Indigenous Education and Walking Together<br class="t-last-br">

Indigenous Education and Walking Together

In June 2016, a stakeholder group that included the Alberta Teachers’ Association signed the Joint Commitment to Action with Alberta Education to ensure that all students learn about the histories, cultures and world views of First Nations, Métis and Inuit. The Alberta Teachers’ Association continues to fulfill its commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action through the Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation professional learning project. Resources and workshops continue to be developed to increase capacity in foundational knowledge of First Nations, Métis and Inuit as outlined in the Professional Practice Standards.

Indigenous Advisory Circle

The Indigenous Advisory Circle is committed to providing ongoing support to Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation and Indigenous Education for the Association. We are grateful for the wisdom and expertise of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Elders and Knowledge Keepers from the Indigenous Advisory Circle.

[click on photo to enlarge]

Back row (L-R): Irene Loutitt (Treaty 8 Métis), Christina Fox (Treaty 7), Phillip Campiou (Treaty 8), Bruce Cutknife (Treaty 6), Blair First Rider (Treaty 7), Buddy Wesley (Treaty 7), Goota Desmarais (Inuit)
Front row (L-R): Elizabeth Mitchell (Treaty 8), Mary Cardinal-Collins (Treaty 6), Bill Sewepagaham (Treaty 8), Doreen Bergum (Métis)

Become an Indigenous Education PD Facilitator

1. The application process has two parts:

Areas of interest and expertise in Indigenous education
Experience leading professional development
Reasons for applying

2. Provide a resumé outlining education, work experience, leadership experience, publications, presentations and volunteer experience.

Successful candidates are expected to deliver 7–10 workshops per year and are required to attend two training sessions per year. The Association covers release time and associated expenses and provides an honorarium for workshops delivered.

As a courtesy, please advise your superintendent and principal that you will be applying prior to doing so. All applicants must be active or associate members of the ATA, have at least five years of teaching experience and must hold an Alberta teaching certificate.

Send your letter of interest and resumé to:

Melissa Purcell, ATA Executive Staff Officer, Indigenous Education, Alberta Teachers’ Association, 11010 142 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5N 2R1, or e-mail information to melissa.purcell@ata.ab.ca.

In making application to become an Indigenous Education PD facilitator for the Alberta Teachers’ Association, you are voluntarily providing your personal information to the ATA.

Workshops and Resources

All of the Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation professional development resources and workshops have been designed as introductory materials to support your learning journey. Each of the resources and workshops should be localized to include content from your area in collaboration with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Cultural Advisors.

Workshops

Booking a Professional Development Workshop

Current Workshops
	The Blanket Exercise The Blanket Exercise is a participatory workshop in which educators will experience over 500 years of history by taking on the roles of indigenous peoples in Canada. Standing on blankets that represent the land, they will walk through time and explore the impacts of colonization, treaty-making and modern legislation. The Blanket Exercise is concluded by a facilitated debriefing in which participants have the opportunity to discuss the experience as a group. By engaging participants on an emotional and intellectual level, this workshop is a powerful tool for increasing empathy and understanding. Available for Treaty 6, 7 or 8.
	Braiding Indigenous Stories Through Our History—Collective Memories of Forced Assimilation Participants will engage in an exploration through storytelling of the historical implications of forced assimilation within Canada. The perspectives of First Nations, Métis , Inuit and the Crown are woven throughout this participatory workshop, providing a deeper understanding of the impacts of policies and legislation, and contrasted with examples of resiliency. Participants will gain a better understanding of the historical and contemporary realities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit and learn about initiatives that contribute to reconciliation.
	NEW - Full Circle: Understanding Social Implications of Indigenous Realities This workshop will examine core causes of intergenerational trauma, challenge common myths and misconceptions, as well as explore activities to foster effective relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, families and community. Participants will explore assimilation strategies that have contributed to many current realities of Indigenous students, families and community. You will gain an increased understanding of physical, mental, social and spiritual impacts, and strength-based initiatives to contribute to the advancement of the reconciliation process.
	The History and Legacy of Residential Schools This workshop examines the history, impacts and legacy of residential schools, including the effects of intergenerational trauma. Educators will be trained on the tools, resources and strategies that contribute to the development of mutually respectful relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. Participants will leave honouring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action and make a professional and personal commitment to action.
	Histoire et séquelles du régime de pensionnats Cet atelier examine l’histoire, les répercussions et les séquelles du régime de pensionnats, y compris les effets des traumatismes intergénérationnels. Les enseignants y obtiendront des outils, ressources et stratégies pouvant contribuer au développement de relations fondées sur le respect mutuel entre Canadiens autochtones et non autochtones. À la fin de l’atelier, les participants seront prêts à honorer les appels à l’action de la Commission de vérité et réconciliation en plus d’être déterminés à agir, tant sur le plan professionnel que personnel.
	Indigenous Alberta—The Footsteps of Our Ancestors This workshop will introduce participants to the rich indigenous cultural and linguistic diversity of Alberta. Topics will include terminology related to identity, recognition of territory, significant ancestral landscapes related to locations of celebrations and traditions that come to life through song and dance, addressing myths and misconceptions, and a brief historical timeline.
	NEW - Indigenous Content in the new Teaching Quality Standard: Moving from Inspiring to Requiring The new Teaching Quality Standard requires all teachers to demonstrate foundational knowledge about First Nations, Metis and Inuit for the benefit of all students. Where should you start!? In this session, you will be introduced to short, interactive activities designed to enhance your understanding of reconciliation, resources specifically produced to build your competence and confidence; and ideas about the many paths you can pursue on your future professional Indigenous Education learning journey. - Download Facilitator Guide - Download Participant Guide - Download PowerPoint
	NEW - Indigenous Education Resources: Where Do I Start? This session will support educators in using resources that accurately reflect and demonstrate the strength and diversity of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. You will learn about culturally responsive resources to increase your capacity in foundational knowledge about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. In addition, you will leave with tools to consider for critically reviewing First Nations, Métis, and Inuit resources for classroom and professional use.
	Indigenous Ways of Knowing This workshop is designed to be an introduction to some basic First Nation, Metis and Inuit worldviews, cultural beliefs and values. It is neither a comprehensive nor an exhaustive exploration of indigenous ways of knowing, but rather a series of focused conversation starters for groups of educators engaged in reconciliation. Worldviews and ways of knowing are like stones thrown into the water from which other circles grow. Participants will gain an understanding and appreciation of First Nations, Metis and Inuit people by learning about diverse, traditional and contemporary experiences unique to them.
	NEW - Our Shared History, Our Shared Future: A Brief Introduction to Treaties This introductory workshop will explore historical and contemporary information and resources relating to numbered treaties within present-day Alberta. Educators will build their understanding of the acknowledgement of land and people, as well as our shared responsibilities to the land and each other. Participants will engage in dialogue and reflect on their professional learning in order to build capacity in treaty education.

Additional ATA Workshops

Stepping Stones Series

Stepping Stones is a publication of the Alberta Teachers’ Association
Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation and is intended to support certificated teachers on their learning journey to meet the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Foundational Knowledge competency in the Teaching Quality Standard.

Please check back regularly as new additions to the series will be posted soon.

	Terminology Reference (PD-WT-16a 2018 03, 4pp) - Download a Copy Remarque sur la Terminologie (Terminology Reference) (PD-WT-16aF 2018 04, 4pp) - Download a Copy
	Alberta Métis Settlements and Agreements (PD-WT-16b 2018 03, 4pp) - Download a Copy Établissements Métis et accords concernant les Métis de l’Alberta (PD-WT-16bF 2018 04, 4pp) - Download a Copy
	An Introduction to the Inuit (PD-WT-16c 2018 03, 4pp) - Download a Copy Les Inuits : Une introduction (PD-WT-16cF, 2018 04, 4pp) - Download a Copy
	Numbered Treaties Within Alberta: Treaty 6 (PD-WT-16d 2018 03, 4pp) - Download a Copy Traités Numérotés en Alberta : Le Traité N° 6 (Treaty 6) (PD-WT-16dF 2018 04, 4pp) - Download a Copy
	*CURRENTLY BEING REVISED* Timeline of Alberta’s Indigenous History (PD-WT-16e 2018 03, 12pp) - Download a Copy Chronologie de l’histoire des autochtones en Alberta (PD-WT-16eF 2018 04, 12pp) - Download a Copy
	Numbered Treaties Within Alberta: Treaty 7 (PD-WT-16f 2018 04, 4pp) - Download a Copy Traités Numérotés en Alberta : Le Traité N° 7 (Treaty 7) (PD-WT-16fF 2018 04, 4pp) - Download a Copy
	Elder Protocol (PD-WT-16g 2017 07, 4pp) - Download a Copy Protocole relatif aux ainés (PD-WT-16gF 2018 04, 4pp) - Download a Copy
	Numbered Treaties Within Alberta: Treaty 8 (PD-WT-16h 2018 03, 4pp) - Download a Copy Traités Numérotés en Alberta : Le Traité N° 8 (PD-WT-16hF 2018 04, 4pp) - Download a Copy
	First Nations Traditional Plants and Uses (PD-WT-16i 2019 01, 4pp) - Download a Copy Plantes traditionnelles des Premières Nations et leurs usages (PD-WT-16iF 2019 04,4pp) - Download a Copy
	First Nations, Métis and Inuit Music and Dance (PD-WT-16j 2019 05, 4pp) - Download a Copy Musique et danses des Premières Nations, des Métis et des Inuits (PD-WT-16jF 2019 10, 4pp) - Download a copy
	Indigenous Education Resources (PD-WT-16k 2019 01, 4pp) - Download a Copy Ressources pour l’éducation autochtone (PD-WT-16kF 2019 04,4pp) - Download a Copy
	Indigenous Linguistic Diversity and Revitalization (PD-WT-16l 2018 12, 4pp) - Download a Copy Diversité et revitalisation des langues autochtones (PD-WT-16lF 2019 06, 4pp) - Download a Copy
	Residential Schools—First Nations Experience (PD-WT-16m 2018 12, 4pp) - Download a Copy Pensionnats—l’expérience des Premières Nations (PD-WT-16mF 2019 07, 4pp) - Download a Copy
	Residential Schools—Métis Experience (PD-WT-16n 2019 06, 4pp) - Download a Copy Pensionnats—l’expérience des Métis (PD-WT-16nF 2019 11, 4pp) - Download a Copy
	Residential Schools—Inuit Experience (PD-WT-16o 2019 07, 4pp) - Download a Copy

Acknowledging Land and People Map

This map shows the approximate area and locations of treaty land and the encompassing First Nation language groupings of Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Stoney, Nakoda, Sioux and Blackfoot tribes and nations. Métis settlements are included and indicated within their designated Métis Nation of Alberta.

Reconnaissance des Territoires et des Peuples

Carte indiquant la superficie et l’emplacement approximatifs des régions visées par un traité, ainsi que les grands groupes linguistiques (cri, déné, saulteaux, stoney, nakota, sioux et pied-noir) associés aux différentes tribus et Premières nations. La carte indique également l’emplacement des établissements Métis à l’intérieur de leur région respective de la Métis Nation of Alberta.

Land Acknowledgements

Land Acknowledgements Bookmark
Download a Copy

Reconnaissance des territoires, Traités nos 6, 7 et 8
Download a Copy

Land Acknowledgements Poster
Treaty 6 (Eng/ Fr) - Download a Copy
Treaty 7 (Eng/ Fr) - Download a Copy
Treaty 8 (Eng/ Fr) - Download a Copy

Resources

Education is Our Buffalo

	Written by a team of Indigenous writers, this guide is intended to increase awareness of Indigenous history, cultures, languages, worldviews, and contemporary realities. (PD-80-7 2016 12, 80pp) - Download a Copy
	Ce guide, produit par une équipe de rédacteurs autochtones, vise à mieux faire connaitre l’histoire, les cultures, les langues, les visions du monde et les réalités contemporaines des peuples autochtones. (PD-80-7F 2018 01, 81 pp) – Download a Copy

Bibliography

This is a collection of First Nations, Métis and Inuit resources available through library@ata.ab.ca. These resources support the development and application of foundational knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

Download a Copy

Additional Resources

This is a collection of website links to support Indigenous education for students and teachers, such as Dictionaries and Language Resources, Math Resources, Residential School, Treaties, and much more!