I think that teaching treaty Ed and FNIM content is very important even when there are few to no students who are Indigenous in the classroom. I think it’s important to learn about the history of treaties in Canada, as well as the history of Indigenous peoples. Indigenous teachings are not only valuable to Indigenous students, they are valuable to everyone. Learning about Indigenous history, treaties and Indigenous teachings are important in developing a sense of what Canada is made of and how it was created. Treaties are important for everyone to learn about because they affect everyone. We are all on treaty territory and therefore we all play a role. It’s important to understand the treaties in Saskatchewan and the people that they benefit.
Teaching about other cultures is beneficial for all students. They get to learn about cultures different from their own, understand those beliefs and even allow those beliefs to shape their own thinking. Learning about other cultures gives students a deeper understanding and a better perspective on the world.
We are all treaty people because we all live in a place that was founded on treaties. It affects all the people of Saskatchewan even if we don’t realize it. As Chambers writes “it is our work”. It is our job to understand the treaties that are in place in our communities and how those treaties play a role in the daily lives of us and our neighbors. Claire said that we are all treaty people and that the treaties are important because we are all a part of the land that they cover. As Saskatchewan residents we are born and raised on treaty territory and the treaties are a part of our lives, even if we don’t notice it.