10/13/2021

FNMI Reflection

Although it is only the middle of October, and what seems to be the early part of a long
semester, I can definitely say that I have seen myself grow as a future educator as it pertains to
FNMI knowledge. I certainly do not know everything, and probably never will; but what I have
learned so far has encouraged me to do better and to strive to be a better Canadian, and better
human being. I remember a weeklong field trip I attended in Grade 2, where we went to the
Glenbow Museum in Calgary and journaled both our experiences and what we had learned about
the Blackfoot people. I’ll never forget entering the tipis, walking through a gallery of beaded
clothing and getting to see a glimpse of their lifestyle. The experience was beautiful, and made
me excited to learn more about this wonderful culture. As I grew older, we expanded our
knowledge on the Indigenous people of this land yet merely spoke about Residential schools. By
the end of high school all I could say I had known was that residential schools removed children
from their families and made them learn English. In my third year of university I decided to take
Indigenous Literature for my English minor during the summer. That class changed my life. I felt
so lost and confused. I felt as though I had been lied to and the land that I praised to my family
abroad had been hiding so much from me - it became quite personal.

After being able to attend the carefully thought out workshops that the Faculty of Education has
provided, while reading multiple texts and doing my own research, I am finally starting to feel
hope. My eyes and my heart have opened and are now constantly seeking the truth. There is so
much information that has been provided to all the students in such a short time, and it can seem
overwhelming at times. But what is overwhelming for us to read, cannot compare to what others
have experienced. This is not just a story, or a study - this is their reality, and it is so important to
understand that. When asked what has stood out to me the most, I think about the after effects of
attending Residential schools and its intentions for children. I question whether I can even
consider these institutions to be called a school, because when I think of school, I think of a safe
place where I have been encouraged and celebrated. I think about a building that my parents sent
me to everyday knowing in their minds that for the next eight hours their daughter is safe and is
coming home to them a bit smarter,and happier each day. So knowing that students were abused
physically, emotionally and mentally yet had no choice does affect me. Knowing that people
committed themselves as educators just to hurt others does baffle my mind. It is something I do
not think I’ll ever be able to comprehend.

As it pertains to Competency 5, I have taken the time to do some research on the 94 Calls to
Action through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I always had wondered what is there
to be done and how could everyone contribute to this. When it comes to reconciliation, there is
not just one answer to fix everything. In order for there to be healing, everyone needs to take part
and collaborate for a better future and this is something I have recognized within the 94 Calls to
Action. An example of this was being able to participate in the first National Truth and
Reconciliation day held this year. In order for this to happen, everyone had to acknowledge why
this day had to take place and why it must be observed every year from now on. As an educator
it is especially important to understand and constantly do your research. It is our responsibility to
always seek for better, and to help our students understand this as well. I cannot blame my past
educators for not knowing or telling me everything but now that it is my turn I will do my best to
share this knowledge and be open with my own students.

As an educator, people trust us. Parents trust that we will keep their children safe and teach them
what they need to know daily. The principals and school boards trust that we are meeting their
expectations. And the world trusts that we are bringing up the next set of leaders. We cannot
break this trust, but Residential schools most certainly have. We cannot ever continue on with the
mistakes of the past, but learn from them and try our best to give everyone a fair and positive
educational experience. I am making it my personal duty to ensure school feels safe for my
students and propels them towards a positive future. As stated previously, I do not know
everything about the history of Canada and its effects on Indigenous communities but I will
never stop searching and learning. I feel comfortable in sharing what I know but can always
grow in that area. I feel as though I need to hear more stories and seek for truth from now own to
be more knowledgeable in this area.

Destiny