better.