October 4, 2021
Indigenous history is a very relevant topic within society today, yet in many schools it remains under-recognized. Avoidance of discriminatory behavior towards such a valuable culture can be avoided through providing information on the ways of knowing our colonized country has chosen to ignore. Truth and reconciliation must become a priority within education to rid the system from white supremacy and bias towards certain cultures history whether it be assimilation or successes.
Muffins for Granny was an eye-opening experience, that offered truth into the impact of residential schools (McLaren 2007). I began to ask myself how teenagers can be so sympathetic to tragedy faced in media and taught in schools, yet the genocide of Indigenous peoples remains a “touchy subject” (as quoted by past teachers). The assumption that we have done what we can to provide support to these people is irrational; If we are still ashamed and uneducated imagine the current pain and sadness held within the culture that faced such an unimaginable process. The unimaginable experiences that these people went through provides me with the opportunity to learn more about the ongoing trauma and educate my future students on how we can path the way to reconciliation and spread truth rather than ignore the topic entirely.