Getting Started
We have provided some basic terms, concepts, and ideas to help you get started.
Land Acknowledgement
This is probably something that you have experienced in recent years; in fact you may have found yourself wondering why all of the sudden land aknowledgments are preceeding special events, political addresses and school events. Well, I'm glad you asked! Land Acknowledgments are an important act of reconciliation. In recognizing traditional territory of Indigenous communities brings awareness to Indigenous presence, as described by Native-Land.ca*. In all, Land Acknowledgements emphasize our countries sordid history and the current need for change!
Protocol
If you have worked closely with Indigenous communities, you have probably heard of protocol. If you have not, but you intend to, it is an important concept to become familiar with. Protocol generally refers to "ways of interacting with Indigenous people in a manner that respects traditional ways of being."* This practice goes beyond being good manners, they have significant roots in an Indigenous community's culture. Specific protocol varies from community to community, so if you do wish to bring an Indigenous Knowledge Holder into your classroom you should do some research to figure out their protocol procedures.
Residential Schools
These were federally implimented and funded school systems created with intent to assimilate Indigenous youth. Conditions at these schools were typically abhorent: unhygenic, overcrowed and disease ridden. Young children would be forcibly taken from their families and assigned to schools very far away from their homes. These schools were intentionally designed to target the most vulnerable population of any community; their children. This brief description does not even begin to cover the true horror of these institutions. I encourage you to develop deeper learning on this topic to better understand the true nessesity of reconciliation.
Elders
In Indigenous communties, Elder's are highly respected and are considered the heart of the community. Valued for their knowledge and wisdom, Elder's traditionally held significant roles of importance in education for youth. Part of their responsibility was to "impart tradition, knowledge, culture, values, and lessons using orality and role modeling traditional practices."* This speaks to the importance of oral tradition in teaching Indigenous youth. More concepts of Indigenous pedegogy can be found amongst our resources.
