Aboriginal Education
I am starting my writing with these beautiful words from Rhonda Gordon.
"This is sweet grass, we burn It when we are praying, it helps carry the message to the creator. It is my hope through this film that we bring a message to you. Please think about it next time you see a Native person and begin to think negative thoughts. Meegwetch ! ” (Gordon, 1993, as cited in The National Film Board of Canada, 1993).
I watched the movie. This is a short story that tells a lot. With a short story, many important issues are raised. By looking at one particular moment of discrimination, we hear the voice of both First Nations peoples and non-natives. We feel the emotional reaction of so many emigrants that face the prejudice and racism. "Inclusion” is a word that not every body understands and is a strong point that we, as educators should focus on. As an educator we can teach that about being aware of what you say and how you say it can effect other people. We must make sure that everybody understands and feels these strong emotions that can deeply damage somebody’s life. Be yourself and let the students be who they are. Use all the strategies to include everybody in a comfort zone of learning.
Canada is a beautiful and unique mosaic of variety of cultures in which all the colours compliment each other. By leading all the students towards the knowledge we lead them towards the appreciation, value, and tolerance. By highlighting the importance of the identity we build a strong dignity and morality. We all should be proud of who we are and be conscientious where we come from and never allow ignorance to dominate and bother us. The First Nations' unique culture and language are the best examples of dignity and pride. They are the beginning of Canada and they still have a strong role and influence in the present and future. Meegwetch! (big thanks)
“As teachers, we need to ensure adequate education on these issues to prevent stereotypical ideologies from running rampant within the minds of our children” (Maynes & Straub, 2012, p. 155).
Referances
Mayes,N.,& Straub,J.(2012). Chapter 7: Aboriganal education within a Canadian context. In Social Studies: Innovative Approaches for Teachers, 1st ed. (pp.155-177). Toronto: Pearson Canada.
The Alberta Teachers' Association. (2014). Soaring with knowledge: First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Education Council. [Image]. Retreived January 15, 2014, from http://fnmiee.teachers.ab.ca/Pages/Home.aspx
The National Film Board of Canada. (1993). For Angela. Retrieved January 15, 2014, from http://www.nfb.ca/film/for_angela