“We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments in consultation and collaboration with Survivors, Aboriginal peoples, and educators to:
62. i. Make age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, Treaties, and Aboriginal peoples’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement for Kindergarten to Grade Twelve students”
(TRC, 2015)
Age appropriate curriculum on the topics of residential schools, Treaties and Aboriginal Peoples’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canada can be taught in Kindergarten to grade twelve students through Indigenous literature. Stories and the passing down of knowledge are key components of Indigenous cultures and histories. Residential school is a tough topic for everyone but it can be especially tough for youth. It is important that the learning of these tough topics is through discussion rather than instruction and that this tough topic is dealt with sensitivity. A great way to introduce this topic and for the youth to connect to, is through traditional stories and books. When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson, 2017 is a book that can help introduce the topic of residential school to a grade 2 class. This book is about a young Indigenous girl that learns about her grandmother’s resiliency through her stories about finding the positive in her residential school experiences. To help students connect to the book, we would first discuss what they may already know about residential school before actually reading the book as a class. Once finished reading the book, it is important to have a class discussion and to allow time to deal with the students concerns and questions they might have about the topic. This will help the students develop the tools they need to discuss these tough topics rationally around the school and their community. Lastly, a great way to finish the lesson is through another important component of Indigenous culture and history and that is through art. Allow the students to connect and to express their learning through art. Doing an art project also allows the teacher to circulate and check-in with each student. Ultimately, convey the learning about the past is to work towards a more positive future.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (n.d.). Truth and reconciliation commission calls of Canada: To action. Retrieved February 15, 2023, from https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf.