Art
#ReconciliACTIONatKPR
Exploring Indigenous Art in the Classroom with Respect
Practice Appreciation. Avoid Appropriation. Respect Indigenous Arts Protocols.
Explore works by contemporary Indigenous artists. Begin your journey with contemporary works. There are many incredible artists actively creating and sharing their work. Get to know the work of local artists. We’ve shared a list of some in the February Passport to Reconciliation. (Before reaching out to local artists, please contact our department.)
Invite student choice. When students create their own art, encourage them to create in their own style to show their own culture and lived experience. The richest experiences for students in making art is when it reflects their own self and story. Please do not replicate the works of Indigenous artists.
“Nothing about us without us.” Reach out to the Indigenous Education Department to check in on your art projects if you are unsure. Use the resources we provide.
Use art as a way to learn and to reflect. Ask: What can we learn from this artwork? What story does this artwork reveal? How does this artwork relate to my experience? How does this artwork make me feel? What techniques did the artist use? What does this artwork make me think about? What questions would I like to ask the artist? How would I like to respond to this artwork? Does it inspire me to share a story of my own (in my own way)?
Indigenous Art in Schools Reflection
Large scale projects in schools happen after a long period of learning, always in partnership with the Indigenous Education Department. Before you start a large scale Indigenous art project (like a mural), consider the following:
Intention
Why do you want to feature Indigenous art in your school?
How will you ensure this artwork is not used as decoration?
How will this art help students to see themselves represented in the building?
Safety
How will you create a climate of understanding so students engage with the art respectfully?
Have you connected with the Indigenous Education Department for guidance and support?
Learning
How will the project be led by an Indigenous artist (who is paid for their contributions and approved by the Indigenous Education Department)?
How will this art reflect deep learning over time led by an authentic voice?
How will the learning continue when creating the artwork is complete?
The Ontario College of Teachers Ethical Standards featuring Anishinaabe Art are beautiful and a number of KPR schools have had these mounted on plaks or framed them to post in various areas around the school.
Cultural Appropriation vs APPRECIATION
Contemporary and Local Indigenous Artists
Do you want to add more to the list? Send jessica_outram@kprdsb.ca your favourites.
Important Considerations
Please Do Not:
Have students write or role play from the perspective of Indigenous people.
Replicate the works of Indigenous artists (it’s intrinsically connected to Indigenous culture and spirituality).
Use Teachers Pay Teachers or unvetted resources.
Please Do:
Use authentic voice (video or text) as primary sources to reflect and learn.
Examine Indigenous art and then have students create their own art in their own style that shows their own culture and lived experience.
Use resources vetted by our department.