Module- 1
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Takeaway 1: Being an Ally
Ally" is not a self-proclaimed title. Indigenous peoples may identify you as an ally. The goal is not to be labelled an Ally; the goal is to develop meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples. An Ally is someone who is willing to learn, question and reflect. Learning about Indigenous peoples, policies and history helps people understand what happened and is still happening today.
For Being an Ally:
-I will educate myself with the history and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
-Listening to and centering the voices of Indigenous people in conversations and decision-making processes.
- Engaging in ongoing self-reflection and learning about how to be a better ally to Indigenous communities.
To promote Allyship in classroom:
-I will encourage students to participate in projects, discussions, or events that promote Indigenous allyship and awareness, such as organizing cultural celebrations, organizing seminars and workshops so that they understand about being a true Ally.
- Make use of Indigenous resources, such as books, films, and online resources, available to students to learn more about Indigenous history, culture, and issues.
- Create a safe and respectful space for students to ask questions, share their thoughts, and engage in meaningful discussions about Indigenous allyship.
- Teach students to shift their perspectives to see the world through the lens of Indigenous people to better understand their experiences.
Resources:
1) Being an ally to indigenous people | Queen's University (queensu.ca)
2) Want to be an ally to Indigenous people? Listen and unlearn, say 2 community workers | CBC News
3) 10 ways to be a genuine ally to Furst Nations communities (amnesty.org.au)
4) Building Trust Before Truth: How Non-Indigenous Canadians Become Allies — Animikii
Takeaway 2: Land Acknowledgement
Land Acknowledgement is a significant and meaningful practice that emphasizes the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the land. According to Indigenous people, honoring the land, the ancestors and the relationship that exist between people and the environment. It is a way to acknowledge the sovereignty and the continued existence of Indigenous Nations as well as the significance of respecting their territories.
Checklist of questions to keep in mind when creating a Land Acknowledgement:
· Do I know how to pronounce the terms or names that I will be saying?
· Do I understand the significance of what I am reciting?
· Do I know the meaning behind what I am saying?
· How does my event, meeting, or gathering reflect what I am saying?
· What actions will follow the land acknowledgement?
· How might I move from acknowledgement to relationship?
· Has the recitation of the land acknowledgement become performative, stale, or is
it still fulfilling its intended purpose?
· What is my responsibility and commitment to the land?
I will make sure that students of my class know the value of Land Acknowledgement and it’s importance. As an educator, I will implement the practice of acknowledging the Territorial Land with care to words and pronunciation by making sure that students recognize and respect the diversity of this land .
Resources:
1) "The Significance of Land Acknowledgements" by Linda Tuhiwai Smith (bankstreet.edu)
2) Beyond territorial acknowledgments – âpihtawikosisân (apihtawikosisan.com)
3) Land Acknowledgement Guide - October 2020.pdf (sheridancollege.ca)
Takeaway 3: Terminology matters
When writing about Indigenous peoples, it is important to use careful and respectful terminology. This includes:
Indigenous communities have rich cultural histories, languages, and traditions. Using respectful language acknowledges their unique identities and shows appreciation for their contributions.
Proper terminology educates the public about Indigenous history, struggles, and achievements.
It encourages awareness and empathy, promoting reconciliation and understanding.
In summary, respectful terminology reflects our commitment to acknowledging the diverse and resilient Indigenous communities and their rightful place in our shared history and present-day society.
How can I promote usage of right Indigenous terminology in my classroom environment:
First and the foremost, I will educate myself from various resources about usage of right terminology. I will update my learning about Indigenous terminology and the cultural significance behind it.
I will provide resources to my students so that they can learn about the correct usage of words.
In order to foster correct terminology, I will invite Indigenous speakers who can share their knowledge about correct terminology.
Resources:
1) Indigenous Peoples: Language Guidelines Version 3.0 (ubc.ca)
2) Terminology (ubc.ca)
3) Indigenous Terminology Guide | Queen's University (queensu.ca)
4) What is Indigenous Identity? (ictinc.ca)
Takeaway 4 : First Peoples Principles of Learning
Through this topic I learnt different ways about how to incorporate First Peoples Principles of Learning into my classroom teaching. These principles emphasize the importance of relationships, holistic learning, experiential learning, and learning through interconnectedness with the land, language, and culture.
Incorporating these Principles will help me create more inclusive and culturally responsive environment. I gained an insight into how these Principles will help students gain well-rounded education and how as educators we can acknowledge diverse knowledge systems that exist within BC Indigenous communities.
In Classroom Teaching:
I practiced teaching “Seven Sacred Teachings” with my students which they truly enjoyed learning about. In order to build up Indignity in our classroom, it is very important that students learn about the importance of Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility and Truth.
Inquiry Question: Module 1
How can I foster a more inclusive, culturally responsive, and holistic approach to education that honors Indigenous perspectives and promotes a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and ways of knowing?
Reflection of Module-1
Learning about Indigenous perspectives have broadened my understanding about Indigenous ways of life. I have learnt about how words matter in communicating about Indigenous backgrounds and how important it is to use words with gratitude, respect and humility. Also, I have learnt about what it means to be an ally. Module 1 has helped me understand that how by being an ally I can offer assistance by establishing meaningful relationship with people and communities around. After reading about "The Circle of Courage" and "Seven Sacred Teachings" I learnt about different ways to blend Indigenous ways of education in our current classroom settings.
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