The Alberta Teachers’ Association

New professional practice standards feature Indigenous content

The recent release of three new sets of professional practice standards calls upon teachers, central leaders, principals and superintendents to engage in education for reconciliation. Each of the professional practice standards includes competencies and indicators specific to Indigenous education, such as fostering effective relationships, engaging in career-long learning, and developing and applying First Nations, Métis and Inuit foundational knowledge. These new professional practice standards take effect September 1, 2019.

These new standards are a significant step towards reconciliation through education because they mandate all teachers, central leaders, principals and superintendents to engage in Indigenous education. This is a monumental shift away from inspiring teachers to engage in Indigenous education to requiring teachers to engage in Indigenous education.

“I don’t know what I don’t know” is a common reaction that non-Indigenous teachers have when they think about engaging in Indigenous education, which may appear overwhelming to those who are at the beginning of this learning journey. If you ever feel this way, remember that it’s important to be brave, ask questions and continue to seek opportunities to learn through culturally responsive experiences, including current resources, supports and information. In addition, it is important to be willing to learn alongside your students, families, community members and colleagues. Embrace opportunities to learn from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Cultural Advisors through conversations, classroom opportunities, land-based learning experiences and any other possible opportunities.

Developing and applying foundational Indigenous knowledge is a learning journey that requires dedication over a lifetime. As we continue this journey, we need to remember the importance of maintaining the authenticity and integrity of Indigenous cultures, languages and histories. It is also important to consider multiple ways to weave authentic Indigenous content into our classrooms and school communities for the benefit of all students and in support of reconciliation. In addition, it is important to acknowledge significant events throughout the school year—such as National Indigenous Peoples Day, Métis Week, Reconciliation in Education Day, Orange Shirt Day—to support the development and application of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit foundational knowledge.

While significant events are very important, it is equally important to consider ways to acknowledge and celebrate Indigenous cultures, languages and histories every day and to consistently reflect on ways to increase your foundational knowledge. As stated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, we are called upon to contribute to and lead reconciliation efforts.

Wherever possible we need to develop and apply our Indigenous knowledge in collaboration with local Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Cultural Advisors, including students, parents/guardians and community members. Developing and fostering meaningful relationships with these contacts using appropriate cultural protocols is fundamentally important to reconciliation and supports the changes to the professional practice standards. In addition, using culturally responsive resources, supports and information while collaborating with Indigenous contacts is integral to maintaining the richness and diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures, languages and histories. Continue to seek opportunities to learn from others and deepen your learnings of Indigenous cultures, languages and histories.

The Association is committed to supporting teachers, principals, central leaders and superintendents with support specific to Indigenous education. In June 2016, Alberta Education, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and four other education stakeholder organizations in Alberta signed the Joint Commitment to Action to ensure that all students learn about the histories, cultures and world views of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. The ATA is fulfilling its commitment through the Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation Professional Learning grant project. The Association continues to develop numerous resources and workshops to support the changes to the professional practice standards that are specific to Indigenous education.

These resources can support your learning journey and should be localized to your region in collaboration with local Indigenous community members. This will ensure that the authenticity and integrity of the work is maintained and will provide a deeper, richer awareness and understanding of the content.

We have a professional responsibility to engage in Indigenous education in support of the changes to the professional practice standards, and we need to continue to strive towards maintaining the authenticity and integrity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures, languages and histories. We must continue to seek opportunities to learn from others and, above all, to be unafraid of making mistakes.

“When it comes to culture — you’re never going to be right, but you’re never going to be wrong. You’re never going to be right if you are not open to other perspectives, and you’re never going to be wrong if you act with an open heart.” – Stoney Elder, Paul First Nation

Melissa Purcell is an executive staff officer with the Alberta Teachers’ Association focused on Indigenous education.