Diversity

After reading Language Planning & Policy in Saskatchewan Schools, there were a lot of beneficial points that stood out to me. Learning about Indigenous Peoples history is very important to include in lessons plans. In 1871-1971, eleven Post-Confederation treaties with Indigenous peoples were signed. After these treaties were signed, most of their land was taken away from them. Within Canada’s history, Indigenous Peoples struggled to have a voice. There was a lack of Indigenous rights including having access to their own land. Becoming aware of the traditional territory you are on, learning about the traditional territory protocols and acknowledging the different communities in the school district is so important in a classroom environment. For example, I may one day be in front of a classroom where I could note that I and the students are on “Treaty 4 territory and homelands of the Metis People”. In 1910, the Immigration Act banned entry of any race that deemed unsuited to the climate or requirements of Canada. Even though the Immigration Act did not name any ethnic group in particular, there was a limitation on who was actually suited to immigrate to Canada. This authority was not removed from Canadian statutes until 1967. Canada made it required in 1908 that immigrants had continuous passage stipulation. This made it extremely difficult for families to immigrate over and was targeted toward Indians. 

School board meetings were entirely English and any French-speaking teachers were cancelled from Anderson’s government. If students were caught speaking French, they were punished and some of them even got the strap. Even teachers with accents were frowned upon. It’s very saddening to hear about the history of our country. The pain and shame the students and teachers must have felt. Working at Luther, it is very important that the RA’s still allow time for the international students to speak their own language. When their culture and language is supported, they feel more comfortable to talk and learn more about English. Oftentimes, when international students are new to the dorms, they are very shy and timid. They do not want to say the wrong thing and be embarrassed. When the students know that they will not be shamed for making a mistake, they will begin to talk more. To show our support towards Chinese New Year we had a banquet to celebrate. We had their traditional food and decorated the whole school. The students were so excited and appreciated our acknowledgement toward their culture. It is so important that students know that every language and culture is worthy. In 1993, Saskatchewan wanted to make change and demanded that the Education Act recognize the right of Francophones to linguistic school boards. As teachers, we need to become aware of the marginalization and segregation that was held into place for so many years. In order to change the social construct and to discontinue white supremacy, we need to take ownership of our history. Canada is a very diverse country and us teachers need to support and educate our students the best we can.