The Alberta Teachers’ Association

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.

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.

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.

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.

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             

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.

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.

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.

*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           

First Nations Traditional Plants and Uses
(PD-WT-16i 2019 01, 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 

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