ECS 203 BLOG SPACE: Curriculum in Action: Integrating Treaty Education
Week 10: We are all Treaty people. The phrase “‘ we are all treaty people’ implies that implies, both Indigenous and non-Ingenious people in Saskatchewan are part of the treaty.”1 Saskatchewan exists on six different treaties, all created for all peoples’ betterment and properties within Canada. “It is important to teach treaty education, so all students [can] understand that all people benefit from Treaties #2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10, which cover all of what is now Saskatchewan.”2 By teaching Treaty education and First Nations, Métis and Inuit ways of knowing and understanding we will teach students the values of respect, honesty, generosity and balance are vital to their ways of being. It is also essential that Treaty Education is taught in the school system to ensure that students learn about Canada’s history not only from the colonist’s view but also from those who were colonialized. Understanding their ways of knowing and understanding students will gain knowledge about their history as a whole and the peoples who still feel the effects of colonialism. By teaching Treaty Education, it allows us to critically reflect on our shared history and how to move forward through truth and reconciliation to heal our nation for the prosperity of all peoples of Canada.
I understand that First Nation ways of knowing to incorporate scared teaching of seven generations mean that decisions are made to benefit the next seven generations. Treaties were signed with this understanding. In the process of creating personally responsible citizens for the benefit of our future, it is our job as educators to teach students the importance of the treaties and honouring our forefathers’ commitment to treaties. Treaty education is not a localized subject; it affects all Canadians and should be taught equally across the board.
Treaty Education is essential in the classroom, regardless of cultural diversity. If the school is predominately white cultural, they will benefit from learning how we are all Treaty people with a shared history and the importance of education over ignorance. As Canada moves towards Truth and Reconciliation across the country, students need to understand why the Calls to Action is vital to move away from racism, discrimination and bigotry. If the classroom is made of children from the and First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures, they will feel valued and respected as their ways of knowing are being taught in a healthy way adding to a healthy sense of self. Educating all children about the importance of treaty education will inspire growth and maturity in citizens that are part of treaty land will teach and guide future generations on the importance of treaties planned in Canada’s creation.
Colonialism has affected many First Nations, Métis and Inuit negatively living in Canada. The mistreatment of residential survivors and the displacements of lands have created intergenerational trauma, and education is the first step towards breaking that cycle. To protect our future, we need to understand our past, so Canada will not repeat those mistakes.
Work Cited
[1]About the Treaties (otc.ca)
[2] K-9 Treaty Education Learning Resource
Chambers_We are all treaty people.pdf – Google Drive
Dwayne Donald – On What Terms Can We Speak? on Vimeo