The readings and video for this week, especially the film We Were Children, were extremely touching and made me feel deeply emotional. I found great sadness finally facing the truth of the horrific cultural genocide of residential school that will always be a part of Canadian history. In the film, we were exposed to the stories of two survivors of residential schooling in western Canada. Each person underwent different struggles through their experiences, but they also both shared many horrible memories of events that seemed to be common amongst most of the schools at the time. While watching the film, I was brought to tears when I realized how horrific these institutions were and also for the guilt I felt as a white Christian Canadian. Although it was not me who created the awful circumstances First Nations peoples were faced with, I am a part of the culture that has allowed this to happen and, in some ways just as shameful, I continue to be a part of a nation that has dismissed the dark histories that are a part of our country. When I think of how I felt during the film, all I can think to say is “I am sorry”. I don’t know how much help that is to anyone, and I now that can never make up for what First Nations people had to and continue to endure, but sometimes I feel that is all I can say.
I also found it eye opening and important that in the film, the life of the survivors after their experience in residential schooling was discussed. As someone who admittedly grew up knowing very little about Indigenous people and culture, I have heard many ignorant comments and stereotypes about First Nations people, and, in my own ignorance, had no idea of where these stereotypes were derived. First Nations people continue to struggle and receive less support in many areas differently from the rest of Canadians. Whether it is health care, education, income, or the very prominent topic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, there are clear gaps that often do not receive the attention that is deserved. In watching the film, I have come to better understand how the negative history and hardships First Nations communities have be subjected to continue to have an effect on opportunity, livelihood and support systems for people of these communities. With the deep sadness I feel, I also have a sense of hope. I feel proud to be part of a generation of educators whom have made truth and reconciliation with First Nation peoples a priority in this country. Although there are miles and miles to go, I feel as if we are finally on the right track. Every time I watch the news and see a reporter interviewing a member of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee, or see First Nation culture be shown in the main stream, I feel a sense of hope. I am happy that not only am I more educated on the true history of First Nations in Canada, but I am also happy that I am able to recognize that progress is being made on a national level. I think it is important to remember that reconciliation will take time and that the past will not and should not ever be forgotten. Awareness, time, sensitivity and, above all, the truth are what is required for healing to begin and for reconciliation to become a reality in Canada. I have also come to learn that education is an extremely important way to ensure that we continue united on the road to reconciliation. The only way the truth can be told is for it to be taught; we must incorporate the whole history of our nation and all of the cultures and people in it. I think that this means to reflect and accept the bad times of the past, but also to highlight and celebrate the amazing diversity and array of cultures that shape this land, particularly that of the people whose land we have all come to call home. In reviewing the website We are the Children, I have been able to get a sense of the amazing amount of resources for students of all ages to become more aware of what has happened over time in Canada, how the past has come to shape the way people are able to live and interact today, and how we can all work toward becoming a reconciled union of communities. In chapter 4 of the book To Teach by Ayers, the topic of building bridges is discussed and can be applied to the important topic of building bridges between First Nations and non- First Nations Canadians. In this book, it is shown that building bridges from childhood to adulthood in mot always clear or easy, and may be a long or uneasy process. Understanding and supporting this process is extremely important as a teacher, being a main advocate and supporter of students’ academic and personal journeys. This process of development, however, is not always individual (that is, it is not always about a personal growth from childhood to adulthood). Regardless of whether gaps are between life stages of an individual, between two people, or between two groups, all bridge building requires time, understanding and constructive dialogue. Also, it is important to remember that these bridges are not built easily and in one day. As mentioned, they require helping and supportive hands, and for participants to be willing to let go of preconceived notions and perceptions and to become totally open to different truths, viewpoints and questions. Ayers also mentions through example how it is the work of ordinary people that often allows change to be brought; “Each person is an expert in their own experience”. This idea brought me back to the issue of truth and reconciliation, allowing me to better solidify that I as a teacher can make a difference by helping reveal the truth and build bridges in our community and our nation. Regardless of policy, law or institution, it is our individual duty as Canadians to do our part in helping make reconciliation a reality.
1 Comment
11/5/2015 05:27:41 pm
Your message of hope and the role teachers have in terms of the pedagogy of reconciliation is a good place to end. Although you missed Ellie Wilkinson's discussion during the Blanket Exercise- her main message was what you are getting underneath- guilt only gets you so far- now it is time to act. Why is it important for teacher ed students to explore these challenging issues? What action can we take in our own teaching and learning?
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