Respond to the following email while keeping these questions in mind: What is the purpose of teaching Treaty Ed (specifically) or First Nations, Metis, and Inuit (FNMI) Content and Perspectives (generally) where there are few or no First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples? What does it mean for your understanding of curriculum that “We are all treaty people”?
Hello,
Firstly, I would like to convey my sincerest apologies regarding your difficulties with the exploration of treaty education within your school. It must be so difficult advocating for the importance of treaty education when your co-workers are so unwilling and dismissive when it comes to implementing these lessons within the classroom. I know you stated in your previous email that the pushback you were receiving from your co-workers was due to the fact that they believe the treaty is unnecessary because there are no indigenous students in your school. However, it is my belief and the belief of many others that treaty education benefits everyone, especially non-indigenous students. The implementation of treaty education within schools allows teachers and students to continue exploring reconciliation and healing. Many indigenous students have experienced the impact of oppression and intergenerational trauma stemming from colonialism. Therefore, continuing to target only indigenous students in regard to treaty education and the significance of reconciliation is redundant. However, non-indigenous students know very little about the impact of colonialism and the significance of the treaties. This lack of knowledge and understanding is inevitably what leads to misconceptions regarding indigenous peoples and culture, the development of racist ideologies and ignorance.
When discussing treaty education, one of the most common phrases used is “We are all treaty people.” This small is packed with meaning and is sometimes challenging to understand. In my experience with my own treaty education, the statement is a reminder that we all have a part to do when it comes to reconciliation and advocating for decolonization. We all share a part, regardless of race or ethnicity, in building a positive and healthy relationship between both indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.
I would advise you to continue advocating for treaty education and education regarding indigenous culture. I am still continuing my treaty education as I am still learning what it means to be a treaty person. I think there is still so much that we can learn to help foster the growing relationship between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples of Canada.
I hope this message inspires you and reassures you in a helpful way!
All the best,
Abigail Giannetta
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