The Alberta Teachers’ Association

The ATA’s Stepping Stones series helps teachers expand their knowledge of Indigenous topics

What is Stepping Stones and why was it developed?

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 ATA continues to fulfill this commitment 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.

To support teachers with the Indigenous-focused competencies and indicators in the new Teaching Quality Standard, the Association created an information series called Stepping Stones. These resources are designed to provide entry points to teachers in developing and applying foundational knowledge of First Nations, Métis and Inuit. Each of the Stepping Stones resources provides introductory information on a variety of topics, including additional questions for consideration and further resources to support continued learning.

Who helped with the development?

The ATA’s Walking Together consultants developed all of the Stepping Stones in collaboration with Elders and Knowledge Keepers from across the province and, in many cases, Indigenous organizations and experts. Each of the resources continues to be reviewed and updated frequently to ensure that the most accurate information is provided.

What topics are covered?

Topics for the currently developed Stepping Stones include the following:

• Terminology
• Alberta Métis Settlements and Agreements
• An Introduction to the Inuit
• Numbered Treaties Within Alberta: Treaty 6, 7 and 8
• Elder Protocol
• Timeline of Alberta’s Indigenous History
• First Nations Traditional Plants and Uses
• First Nations, Métis and Inuit Music and Dance
• Indigenous Education Resources
• Indigenous Linguistic Diversity and Revitalization
• Residential Schools — First Nations, Métis and Inuit Experiences

Supports and workshops available

The Alberta Teachers’ Association offers a variety of additional supports for Indigenous education.

These include resources like the Acknowledging Land and People Map and posters and bookmarks containing land acknowledgements for treaties 6, 7 and 8. The Association also offers 10 different workshops, including the Blanket Exercise, Indigenous Ways of Knowing and The History and Legacy of Residential Schools.

Information on these supports, as well as all of the resources within the Stepping Stone series, can be accessed on the Association’s webpage, www.teachers.ab.ca > My ATA > Professional Development > Indigenous Education and Walking Together.

Please continue to check the webpage frequently as new resources and updates continue to be added online. The resources are being translated into French on an ongoing basis.

Stepping Stones are designed to provide entry points to teachers in developing and applying foundational knowledge of First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

Teaching Tip

To get the most out of the Stepping Stones resources, the topics should be contextualized in collaboration with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Cultural Advisors to ensure that the information is relevant and accurate to your local area.

School district liaison staff, local First Nations schools, band offices, friendship centres and Métis locals may be able to assist in making connections with Elders, Knowledge Keepers or Cultural Advisors.

Learn more about Elder protocol in Stepping Stones number seven.

Bob Joseph with Cynthia F. Joseph

Available through the ATA library.

For more information, contact Melissa Purcell, executive staff officer, Professional Development at melissa.purcell@ata.ab.ca or Walking Together at walkingtogether@ata.ab.ca.