Teacher as Learner

Before educators should pick up a resource and begin teaching we need to do some learning and unlearning ourselves. Dr. Niigaanwewidam Sinclair teaches that before educators begin to do the work of reconciliation and Indigenous education, we need to explore, answer, and reflect on four key questions:

• Who am I?
• Where am I coming from?
• Where am I headed?
• Who can help me?

Once we have explored, answered, and reflected on these key questions, educators must learn and understand the rich culture and histories of the First Peoples in their local territory. Below is a list of resources for you to start your journey towards teaching Indigenous education in a respectful and transformative way. The goal of these resources are to help you:

• learn about and with the local First Peoples and the territories we live, learn, work, and play on
• understand the lasting impact of treaties and residential schools
• familiarize yourself with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) and the Calls to Action