Indigenous Education 

 Reflecting on Indigenous education in Ontario, especially in kindergarten, involves various aspects like curriculum, being culturally sensitive, involving the community, and the impact on students.

Culturally Inclusive Curriculum:
It's great to see that Indigenous education in Ontario's kindergarten system is placing more emphasis on including Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and cultural elements in the curriculum. This creates a more inclusive and diverse learning environment.  Recognizing the importance of incorporating Indigenous teaching methods, which are holistic and community-oriented, is crucial when thinking about Indigenous education. This can include storytelling, hands-on learning, and a strong connection to nature.

Including Indigenous Perspectives in Learning Goals:
We should think about how Indigenous perspectives are included in learning goals. When reflecting on this, we need to see if the educational goals align with the values, traditions, and aspirations of Indigenous communities.  Indigenous education in Ontario should embrace a holistic approach to well-being, considering the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. It's important to assess whether the education system meets the diverse needs of Indigenous students in these areas. When reflecting on Indigenous education in Ontario, we must acknowledge the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. It's essential to examine how educational practices contribute to healing, understanding, and reconciliation.

Professional Development for Educators:
It's important to evaluate if educators are given appropriate opportunities for professional development when it comes to Indigenous education in Ontario. This is essential for them to enhance their cultural competency and understanding of Indigenous history, and effectively implement an Indigenous-focused curriculum.  As a person who grew up and attended school in Ontario, I did not learn about the full extent of Indigenous history until I went to University.  I remember learning as a child about the Indigenous people, then we stopped learning about them or they lived in harmony with the European colonizers.

For effective Indigenous education, schools need to actively engage with parents and the broader community. We should reflect on how schools collaborate with Indigenous parents and communities to support Indigenous kindergarten students in their educational journey.  In conclusion, it's crucial to continuously reflect on Indigenous education in Ontario's kindergarten system to ensure it aligns with the principles of cultural inclusivity, community engagement, and holistic well-being. Ongoing dialogue, responsiveness to community needs, and a culturally sensitive approach are vital for the success of Indigenous education initiatives.

For my methods of social studies and language arts class, I had the opportunity to make a unit plan and lesson plan about the Indigenous history of Canada. Attached is one of my lessons plans. I found a great map that highlights the Indigenous land that these current places occupy. 

References: 

CBC Kids (2023, September 20). CBC Kids Book Club | Every Child Matters. YouTube. Retrieved September 23, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zk5qHqD82Q

(n.d.). Home. Native Land Digital. Retrieved September 23, 2023, from https://native-land.ca/

William Fogg Library (2020, September 2). I am not a number. YouTube. Retrieved September 23, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2MP5ioGHAc