Residential Schools

Teaching for Truth and Reconciliation Resources for Educators

This website can be found at:https://library.queensu.ca/about-us/directory/browse

Efforts were made to contact the owner of this resource to ask for their permission to use this resource to support educators in their understanding and implementation of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in the classroom. Learning from and with Syilx peoples and developing respectful, reciprocal, and productive relationships will be ongoing.

How can this resource be used?

Though this resource is based out of Ontario, it can be used by educators to learn about the effects of residential schools in Canada, and how to bring this knowledge to the students in a respectful way.

Residential School Stories for Grades K-4

This resource can be found at: https://libguides.usask.ca/c.php?g=369189&p=2496384

Efforts were made to contact the owner of this resource to ask for their permission to use this resource to support educators in their understanding and implementation of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in the classroom. Learning from and with Syilx peoples and developing respectful, reciprocal, and productive relationships will be ongoing.

How can this resource be used?

Though this resource is based out of Saskatchewan,  it can be used by educators to learn about the effects of residential schools in Canada, and how to bring this knowledge to the students in a respectful way.

Resources, Activities, and Literature on Education for Reconciliation and Social Justice

This resource can be found at: https://fncaringsociety.com/

Efforts were made to contact the owner of this resource to ask for their permission to use this resource to support educators in their understanding and implementation of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in the classroom. Learning from and with Syilx peoples and developing respectful, reciprocal, and productive relationships will be ongoing.

British Columbia's Project of Heart

This resource can be found at: https://projectofheart.ca/bc/

Efforts were made to contact the owner of this resource to ask for their permission to use this resource to support educators in their understanding and implementation of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in the classroom. Learning from and with Syilx peoples and developing respectful, reciprocal, and productive relationships will be ongoing.

How can this resource be used?

This resource can be used by educators to learn about the effects of residential schools in Canada, and how to bring this knowledge to the students in a respectful way.

National Truth and Reconciliation Lesson Plans

This resource can be found at: https://www.mbteach.org/mtscms/2016/09/10/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-lesson-plans/

Efforts were made to contact the owner of this resource to ask for their permission to use this resource to support educators in their understanding and implementation of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in the classroom. Learning from and with Syilx peoples and developing respectful, reciprocal, and productive relationships will be ongoing.

Orange Shirt Day Resources

This resource can be found at: https://www.centralokanaganindigenouseducation.com/

Efforts were made to contact the owner of this resource to ask for their permission to use this resource to support educators in their understanding and implementation of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in the classroom. Learning from and with Syilx peoples and developing respectful, reciprocal, and productive relationships will be ongoing.

How could theses resources be used in a classroom?

To enhance this learning experience, I recommend collaborating with the Indigenous advocates at your school. This will allow the students to gain a more authentic and profound understanding of the resources available. As this is a sensitive topic to discuss with students due to the atrocities surrounding the theft of children, the physical and sexual abuse these children were subjected too, and the many children that did not make it home to their families, it is important to discuss with and learn from Indigenous advocates, community members, and knowledge keepers on how to respectfully share these stories and perspectives with the students. In my classroom, Ms. Menssa, the Indigenous advocate at Chute Lake Elementary came in to speak about residential schools and how they have affected, and continue to affect Indigenous communities, families, and individuals mental and physical well being. We discussed the importance of honouring those who survived, and those who did not. There are many books written by Indigenous authors and artists on residential schools, reconciliation, and remembering the children. 

Some of the books I have previously used in my classroom are: 

Phyllis’s Orange Shirt- Written by Phyllis Webstad and illustrated by Brock Nicol, Medicine Wheel Publishing (AGES 4-6)

Stolen Words- Written by Melanie Florence and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard, Second Story Press (AGES 4-8)

When We Were Alone- Written by David Alexander Robertson and illustrated by Julie Flett, Portage & Main Press (AGES 4–8)

Shi-shi-etko- Written by Nicola I. Campbell and illustrated by Kim LaFave, Groundwood Books (Ages 4-7)

Fatty Legs- Written by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, and illustrated by Liz Amini-Holmes, Annick Press (AGES 9-12)

 I Am Not a Number- Written by Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer, and Illustrated by Gillian Newland, Second Story Press (AGES 7–11)

After reading one or all of these stories, it is essential to have discussions about them, and the harm and intergenerational trauma residential schools have caused. These discussions should take place in a sharing circle, where students can reflect on what they have learned, and share their thoughts and feelings. It is important to approach these topics in a respectful and age appropriate manner to ensure that Indigenous voices and perspectives are at the center of the discussion. 

With discussions such as these, it is important to provide supports for the students who are feeling overwhelmed by the knowledge and history of Canada. Be sure to validate their feelings and acknowledge their voices, and if they need additional support connect them to the schools Indigenous advocate and/or school counsellor to talk through these emotions.

Though this content and these resources can assist in the integration of Indigenous knowledge into the classroom, it is important to seek out and build relationships with the Indigenous advocates in each school if possible, or Indigenous community members, knowledge keepers, or educators. We must remember that learning and educating on Indigenous perspectives should be done with and from local Indigenous community members.