Local Indigenous Allyship

Why it matters for all of us, especially educators, and how we can all become better community members, in good relationship with the First Peoples of this place, and with all things.

Welcome Educators! Kisuk Kyukit! Way'! Weyt-k! Here in the area known as ʔaqyamǂup in Ktunaxa and k’iyá’mlup in n̓syilxčn̓ (Nelson, BC), we are fortunate to live on the unceded traditional territory of the Ktunaxa, Sinixt/Sn̓ʕaýckstx (Lakes), and Syilx (Okanagan) peoples. Just north of here, within our school district, was also territory traditionally used by the Secwepmec people. Living in this place elicits deep gratitude for the many diverse Indigenous people who now call this place home, as well as the life giving water, fresh air, and abundant biodiversity of this land.

As a settler educator aspiring to Reconciliation with Indigenous People, my intention in creating this website is to provide fellow educators with a starting place to engage with local Indigenous voices on your own journeys towards Truth and Reconciliation, starting with the local Ktunaxa and Sinixt Peoples. Remember, your best teachers are local Indigenous Peoples. While there are many wonderful Canadian and BC resources, it is important to start with your local community, learning, listening and building good relationships.

Main, E. (2024) Indigenous History at Nelson Lakefront. [image]

Folini, F. (2012) jumping coyote

About This Website

Learning Journey: Learn about Important topics to help you start your own journey, including inspiring Indigenous voices. Each page highlights a First Peoples Principle of Learning (FNESC,nd.)
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): These may be helpful in a more general sense for all educators.
Annotated Bibliography: Essential reading for local Indigenous allies or accomplices.

Reflections For Educators:

Throughout the website you will find black sections like this one, with suggestions for deeper personal reflection on various topics. This kind of reflection practice for educators is recommended in the book Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies - An Act for Reconciliation and Anti-Racist Education (Chrona, 2023) and by many other Indigenous teachers. It is a great way for us to begin getting curious about our own mindsets, biases, and understandings.

Starting reflections:

What questions do you have about incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being into your classes?
What is your current relationship like with local Indigenous Nations and people?
What do you want to learn more about?

Here is a printable list of all the reflections in the website.

Start your learning journey!

References:

Acker, K. (nd.) Coyote in tall grass.[image] NPS. https://www.nps.gov/caha/learn/nature/images/DSC_6240361_2_1.jpeg

Chrona, J. (2022) Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies – An Act for Reconciliation and Anti-Racist Education. Portage & Main Press.

FNESC (n.d.) First People’s Principle of Learning. https://www.fnesc.ca/first-peoples-principles-of-learning/

Folini, F. (2012) Jumping Coyote. [image] CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coyote_(Canis_latrans)_(7147080735).jpg

Main, E. (2024) Indigenous History at Nelson Lakefront.[image] Personal correspondence.

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