The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Sharing Histories, Cultures and World Views

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 has begun to fulfill its commitment by establishing the Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation Professional Learning Project.

Design and Development

The Walking Together project is facilitated by Indigenous educators from across Alberta, all of whom are experienced classroom teachers with strong knowledge and expertise in Indigenous education. The resources and workshops developed through the project will support teachers to increase capacity in foundational knowledge of First Nations, Métis and Inuit as outlined in Alberta Education’s new Teaching Quality Standard.

Engagement with Community

The Walking Together project is engaging local Indigenous communities by establishing regional advisory committees that include representation from Elders and local Knowledge Keepers. This process will ensure that the professional development programs and resources developed include regionally specific content for teachers.

Brochure for Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation (ENG/FR)

Professional Practice Standards

An overview of the professional practice standards for teachers, principals/central leaders and superintendents are available on Alberta Education's website.

Resources to Support Teaching Quality Standard

Download a copy

Professional Development Opportunities and Resources—External and Internal

Monthly updates of additional recommended internal and external professional development opportunities and resources are available here.  Please check back often!

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 – In 2018/19 the fee for Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation workshops will be covered through grant funds.

	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.
	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.
	Indigenous Ways of Knowing: Walking in Our Footsteps 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.
	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.
	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 repercussions et les séquelles du régime de pensionnats, y compris les effets des traumatismes intergénérationnels. Les enseignants y obtiendront des outils, ressources et strategies pouvant contribuer au développement de relations fondées sur le resect mutual 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 reconciliation en plus d’être determines à agir, tant sur le plan professionnel que personnel.

Additional ATA Workshops

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

Professional Learning Pebbles

Professional Learning Pebbles is a collection of 24 short activities created by the Alberta Teachers’ Association Walking Together Project to support certificated teachers on their learning journey to meet the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Foundational Knowledge competency in the Teaching Quality Standard.

(PD-WT-19 2017 09, 123pp) - 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!

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  There are many terms used to describe First Nations, Métis and Inuit in Canada. This Stepping Stone discusses the appropriate terms to use when referring to and discussing Canada’s Indigenous peoples. Remarque sur la Terminologie (Terminology Reference) (PD-WT-16aF 2018 04, 4pp) - Download a Copy  Plusieurs différents termes sont employés pour décrire la réalité des Premières nations, des Métis et des Inuits au Canada. Ce document de la série Pierres d’assise aborde les termes appropriés pour désigner et discuter des peuples autochtones du Canada.
	Alberta Métis Settlements and Agreements (PD-WT-16b 2018 03, 4pp) - Download a Copy  The Métis are the largest group of self-identified Aboriginals in Canada and Alberta; therefore, it is likely the vast majority of schools in Alberta have students who self-identify as Métis. Reconciliation is about understanding the past and working together to build a new future. Who are the Métis and how did there come to be Métis settlements in Alberta? Having a knowledge of Alberta Métis history and current issues will support teachers as they work with these students and their families. Établissements Métis et accords concernant les Métis de l’Alberta (PD-WT-16bF 2018 04, 4pp) - Download a Copy  Les Métis constituent le plus important groupe d’individus s’identifiant comme Autochtones au Canada et en Alberta; il est donc probable que la majorité des écoles de l’Alberta comptent des élèves qui s’identifient comme Métis. Pour qu’il y ait réconciliation, nous devons comprendre le passé et collaborer afin de bâtir un avenir nouveau. Qui sont les Métis et comment les établissements Métis de l’Alberta ont-ils vu le jour? Une connaissance de l’histoire et de la situation actuelle des Métis de l’Alberta soutiendra les efforts des enseignants qui travaillent avec ces élèves et leurs familles.
	An Introduction to the Inuit (PD-WT-16c 2018 03, 4pp) - Download a Copy  This Stepping Stone looks at who are the Inuit, and how their unique history and culture shape contemporary Inuit society. Les Inuits : Une introduction (PD-WT-16cF, 2018 04, 4pp) - Download a Copy  Ce document de la série Pierres d’assise traite du peuple inuit et de la façon dont son histoire et sa culture uniques façonnent la société inuite contemporaine.
	Timeline of Alberta’s Indigenous History (PD-WT-16e 2018 03, 12pp) - Download a Copy  This Stepping Stone summarizes Alberta’s Indigenous history to support the Alberta Teachers’ Association / KAIROS Blanket Exercise. Chronologie de l’histoire des autochtones en Alberta (PD-WT-16eF 2018 04, 12pp) - Download a Copy  Ce document de la série Pierres d’assise résume l’histoire des Autochtones en Alberta et sera utile dans le cadre de l’exercice des couvertures proposé par l’Alberta Teachers’ Association et KAIROS.
	Elder Protocol (PD-WT-16g 2017 07, 4pp) - Download a Copy  Inviting an elder to participate in meetings or events is an opportunity to share Aboriginal knowledge, cultural beliefs and traditional practices with the education community. This Stepping Stone outlines their respected roles and what protocols to follow when reaching out to them. Protocole relatif aux ainés (PD-WT-16gF 2018 04, 4pp) - Download a Copy  Inviter un ainé à participer aux réunions ou évènements facilite le partage du savoir, des croyances culturelles et des pratiques traditionnelles autochtones avec les intervenants du domaine de l’éducation. Ce document de la série Pierres d’assise fournit un aperçu du respect qu’inspirent les ainés par les rôles qu’ils occupent, ainsi que des protocoles à suivre lorsqu’on prend contact avec eux.
	Numbered Treaties Within Alberta: Treaty 6 (PD-WT-16d 2018 03, 4pp) - Download a Copy  This Stepping Stone reviews the history of Treaty 6, and the 17 First Nations in the central west portions of Alberta and Saskatchewan in which Treaty 6 encompasses. Traités Numérotés en Alberta : Le Traité N° 6 (Treaty 6) (PD-WT-16dF 2018 04, 4pp) - Download a Copy   Ce document de la série Pierres d’assise examine l’histoire du Traité no 6 et les 17 Premières nations du centre-ouest de l’Alberta et de la Saskatchewan établies dans la région visée par ce traité.
	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
	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
	Indigenous Linguistic Diversity and Revitalization (PD-WT-16l 2018 12, 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

Webinars

Cultural Appropriation (April 10, 2018)

Misconceptions and stereotypes of Indigenous peoples can be perpetuated with appropriation of cultural practices, symbols, ceremonies and items. Participants will gain awareness of the issue of cultural appropriation when making space for Indigenous cultures in their schools.

December 5, 2017

Teacher Talks: Deconstructing Draft Teacher Qualification Standard (TQS)

Recorded Event

The purpose of this webinar is to analyze and organize the draft Teaching Quality Standard to better understand and build personal meaning around the new competencies that specifically outline First Nations, Métis and Inuit education.

November 4, 2017

Recorded Event

This case study-Participants will develop an understanding of the impacts that assimilation has exacted on indigenous peoples of Canada by unpacking the experiences of one Inuit community.

Contact us

For further information on the Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation, contact WalkingTogether@ata.ab.ca

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  @ATAindigenous

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