My aesthetic representation was inspired by Muffins for Granny and the importance of the land, environment, and stories to the identity of Indigenous peoples. The muffins were baked with no paper to signify that Indigenous peoples are starting to get their ‘muffins’/true stories told. The muffins are arranged in a circle for inclusion, and for all voices to be heard. The circle is representing community and equity. There are only 4 muffins to represent the 4 dimensions being mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. The Indigenous ways of knowing include a holistic approach to educating the ‘whole’ child. The muffins were baked as the same kind with different chocolate chips to symbolize that even within every culture everyone is different with their own story and strengths. The muffins are placed in a circular environment for the spiritual significance of land and the environment in identity, learning, and our place within all of existence. With colonization and residential schools land and identity were taken from Indigenous peoples. Working towards reconciliation Indigenous peoples need to be given the opportunity to speak their truths of the horrific treatment, trauma, and their resilience. Teachers need to understand the different ways of knowing and the place-based holistic approach to work towards decolonizing education. We need to encourage learning from our natural environment and more diverse ways of teaching to benefit each individual student’s strengths and current knowledge. Everything is circular as my journey towards reconciliation and learning is a continuous cycle to be adjusted and built on.

Reference:

McLaren, Nadia. (2007). Muffins for granny [Film]. Mongrel Media Inc.

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