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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)
An overview of the professional practice standards for teachers, principals/central leaders and superintendents are available on Alberta Education's website.
Professional Learning Resources to Support Indigenous-Focused Competencies and Indicators
Download a copy
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.
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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.
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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 resources for classroom and professional use.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Additional ATA Workshops
Resources
Education is Our Buffalo
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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First Nations Traditional Plants and Uses
(PD-WT-16i 2019 01, 4pp) - Download a Copy |
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Indigenous Education Resources
(PD-WT-16k 2019 01, 4pp) - Download a Copy |
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Indigenous Linguistic Diversity and Revitalization
(PD-WT-16l 2018 12, 4pp) - Download a Copy
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Residential Schools--First Nations Experience
(PD-WT-16m 2018 12, 4pp) - Download a Copy |
| *Coming Soon* |
- Métis Nation of Alberta
- Residential Schools--Inuit Experience
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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
Contact us
For further information on the Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation, contact WalkingTogether@ata.ab.ca
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