Category: Truth and Reconciliation

Video: If These Hills Could Talk – Day of Education for Reconciliation

Early in her artist residency at the University of Regina, Daya Madhur was invited to support the preservice education students on their professional development field trip to Fort Qu’Appelle where the history and beauty of the valley inspired her creative journey.

Daya says,

“As I reflected upon the landscape I often sought to personify the hills and question what they have seen and heard. When creating this performance piece I wanted to portray the complexity of the residential school experience in Lebret and Fort Qu’Appelle. Throughout the creation process I visualized layers as seen from my perspective, historic documents, the students’ lived experiences, and Elder Starblanket’s narrative, soundscape recordings of the river valley, movement, and even the narrative told through the fabric in the dance. My heart lies in the interdisciplinary and I wanted to include all aspects of the fine arts in this project. The initial performance consisted of a dance/drama piece that interacted with the narratives and projected images.”

The video below is a curated adaptation of the performance piece performed on April 14, 2016 at the Walking Together: Day of Education for Truth and Reconciliation hosted by the Faculty of Education, University of Regina and the National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR).”

“Walking Together”: A Day of Education for Reconciliation

On April 14, the Faculty of Education, in partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) hosted “Walking Together”: A Day of Education for Reconciliation for 1447 students (Grades 5 – 12) and 103 teachers from approximately 50 schools across Saskatchewan. Dean Jennifer Tupper says, “The numbers far exceeded our expectations and are indicative of our larger commitment to Indigenization and the history and legacy of residential schools in our province.” Participants learned about the history of residential schools, their impact, and about how to move forward, “Walking Together,” the theme chosen for the event.

Committee members brought together a meaningful schedule of activities in which students and teachers participated. The day began in a good way with a smudging ceremony for committee members and volunteers led by Life Speaker Noel Starblanket.

The opening included greetings from Dean Jennifer Tupper, Life Speaker Noel Starblanket, Indigenization Lead Shauneen Pete, Education Lead for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Charlene Bearhead, and President Vianne Timmons who engaged the students with calls for a responsive “I will” regarding their commitment to participation. Eugene Arcand, a residential school survivor who served on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Survivor Committee, asked survivors to stand and come forward so they could be recognized and honoured. Indigenous drumming and singing reminded participants to remember those who have gone before them. Elder Alma Poitras explains that “drums are more than the heartbeat of mother earth. They are our ancestors reminding of where we come from. Each tribe has their own identity, but for me when I hear the drums I am reminded by our ancestors and by Nature to respect what has been provided.”

An interesting and inspirational day of workshops and presentations included education student- and faculty-led blanket exercises, in English and French. The Blanket Exercise is an interactive learning experience that teaches the history of colonialism experienced by Indigenous peoples, physically and visually demonstrating the losses endured by Indigenous peoples: land, language, and loved ones due to epidemics and illness, and children lost to residential schools; all of which highlight the effects of broken treaty promises. Other workshops for the day included: “Truth and Reconciliation Through Music” with Brad Bellegarde, “Playback Theatre” with Dustin Brass, Ben Ironside, and Erin Goodpipe; “Le Fil de Reconciliation” with Anne Brochu Lambert, the Prairie South School Division brought their student presentation “Voices of Youth” with Vivian Gauvin; “Métis Experience” with Russell Fayant and Brenna Pacholko; a “Conversation for Reconciliation” with Lee Prosper; “Inuit Reflection and Vision” with Elder Millie Anderson; “Project of Heart” with Sylvia Smith; “If These Hills Could Talk” with Daya Madhur and Noel Starblanket, and “This is Not Sacred” with Eagleclaw Thom (in which students created hide paintings using silk-screen materials and modern digital technology.)

The day closed with presentations from the NCTR Imagine Canada winner, Christopher Sanford Beck, and representatives from All Nations Healing and the RIIS Media Project. Dr. James Daschuk challenged the group to action: In accordance with Call to Action #75, which calls upon the federal government to work with provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, organizations, and landowners to develop and implement strategies for ongoing identification, documentation, maintenance, commemoration, and protection of residential school cemeteries or other sites where residential school children were buried. Participants were challenged to send a postcard to the House of Commons and the Office of the Prime Minister to ensure the Regina Indian Industrial School (RIIS) cemetery is given heritage status, and the site commemorated and memorialized. Resulting from these actions, alongside the important work of organizations such as the RIIS Commemorative Association Inc. and the Luther College’s recent Project of Heart, on September 26, the Regina City Council approved heritage status for the RIIS cemetery.

 

Photo Gallery (Slide cursor over the photo and click on the arrow to see the next photo) Day of Education for Reconciliation


Interview with NCTR Education Lead Charlene Bearhead

Charlene Bearhead, Education Lead with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), worked closely with the Faculty of Education in every aspect of the planning and budgeting for the Day of Education. She hopes to “see a Day of Education at every Faculty of Education across the country.” The following is an interview with Charlene Bearhead.

Describe your role as Education Lead with the NCTR?

I am responsible for the engagement of Ministries of Education, School Divisions, Faculties of Education, School Board Associations, Teachers’ Organizations and all other education organizations and agencies across Canada. This includes public education and outreach towards our goal of educating every person living in Canada about the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools and to engage Canadians in meaningful reconciliation.

How did this partnership between the U of R and NCTR come about?

I have been connected with the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina (U of R) for some time through my work as the National Coordinator of Project of Heart. The Faculty of Education at the U of R is such a natural fit for a partnership with NCTR for so many reasons not the least of which is the incredible and authentic commitment, leadership, and action on addressing the voids in education in the areas of all that is Indigenous in such a genuine and respectful manner.

How many Days of Education has NCTR jointly hosted?

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission hosted six Education Days within its National Events and NCTR hosted one in Winnipeg for the official opening of the Centre on November 4, 2015.

What was unique about the “Walking Together: A Day of Education for Truth and Reconciliation at the U of R?

It was the first one ever to be hosted by a University. The overwhelming success of the U of R day has inspired the University of Manitoba (U of M) Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Education at University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) to host their own events this fall.

Why are Days of Education for Reconciliation important?

These days of education give the unique opportunity for students and teachers to come together to experience learning with one another, to engage in authentic learning experiences that might not be otherwise available in their own schools and communities, and to understand that they are a part of something much bigger than an individual school or community. It gives students and teachers the opportunity to garner ideas and experience learning that they can then take back and share in their home schools to promote the seeking of truth and reconciliation in their families and communities.

You’ve been known to use the word “ReconciliACTION.” What is the passion behind this word for you?

The term “ReconciliACTION” was coined by Stan Wesley who is an amazing and inspiring Anishnabe mentor from Ontario. I love the term because it embodies the understanding that if we don’t actually take action on our learning nothing will change. I’ve borrowed the term from Stan with his blessing as have many others across the country.

What outcomes have you seen resulting from these Days of Education? And specifically the U of R?

The positive action and energy that have resulted from these Education Days is endless. The most important outcome is that they inspire people in other parts of the country to host their own gatherings of authentic, experiential learning and ReconciliACTION. The U of R day has inspired the U of M and UPEI among others.

There will be many more truth and reconciliation days of education at Faculties of Education across the country as a result of April 14, 2016 at the U of R. In fact I have had a call from the North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND, as a direct result of the U of R education day media coverage.

What does Reconciliation Mean to You?
School Children’s Responses After a Day of Education for Truth and Reconciliation

“Reconciliation means a promise.” Ashton Boyd

“Revering a culture.” Zander

“Learning about First Nations past, and being courageous to make a difference.” Jasmine Mcrae

“Treating everyone equal.” Peter

“No one is judged by what they wear or what colour skin they have.” Abby Larsen

“Treat others the way you want to be treated.” Nhicole Padora

“Equality no matter what your culture is.” Mia Sander

“Treating other people fairly.” Alliyah Lara

“Change the world.” Lauryn Towers

“Make sure everyone fits in together.” Preslyn Wilson

“Treating everyone equal.” Breanna K.

“Stop hurting other people’s feelings.” Cole

Colours just a colour; it doesn’t define who you are.” Alyssa

“Everybody can be equal; no one should be left out.” Merissa Tomaschefski

“Everyone to have equal rights.” Sasha Romanow

“Stop racism: Where I see it, I will stand up to it.” Zia Knox

“Accept everyone has culture; they be themselves.” Himashi Gunasinghe

“Love people for who they are.” Hailey Johnson

“Change past -> better future.” Mackenzie Sheane

“Right the wrongs.” Malena Jensen

Resistance and Reconciliation Fishbowl Panel Discussion

This afternoon, STARS Regina (Student Teacher Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression Society) is hosting a Fishbowl style panel presentation/discussion with Special Guests Life Speaker Noel Starblanket, Dr. Shauneen Pete, Dr. Michael Cappello, Dr. Tana Mitchell, and Tamara Ryba. The group is discussing resistance in relation with and connection to reconciliation. The event is being held in the Teaching Preparation Centre (Ed 228) from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. and is open to everyone. Participants will receive a PD certificate.

Winter 2016 Secondary Pre-Internship Treaty Workshop

IMG_6378aWinter 2016 Pre-Internship Treaty Workshop for secondary education students began today. It will be held over two days, January 13 and 14th.  Students will be instructed by the Office of the Treaty Commissioner representatives on topics such as History of Treaty Making, First Nations Elder Teachings, the Indian Act, Treaty Kits and On-line Resources, Worldwide Activities, and Incorporating Themes and Topics into Units and Lessons.

#TreatyEdCamp Recognized at Legislative Assembly

MLA and NDP Deputy Leader Trent Wotherspoon recognized the Faculty of Education’s #TreatyEdCamp in the legislature on November 19, 2015 (transcript below or see page 7723 of the online copy ).

“Mr. Wotherspoon: — On November 4th, the U of R [University of Regina] hosted a progressive and impressive learning opportunity for teachers here in Saskatchewan. The Treaty Edcamp was a professional development event organized by the U of R chapter of the Student Teachers Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppressive Society with the support of the Faculty of Education and Dean, Dr. Jennifer Tupper. We know how important treaty education is for our province. Every acre is covered by treaty and every resident is party to the treaty.

There were more than 30 presenters leading the discussions about how to incorporate treaty education into classrooms, creating a rich learning opportunity. Also impressive were the 250 teachers and students from across Saskatchewan that came to Regina to attend the camp on their own time on a Saturday. Some sessions focused on how to incorporate the treaties into math and science; others focused on strategies for talking about dark parts of our history with young students — all important topics for reconciliation in our province.

And so I ask all members to join me in thanking Meagan Dobson, Katia Hildebrandt, Raquel Bellefleur for their work in organizing this conference and in recognizing the important work being done by students, teachers, elders, professors, educators, and administrators across our province to ensure that every student in Saskatchewan learns how important treaties have been in shaping Saskatchewan’s past and the fundamental role they must play in our province’s future if Saskatchewan is going to reach its full potential. We are, after all, all treaty people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.” (Debates and Proceedings)