One of the First People’s Principals of Learning is “[l]earning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors,” (FNESC). This was touched upon by 2nd keynote speaker, Dr. Sinclair, and is linked to reconciliation. Teaching is about teaching students to be good world citizens, which will cause the betterment of areas outside of their selves. By teaching them empathy, cooperation, work ethic, etcetera, they will improve their communities, the country, and the world. This global presence is part of the reason that reconciliation needs to be taught, and taught well. As Dr. Louie, another keynote speaker said, it is not a one-time apology made for past misdeeds (2020). It is about changing the present to improve both it and the future. Indigenous principals need to be woven into the fabric of teaching- it will not just be the books you use, the speakers you bring in, but it will be the way you teach, the way you assess, and what you value. The process is as, if not more, important than the product and there are more ways of thinking than your own. Many of my future students will be Indigenous and they need see themselves reflected in not only the content, but also in the classroom culture. As their teacher, they will need me to be reflective and honest about myself. I will also need to continue to learn about the area where I live. I will never stop this process either. As an educator I will constantly be learning and adapting, but this area is potentially the most important one where that will need to happen.

As an educator who is white, teaching Indigenous content can be tricky. I have not been raised in the culture, and even when in my own area my knowledge of customs is limited. This, however, is my issue to correct. I need to learn and, essentially, move beyond any awkwardness; it can not be an excuse to simply not have it in the classroom. My momentary discomfort or apprehension is not a reason for students to be permanently uncomfortable in the class.

Reflection

First Nations Education Steering Committee. First Peoples Principals of Learning [poster]. http://www.fnesc.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PUB-LFP-POSTER-Principles-of-Learning-First-Peoples-poster-11×17.pdf

Louie, D. (2020, September 25). Indigenous Day Pro-D.

Sinclair, N. (2020, September 25). Indigenous Day Pro-D.