In the past week it was National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and in the previous week, I had the privilege to attend a Pro-D where I got to hear from amazing people such as Ashley Callingbull and Dr. Dustin Louie on this same subject. Attending this Indigenous Day of Learning was such a blessing for me and gave me such courage to go into the next week and teach the grade fours about these tough, but important subjects. One of the most important quotes that I took from the Pro-D was when Dustin Louie stated that:
“Reconciliation isn’t just about saying sorry. It’s about creating an environment of mutual respect; of taking down barriers that keep Indigenous people from succeeding”
This quote really speaks to me because as I have probably stated too many times (even though too many times is never enough) is that for us as teachers, we have a huge role in educating the students that we have to create an understanding which can foster a better relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. After hearing the moving words of both Ashley and Dustin, I am both moved and motivated. I believe that this motivation is what will drive me to bring these topics into my classroom and start with making my classroom a safe and inclusive space for all my students.
