Educators respect and value the history of the First Nations, Inuit and Metis in Canada and the impact of the past on the present and the future. Educators contribute towards truth, reconciliation and healing. Educators foster a deeper understanding of ways of knowing and being, histories, and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Metis. 

As educators, we are required to foster and understand the histories and cultures of the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis in Canada. Before we are able to do this, we must educate ourselves and take the time to fully understand. We must always recognize the stories and histories and lean towards the healing efforts. Luckily, in our EDUC 346 course we learned so many ways to integrate Indigenous Learning and Resources in our classroom in a respectful way. It can be as simple as doing calendar using Dakelh language or integrating reading about their histories and their traditions. It is also important to allow education on residential schools where it is appropriate. 

During EDUC 394, we participated in the Blanket Exercise that was very emotional yet very inciteful. There are things that you never know until you are graciously offered the opportunity to participate in an activity like this. It really brings things into perspective about how horrible their past really is and how courageous they are for moving forward and sharing their struggles. 

We also were blessed in participating in a drum circle the week before Truth and Reconciliation. The songs were so beautifully played and spoke such a strong message. The fire circle/drum circle was something I had never experienced before but would love to introduce my class to one day. There is so much students can learn simply from song and storytelling.