There is an important purpose of teaching Treaty Ed in schools, even if there are no (or very few) First Nations, Metis or Inuit students. 

I chose to look up some extra resources on Treaty Ed to ensure I was aware of all that Treaty Ed entails. In Saskatchewan, this mandatory teaching refers to “goals centred on the relationships, spirit and intent, historical context, and promises and provisions of the treaties” (“Treaty Education and Reconciliation Resources”). This points to one of quite a few reasons that Treaty Ed is important in schools regardless of whether or not the students are First Nations. According to this quote, Treaty Ed focuses on educating individuals on the treaties themselves. This means that this type of education involves everyone, as treaties are a quality of life regardless of culture. Even if individuals were focusing on First Nations culture for a class, this would not become any less important if students were not First Nations. It’s important for all to learn cultures, and important for all to learn treaties. Culture also involves everyone, as we should all understand the perspectives of those around us. 

However, if an individual were to say that they didn’t need to teach Treaty Ed if there’s no First Nations, Inuit or Metis students, they would be missing the whole point of Treaty Ed. Treaty Ed is only to educate on treaties, and not First Nations culture. If one is living on treaty land, they are considered a treaty person. This means that it doesn’t matter if someone is First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. This is necessary content to teach to individuals of all cultures living on treaty land.

I think an important quote from Ryan McMahon’s keynote is “Don’t be scared, Canada, it’s your truth too” (McMahon, Ryan). I chose this quote because it tells us that everyone in Canada is living through the treaties. Treaties aren’t just First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. It’s Canada in general that is treaty land, and it’s important that all learn about these treaties.

Claire Kreuger’s blog includes a video clip of her students explaining why Treaty Ed is important, using the quote “We are all treaty people” (Kreuger, Claire). I think this is a very important video clip, as Claire has obviously taught her students what Treaty Ed means, as they are explaining the class. As well, the quote “We are all treaty people” is important for understanding of curriculum, as it outlines what Treaty Ed means. Treaty Ed is not educating individuals on First Nations, Metis, or Inuit culture. It is educating individuals on the treaties, which are a quality of life for everyone. 

If I were to help someone teach a class on Treaty Ed, I would advise them to use quotes such as in Claire Kreuger’s video, “We are all treaty people”. (Kreuger, Claire). It’s important for students to understand that they class isn’t about culture, it is about the treaties that are a quality of their life, and learning Treaty Ed is an important quality for all.

Works Cited

Kreuger, Claire. Claire Kreuger Electronic Portfolio. http://clairekreuger.ca/

McMahon, Ryan. Preconference keynote. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvMyHcG-uVo&feature=youtu.be

“Treaty Education and Reconciliation Resources”. Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation. Stewart Resources Centre. Dec. 21, 2017. https://www.stf.sk.ca/about-stf/news/treaty-education-and-reconciliation-resources#:~:text=In%202007%2C%20K%2D12%20treaty,and%20provisions%20of%20the%20treaties.