Leading Educational Change in a Time of Truth and Reconciliation. Dr. Jennifer A. Tupper Dean, Faculty of Education University of Alberta Treaty 6

Transcription

1 Leading Educational Change in a Time of Truth and Reconciliation Dr. Jennifer A. Tupper Dean, Faculty of Education University of Alberta Treaty 6

2 Justice Murray Sinclair, Chief Commissioner of Canada s Truth and Reconciliation Commission has stated that education holds the key to reconciliation. It is where our country will heal itself. He notes We must acknowledge that [the legacy of IRS] has also impaired the ability of non-aboriginal children, the way that our school system has educated us about aboriginal people or about the history of this country." Given the significant role of schools, teachers and school divisions in shaping the educational experiences of learners, this talk will focus on educational leadership in a time of truth and reconciliation and the ethical imperative of creating classrooms that can be sites of truth telling and of reconciliatory action.

3 Colonialism Past and Present The imperative of knowing ourselves as products of our shared history (Britzman).

4 Indian Act of 1876 Implemented at the same time the number treaties were being negotiated. Undermined the spirit and intent of the treaties. Made possible the further entrenchment of colonial structures and processes. Positioned Indigenous peoples as wards of the state. Set the stage for the creation of the Indian Residential Schools System in Canada. Continues to shape Indigenous Canadian relations.

5 2008 Apology Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to offer an apology to former students of Indian residential schools. The treatment of children in Indian residential schools is a sad chapter in our history. In the 1870's, the federal government, partly in order to meet its obligation to educate aboriginal children, began to play a role in the development and administration of these schools. Two primary objectives of the residential schools system were to remove and isolate children from the influence of their homes, families, traditions and cultures, and to assimilate them into the dominant culture. These objectives were based on the assumption aboriginal cultures and spiritual beliefs were inferior and unequal. Indeed, some sought, as it was infamously said, "to kill the Indian in the child." Today, we recognize that this policy of assimilation was wrong, has caused great harm, and has no place in our country.

6 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada 94 Calls to Action & 3 Ways to Get Started (Charlene Bearhead): Verbally acknowledge traditional territory Fly the flag Visually acknowledge truth, territory, and people

7 Contemporary Colonialism Post Apology The shooting death of Colten Boushie

8 Contemporary Colonialism Post-Apology

9 Contemporary Colonialism Post-Apology 2016 Environics Survey: Residents of Saskatchewan (41 per cent), Manitoba (35 per cent) and Alberta (32 per cent) were much more likely to believe that Aboriginal people themselves were the biggest obstacle to equality in Canada. the majority of people in Alberta (51 per cent), Saskatchewan (55 per cent) and Manitoba (52 per cent) believed that Aboriginal people were the same as other marginalized groups in Canada, and did not deserve special status. Despite the increased knowledge of general Aboriginal issues, the reports of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission seem to have gone unnoticed by many Canadians. Only four in 10 non-aboriginal people reported being aware of the document, and only one-third of that number knew anything specific about the many recommendations in the report.

10 Contemporary Colonialism (con t) Over representation of Indigenous peoples in Canada s prison system Crisis of Indigenous children in care (Cindy Blackstock) Comments of Canadian Senator Lynn Beyak. In a speech given on March 7, 2017 Beyak said teachers and administrators at the Residential schools were wellintentioned and they "didn't mean to hurt anybody." Schools as sites of colonial ignorance

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12 Reflecting on Reconciliation From the NCTR: For Reconciliation to flourish in Canada, it must be rooted in truth and justice. One truth is that Residential School Survivors, their families, and communities, still struggle to overcome the intergenerational legacies left in the wake of these schools poverty, poor health, low education and employment rates, a high prison population, and more. Another truth is that despite these destructive impacts, Indigenous nations across the country are reclaiming and revitalizing their histories, cultures and languages, laws and governance systems. Yet another truth is that the relationship between Indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians is damaged. Treaties have been broken, children have been taken, and traditional lands have been lost. Reconciling these truths to create a more just, respectful and inclusive Canada is at the heart of Reconciliation.

13 Reflecting on Reconciliation From Alberta Education: Principal Leadership Quality Standard: reconciliation means the process and goal of creating societal change through a fundamental shift in thinking and attitudes, increasing inter-cultural understanding to build a better society through learning about First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives and experiences, including residential schools and treaties. From UR Truth and Reconciliation Working Group reconciliation is the recognition, memorializing, and remediating of the harms done to Indigenous people not only by the Indian Residential Schools, but also by colonization reconciliation is primarily a responsibility of non-indigenous peoples in their attempt to understand the sources, structures, and effects of their actions toward Indigenous peoples, and to transform these actions through renewed, mutually respectful relationships.

14 Murray Sinclair on Reconciliation What is Reconciliation? Murray Sinclair video

15 Changing what and how we think "If you want reconciliation, you need to make space in your mind, your heart and spirit to get rid of the misconceptions you have about Indigenous Peoples. The stereotype that Indigenous Peoples are dumb, stupid, lazy, drunk and on welfare put that aside. Perry Bellegarde What are the effects on Indigenous learners when colonial ignorance continues to permeate? What are the possibilities for all learners when we confront our own ignorance? Jenna de Booth ECCU video

16 Alberta Education (continued) Supporting the Application of Foundational Knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit A principal supports the school community in acquiring and applying foundational knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit for the benefit of all students. Achievement of this competency is demonstrated by indicators such as: understanding the historical, social, economic, and political implications of: treaties and agreements with First Nations; agreements with Métis; and residential schools and their legacy; Aligning school resources and building the capacity of the school community to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit student achievement; enabling all school staff and students to gain a knowledge and understanding of, and respect for, the histories, cultures, languages, contributions, perspectives, experiences and contemporary contexts of First Nations, Métis and Inuit; and pursuing opportunities and engaging in practices to facilitate reconciliation within the school community.

17 Leading Educational Change Connecting with and learning from Indigenous peoples and communities Learning to listen ( shut up and do the dishes ) Walking together Challenging ignorance Creating opportunities for conversation about our colonial past and present Responding to resistance Making bold decisions in ethical ways Recognizing where people are at and creating multiple entry points / invitations for truth and reconciliation work. Centering humility Remembering that truth and reconciliation work is ongoing

18 Walking Together: A Day of Education for Truth and Reconciliation ~ April 14, 2016

19 Balfour Ribbon Project

20 Teachers Walking Together Stirling McDowell Project

21 Without mutual understanding we can never achieve reconciliation. In sharing their painful stories through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, aboriginal peoples aren t trying to make us feel guilty. They are reaching out a hand to us. If Canada truly wants reconciliation if the TRC process is to mean anything the responsibility lies now with all of us to take that hand.