Truth and Reconciliation In Schools
Article Series Overview
For many years, the history of indigenous peoples in Canada was not taught in schools. The feeling was that this community did not have much to offer compared to the contributions of those of European descent. According to one account, the teaching of residential schools, treaties, and the contributions of Indigenous peoples for all students from kindergarten to Grade 12 only came about across Canada after becoming a recommendation in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report in 2015.
This series of articles attempts to provide age-appropriate content for high school students to cover the history of indigenous peoples and their interactions with settlers from first contact, the signing of treaties, the push for assimilation of indigenous peoples through methods such as residential schools, the move away from assimilation, the legacy of the residential school system, and now the push for truth and reconciliation as well as self-government. The articles will provide students with the background history behind the residential school system and how they can help move towards truth and reconciliation through their own actions and efforts. The goal of this series will be to guide students towards actions that can help with reconciliation and, subsequently, serve as a starting point for working with students to make these actions happen. It will provide students with an opportunity to see a different future and make that future happen. The material will illustrate the legacy of this history and provide them an opportunity to add to the discussion as to how to address the challenges we now face. It can also be used by adults interested in learning about the history of interactions between settlers and indigenous peoples in Canada.
Series Articles
Contributions of Peoples Worldwide Before Contact with European Colonizers
Before and During First Contact – The Early Years – From the Years 1500s Onwards
The Lead-Up to Residential Schools
The Indian Act – A High-Level Picture
What Happened at Residential Schools
The Signing of Treaties with Indigenous Peoples of Canada
Impacts of Residential Schools
Truth and Reconciliation – Moving Forward
The Importance of Self-Government for Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Goal of Program
Goal: have students learn about the history of indigenous peoples in Canada as well as the legacy of the residential school system. After this, students can be encouraged to act. Examples of actions for truth and reconciliation for students in schools are listed below.
- Study the diversity of indigenous peoples in Canada – a McMaster University website states the following: “Indigenous is a collective name for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, which includes hundreds of distinct and independent nations across the country (and even the world), each with unique histories, traditions and languages.” Make a presentation describing the diversity of indigenous peoples in Canada.
- Recognize the rich and significant contributions that Indigenous peoples have made to Canada. Make a presentation describing these contributions.
- Listen to Indigenous Voices – Invite Indigenous Elders to classrooms – learn from these voices and take action based on what you have learnt.
- Organize a school event on Orange Shirt Day (September 30th) to honour residential school survivors – educate others in the school community about truth and reconciliation.
- Develop Reconciliation-themed art, videos, and writing which can be presented to all members of the school community.
- Partner with local First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities for cultural exchanges, environmental programs, or shared projects. Ask them what they want you to do to achieve Truth and Reconciliation in your school setting.
- Try to support indigenous education charities like Indspire Canada to help indigenous students in Canada – your school could fundraise for this cause – if education got us into this problem, education can get us out of this problem.
- Students can write to their school boards asking for stronger Indigenous content (eg. Studying indigenous literature and learning about the indigenous creation stories and other stories that teach laws, values, history, and relationships with the land for indigenous peoples).
- Create a presentation on the importance of preserving indigenous languages and how it is linked to the connection indigenous peoples have to their land, culture, and way of life. Make sure that others in the school community become aware of this linkage.
- Start or join a Reconciliation Club at school – this can be a club that promotes Truth and Reconciliation in the school community.
