INDIGENOUS REFLECTIONS - GEX

INDIGENOUS TEACHING

AND LEARNING

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.

While the past and ongoing treatment of Indigenous People in Canada is not a problem we can immediately fix and our deep discussions taught us that there is no definite solution, there are various ways we as allies can show our support, even if that starts with ‘unlearning’. It starts with listening. To move to a more equal future, we must change the ingrained beliefs we currently hold. Our GEx partners educated us, and it is now our turn to take action.

Across Mulgrave, classes are learning about Canada’s history and even the youngest can help to educate and inform. Together, we can take steps to learn the truth and support the process of reconciliation. The resources and ideas in the side bar are from reputable sources.

ULWIANA MEHTA-MALHOTRA (she/her) GRADE 9 STUDENT EDUCATE YOURSELF: • Understand the mistreatment of Indigenous People and how it has affected them. Do this by listening to them tell you their story. One way is to participate in a blanket exercise (search Indigenous Medical Alliance Blanket Exercise on YouTube). • Familiarise yourself with the term ‘intergenerational’ and the trauma it continues to carry to help discard judgmental attitudes. • Learn who the land you live on belongs to, and acknowledge it (see native-land.ca) as part of meetings, classes, and organisational routines. • Look to the Truth and Reconciliation website (trc.ca) for resources. • Support local Indigenous communities by attending cultural events and exploring art, such as movies and literature. • Visit a local Indigenous organisation or friendship center (see vafcs.org for programmes). • Participate in Secret Path Week, Orange Shirt Day, Bear Witness Day, and National Indigenous People’s Day.

SUPPORT INDIGENOUS-LED GRASSROOTS CHANGE MOVEMENTS AND CAMPAIGNS: • Donate or volunteer; Ask how you can help? (visit truenorthaid.ca) • When looking for organisations to support, ensure that they have connections with their cause (do your due diligence on what this organisation has already achieved in the community). • Sign at 215pledge.ca, a petition run by the Downie Wenjack Fund to create an action plan to recognise the children who died in Canada’s residential schools. • Contact Reconciliation Canada to find other ways to get involved.

INITIATE AND EDUCATE OTHERS: • Join groups with people who are passionate about Indigenous issues or even start your own! • Ask an Indigenous representative or Elder to visit your school or organisation to share their knowledge, - But ensure you learn about and follow proper protocols (e.g. you may need to present an Elder with tobacco or an honorarium during their visit).

Most importantly, work with your local Indigenous communities before embarking on any journeys. Indigenous voices matter, and we need to listen to their stories.