Blog Post #8

Dear Student,

The purpose of teaching Treaty Education is to provide students with the knowledge of their culture. Identifying as treaty people is a part of ALL of your students identity, not just your indigenous students. The concept of treaties is crucial for students to understand as they will eventually become adults who have influence. It is a myth that treaty education only belongs in the classroom if you have indigenous students; you are doing a disservice to your students if you do not fight for this education.

As an educator, you have an accountability to teach treaty education as it is in the curriculum. Through the outcomes and indicators you can change the tone of the content among students and staff; deliver the content with “a complex lightness”. It is imperative that students feel comfortable discussing controversial topics and issues at a young age. As educators we have a responsibility to help students understand that their words matter, especially when everyone is listening. We must teach content such as residential schools, however uncomfortable, to showcase how the system was designed to be bad (C. Kreuger, 2017). There is more to learn about history than dates.. there needs to be a deeper understanding and conversation!

According to Kreuger (2017), it is freeing as a student to make mistakes. It allows you an opportunity to learn and grow in front of your students. Provide a direct link to your learning outcomes to the curriculum for parents who may push-back the topic. Try to implement treaty education early on in your program to embed the lessons and teachings into your students. Finally, provide field trips and first-hand experiences for your students to immerse them in what they are learning in your classroom.

Remember, We Are ALL Treaty People!

Mercedez