"If the truth comes before the reconciliation, then Canadian teachers are at the forefront of this country’s future." – Dr. Kate Freeman, Shawn McDonald, and Dr. Lindsay Morcom in "Truth and Reconciliation in YOUR Classroom."
Educators have a crucial role to play in creating a more equitable Canada. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action has a specific section reinforcing this idea, which they call "Education for Reconciliation." The document stresses the need for education on Indigenous peoples and issues, both historical and contemporary. Education on the topic of the Indian Residential School System (IRS) and its legacy is specifically highlighted, as well as treaty relationships. These issues can be difficult to navigate, especially for those with limited knowledge of Canada's colonial history (and colonial present) and its lasting effect on Indigenous Peoples. This guide is meant to be a starting point for those unsure of where to begin when it comes to integrating the Calls to Action in their teaching. All teachers have a responsibility to do this work.The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is sponsoring Every Child Matters / Chaque enfant compte on September 30, from 10 am to 2 pm.
This online event is in support of reconciliation through education and will include "an opportunity to learn from Residential School Survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists and leaders from nations and cultures across the country (https://education.nctr.ca/). For Grades 5 to 12. Register your class at the NCTR site: https://education.nctr.ca/