When entering a classroom of majority settlers students it is important to understand and be able to explain the purpose and importance of treaty education. I feel that by beginning a lesson on why Treaty education is important to settler students who don’t identify as Indigenous, the student may connect and become more open to learning. Once students have an understanding of how Treaty and Indigenous ceremonies affected them and the land that they know as a home they may be more willing to learn deeper so that they can grow their connections. As an educator, you must remember the importance of what you teach and push through despite the potential of hard times. Treaty education is important as it allows students to understand Canadian history as Indigenous people had a huge role in the molding of what we now know as Canada.
The saying ‘We are all Treaty people’ is true and will remain to be true. Our students must understand how they fit into the Treaties as settler Canadians. Teaching Indigenous perspectives is important because those ways of learning and doing are native to Canada and they can help shape our student’s understandings of diversity and inclusion. By having Treaty education in the curriculum I see an effort toward relationships between Indigenous and settler Canadians. There is a Cree word that I feel is important within Treaty education, ‘Wahkotowin’, this word represents relationship and how we are all connected. It is teaching Treaty education that will further the relationships with Indigenous people and how we can all share and build connection and understanding of diverse ways of knowing and doing.
I really liked how you mentioned the importance of building relationships within treaty education, and I also agree that relationships and connections are a huge part of this type of education as it allows students to connect more directly and emotionally to the things they are learning about Canadian and Indigenous history. Even as teachers it is important for us to be able to build connections as well to allow us to develop our own learning and understanding of what treaty education really means.
Hey Jarhico, you did a wonderful job on your blog post! I absolutely agree with your point that it is crucial leaners – either Indigenous or non-Indigenous – learn why Treaty education is important. As you quoted, we are ALL Treaty people, therefore it only makes sense that we are ALL educated on Treaties and what it means to be Treaty people. As well, thank you for adding another Cree word to my vocabulary!
Hi, Jarhico.
I agree with your comment I think it is important to teach students the history of Indigenous culture in Canada. I also think we should include more Indigenous history in physical education class, such as learning how to play their traditional sports and games. I feel like adding more Indigenous activities in a physical education class will bring the students to learn more in depth about the culture and feel more of a connection.