During the first week of my final practicum which led to the first national Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30th, I thought deeply about true reconciliation and what that idea means in the classroom. Learning, sharing, and growing together with a shared history and responsibilities for the future.
I used the opportunity to build on students’ prior knowledge of the residential school system by reading them Phyllis’s Story for Orange Shirt Day. The objective of the reading was to emphasize Every Child Matters. My students completed a worksheet where they wrote: “The reason I matter is …” and “My friends matter because …” The students also coloured an orange shirt. We shared our feelings and discussed the importance of making sure that every student feels that he or she matters.
I brought my Grade 2/3 class to an assembly featuring an aboriginal drumming group led by Kelsey MacDonald and Mrs. Whitehawk, a recent graduate of UNBC’s Education Program. It was very touching to see a Grade 1 student start clapping along with the drums, which led to his friends clapping, and then shortly after, the whole gym. I thought it was wonderful that a young learner started clapping in a sign of cultural appreciation. The energy from this event carried us throughout the day.
I also took my students to an indigenous culture workshop in the gym. The students went from station to station looking at First Nations, Metis, and Inuit traditional clothing, hunting supplies, and art. The students were able to ask questions and talk about their observations.
My students are part of a national conversation about reconciliation, and I think the participated with open minds and hearts.
