I N D I G E N O U S T E AC H I N G A N D L EA R NIN G During GEx week, Middle School students participated in activities linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. My cohort focused on Quality Education and Health and Wellness. One of the focal points was understanding perspectives through an Indigenous lens. We were captivated by Dallas Yellowfly’s passionate story (courtesy of 3 Crows Productions). His story brought forth empathy amongst us students and many of us now better understand how numerous Indigenous Peoples live with intergenerational trauma - the ‘survivors of survivors’ as Yellowfly put it. My classmate, Katherine B, relished the opportunity to connect with a variety of people and learn about Indigenous People’s history. She referenced the Talaysay Tours session in Stanley Park where we gained an understanding of how the current pollution in the harbour has stopped Indigenous People’s ability to gather shellfish and food.
Alice P found the blanket exercise, an interactive activity where blankets helped demonstrate the way that Indigenous Peoples and their land were divided and taken from them, helped deepen her understanding of the injustices done to Indigenous Peoples. All of the activities helped us to better understand and value the natural beauty of Vancouver. We learnt to appreciate Indigenous People’s approach to life as the original stewards of the land and how implementing their agricultural practices could make modern farming more sustainable and mitigate climate change. Many students have also shared with me that learning through the perspective of Indigenous Peoples affected by colonisation was very impactful. I truly believe the GEx week has spurred Mulgravians to realise that the privilege of an enlightened education enables you to stand up and take action to better life for others.
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