Welcome to My Website!
Hello, my name is Lily Pierpont. I am a grade 12 student at Princess Margaret Secondary, this is my final project for English First Peoples 12. The purpose of this website is to explain how I believe that we could implement more reconciliation into the school system and effective ways to do so. As well as ways that Reconciliation is already being implemented within the system. Specifically within the social studies department, as that is what I hope to do post secondary. Although the school system as a whole will also be addressed.
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What is Reconciliation? |
What will it look like in Schools? |
According to the government of Canada reconciliation is the act of building and renewing a relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect and partnership. As well as the process of maintaining respectful relationships.
Who can practice Reconciliation in a School?Everyone should do their best to take part in reconciliation at their school. Whether it is attending assemblies, watching performances, or asking questions. Everyone is responsible. Teachers should be able to gain aid from their district to learn more about Indigenous history and how they can help in the reconciliation journey from their classroom. Reconciliation Education provides online classes for both students and teachers to attend in order to aid with reconciliation.
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"It begins with teaching them the truth about our history. Knowing what happened will lead to understanding. Understanding leads to respect. Reconciliation is about respect." - Senator Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Calls to ActionThe Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Calls to Action 62 - 65 mention the education system, and how it can improve. These calls to actions include but are not limited to: providing sufficient funding to multiple different areas including, to be able to put a proper curriculum in place as well as to educate teachers on Indigenous topics. As well as working with Indigenous Elders to make the curriculum suitable for everyone. None of these acts have yet to be fully implemented.
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We need to educate not only on indigenous tragedies in the past, but also their accomplishments.
- M. Buckley
What Can We Do Today?
On the more personal side of things. You can educate yourself on Indigenous history in Canada, as well as the land and territory that you live, work, and play on. You could learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to action, and educate yourself on why these need to be fixed. You can listen to Indigenous voices and perspective by reading books, or watching movies/documentaries.
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Within the classroom, we should teach the difference between appropriating and appreciating a culture. Listen to Indigenous voices when talking about Indigenous topics, such as residential school, the 60's scoop, etc. As well as, we need to stop talking about Indigenous people in the past tense, they are still here! Educate not only on their history, but also on their present and future.
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