Thursday 29 September 2022

Every Child Matters: Truth & Reconciliation

Learning about the truth of our history from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit knowledge keepers is an important part of the path to Reconciliation. This week we took time each day to learn and grow with an open heart and open mind. 


The tradition of storytelling is vital in Indigenous culture, and our week of learning is reflected in the many stories we read. 

We read a beautiful Anishinaabe story called Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox. Being connected to the land and nature is woven through Indigenous culture. We reflected on the qualities portrayed by various animals in this book and shared which animal meant the most to us. 


We shared Awasis and the World Famous Bannock! Did you try the bannock recipe together at home? 



Out on the land, we read the Cree story When the Trees Crackle with Cold, a book exploring seasonal changes. Then we got our "nature trappers" and hunted for beauty in our forest!


Inspired by beautiful Metis beading and the four colours in the medicine wheel, we made dot art celebrating our own uniqueness! These handprint pieces reinforce the message that "every child matters". 


We discussed the value of each person. We are made with love and intention, and are all children of God. We had some challenging and insightful conversations as we shared Phyllis Webstad's new book With our Orange Hearts. We discussed residential schools and reflected on how students should feel in school. We put these special words on an orange heart to post in our chapel. 

While the week concluded in our classroom family wearing orange, learning the truth about Canada's history and deepening our understanding of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit cultures has only just begun. 






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