“Educators respect and value the history of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada and
the impact of the past on the present and the future. Educators contribute towards
truth, reconciliation and healing. Educators foster a deeper understanding of ways of
knowing and being, histories, and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.”
“Educators critically examine their own biases, attitudes, beliefs, values and practices to facilitate
change. Educators value and respect the languages, heritages, cultures, and ways of knowing
and being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Educators understand the power of focusing on
connectedness and relationships to oneself, family, community and the natural world. Educators
integrate First Nations, Inuit and Métis worldviews and perspectives into learning environments.”
The picture above is the model I made as part of our Indigenous Ed course at UNBC. The following excerpt accompanied this drum as it was displayed in the Robert Frederick Gallery:
“I chose to make a drum as my model as I felt that the drum is a beautifully simple instrument that illustrates my approach and philosophy to education: Simple in appearance yet complex and layered in the background. The materials used in this project reflect my personal resourcefulness. Throughout building this drum I noticed that the process connects school subjects like Art, Science, Math, and Music while also being a meditative guide to self-reflection. I appreciate the use of the drum in Indigenous culture as a symbol of community, spirituality, and healing as my own experience with music is built on exactly those factors. For this reason, I admire the drum as it offers to bring people of all backgrounds together, which is what I aspire to do in my teaching practice.”
I realise that I am still and always a learner and will likely never fully grasp what it means and what it feels like to be Indigenous. However, I have found a deep appreciation for different cultures and their traditions. Reflecting on this I see the growth I have made and it encourages me to remain open to new ideas and to embrace diverse interpretations. Understanding that there are other ways of knowing than my own is a first step in the right direction, but I have many steps to go yet.