Week 8: Importance of Treaty Education

What is the purpose of teaching Treaty Ed (specifically) or First Nations, Metis, and Inuit (FNMI) Content and Perspectives (generally) where there are few or no First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples?
What does it mean for your understanding of curriculum that “We are all treaty people”?

Dear Student,
It is important to remember when teaching Treaty Education, even when there are few or no Indigenous students in the class how important it is to teach this history of Canada. If there are little to no Indigenous students, this may be the only exposure or teaching surrounding Treaty Education. I personally find that the more invested your students see that you are and the more you express how important/necessary this education is, the more the students will think so as well. Ensuring that your classroom is safe place for all people and cultures, even if there are not students of those cultures in your room at the time, is very important when trying to create an inclusive learning environment. Understanding the curriculum when it states “we are all treaty people” means that we are all interconnected. Treaty’s affect us all and we all have obligations when it comes to truth and reconciliation, that is why treaty education is so important. Trying to be understanding that these may be new ideas, concepts or understandings for your students while staying firm that racism will not be tolerated may be key for you in having your students try to open up.