This two-part blog is a reflection of some of my personal experiences while walking the path of truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island where I am an uninvited guest.
In my public school and post-secondary education I was not given the background knowledge needed to understand the true history of Indigenous Peoples. I am now learning more about Indigenous culture, language and traditions so that I can build relationships with Indigenous Peoples and confidently work with my students when addressing the curriculum. I mention confidence because it can be intimidating to teach new understandings but students will benefit from my willingness to share my learning, even if I don’t know all the answers.
Resources
For me, the best way to learn about Indigenous Peoples is through building relationships and having guest speakers. When it’s not possible to have a guest speaker, I use books and videos that are created by Indigenous Peoples. The Indigenous department at the school board has been very supportive and helpful. They guide me to ensure I’m on a good path and being respectful. ETFOFNMI.ca has resources prepared, such as Healing Conversations.
Land Acknowledgements
I live and work on the traditional territory of the Williams Treaties nations which includes the First Nations of Alderville, Chippewas of Beausoleil, Chippewas of Georgina Island, Chippewas of Rama, Curve Lake, Hiawatha, and Mississaugas of Scugog Island. There is a wonderful book by Doug Williams, Michig Saagiig Nishnabeg, which has helped me better understand the history of the area through his oral history, passed down for generations.
Our school board has a standard land acknowledgement but when I am making that acknowledgement, I also relate it to my personal experience with the land and all of the natural world. For example, I could talk about what is happening to the plants and animals in the current season and how much I respect them for the gifts they have given. I also acknowledge the rights of Indigenous Peoples and that my journey includes learning about treaties, culture and language.
When I visit a class as an Occasional Teacher I can start the day with a personalized version of the land acknowledgement. I also can include in my introduction that I’m an uninvited guest and a first generation Irish Canadian. I find this to be a helpful way to start building a relationship with the students. I like to check in with students to see if they have any questions about the land acknowledgement and together we can look for answers.
Allyship is an ongoing learning process for me as I build my understanding of cultural appreciation versus cultural appropriation. For example, I had a class of non-Indigenous students wanting to learn about dream catchers. Our local Friendship Centre put me in touch with a First Nations woman who was willing and able to share the teaching. Previously, I have made some mistakes by rushing in with an idea and wanting to do a teaching myself but I have learned that it is not respectful to do so.
I continue to learn how to be a good ally. Here is a list of resources from ETFO that helps me. I hope you will find it helpful too.
