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.

We have already begun learning about Indigenous people of Canada, and this was an excellent way to understand the meaning of the word "Indigenous":

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 the Cree book Awasis and the World Famous Bannock, and then we gave this traditional recipe a try! Measuring a teamwork played a big part in making bannock ...

... but tasting was the highlight!

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!

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 book With our Orange Hearts. We discussed residential schools and reflected on how students should feel in school. 

Then we carefully created orange lanterns that can shine and remind us how important every child is. 

We were so proud to light them and gather in prayer:

Though our week has ended, learning the truth about Canada's history and deepening our understanding of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit cultures has only just begun.