CBC News – November 8, 2017
She did, however, say that teachings should be age appropriate and that educators should check in on children’s perceptions. Beck also said she is concerned that Eyre took a personal example of one child into the assembly and may make large education decisions based on it. Eyre insisted that she doesn’t think Indigenous teaching shames settlers, but said since Saskatchewan was the first province in Canada to mandate treaty education how “broadly and extensively infused” indigenous teachings are in the curriculum is something that should be discussed.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/sask-education-bronwyn-eyre-under-fire-1.4392377
Faculty of Native Studies Celebrates its First PhD Students
The Gateway Online – November 7, 2017
“It’s quite an honour actually to be a part of the first cohort of PhD of Indigenous studies at the Faculty of Native Studies,” she said. “It feels quite surreal to be a part of such a lovely group of people with such diverse projects. And it feels quite inspiring to be studying with the caliber of scholars that are mentoring us and teaching us.” LeBlanc, who is Mi’kmaq and Acadian from Eastern Canada, said one of the reasons why the faculty is so important is because it allows students to study Indigenous issues from an Indigenous lense.
https://www.thegatewayonline.ca/2017/11/native-studies-celebrates-phd/
Students Learn Importance of Treaties
TB News Watch – November 7, 2017
“I try to explain to them how the treaty works, why the treaties are there and how the Indian Act has rolled into the treaty process,” Michon said. “The two things are completely different. My job is to try to keep the younger people informed – or get them informed – as to why this is all happening.” As a Metis member of Fort William First Nation, Michon lives under the Robinson-Superior Treaty, which was signed in 1850 and allowed settlers to share the land with neighbouring First Nations in what is today Northwestern Ontario.
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/students-learn-importance-of-treaties-759391
Why Reconciliation? Understanding the Ugly Legacy of Residential Schools
The Globe and Mail – November 6, 3017
Indigenous people are the fastest growing population in Canada, and Justice Murray Sinclair, who sits on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, believes it’s important for Canadians to familiarize themselves with their story. “The first and most important step in establishing a good relationship is to be open to information about that person and be willing to share,” he has said.
Bringing Indigenous Education to Petrolia
Petrolia Topic – November 6, 2017
Presented by David Plain of Aamjiwnaang and Janet Macbeth of Walpole Island First Nation, the discussion will delve into the 46 treaties and agreements that cover Ontario. These were signed between 1781 and 1930, meant to offer mutual benefits to arriving European settlers and Indigenous peoples.
http://www.petroliatopic.com/2017/11/06/bringing-indigenous-education-to-petrolia
Anishinabek Nation Launches Treaty Books for Students
CBC News – November 6, 2017
To mark the start of Treaties Recognition Week, the Anishinabek Nation is launching two new elementary books to explain treaties. The books — Alex Shares his Wampum Belt and Dakota Talks about Treaties — were written by author and educator Kelly Crawford of M’Chigeeng First Nation, Ont. The illustrations were done by artist Donald Chretien of Nipissing First Nation, Ont. On Monday, a ceremony was held at Shawanosowe School in Whitefish River First Nation, Ont. “We really see this as being key because as we went through school, very little has been told about First Nation history,” Patrick Madahbee, grand council chief said.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/sudbury-anishinabek-nation-new-books-1.4390152
Anishinabek Nation Launches Two New Elementary Books to Kick off Treaties Recognition Week
Anishinabek News – November 6, 2017
“These new books are great resources for elementary teachers to use in their classrooms,” said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Madahbee. “It will help students at a younger age learn about the treaty relationship. Teachers will be getting out the message that treaties are the legally binding and sacred agreements that set out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations and federal and provincial governments.”
Bluewater District Students Involved in Treaties Recognition Week
Blackburn News – November 6, 2017
This is Treaties Recognition Week across the province, and the Bluewater District School Board continues to honour its commitment to the history and culture of Indigenous peoples. Schools are joining other Ontarians in promoting public education and awareness about treaties, and treaty relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents.
Sturgeon Falls Boy Helps Launch Treaties Recognition Week with Book Releases on Manitoulin
My Espanola Now – November 6, 2017
Marci Becking of the Anishinabek News says the books have become popular very quickly as education tools about treaties and are being snapped up by teachers for their students. The author of both books is Kelly Crawford an educator who was just appointed the education director of the newly formed Anishinabek Education System and Don Chretien, of the Nipissing First Nation who lives in Newmarket, did the illustrations.
Letters: Residential School Promises, Traffic Tragedies
Ottawa Citizen – November 6, 2017
Lev Marder suggests that former residential school students need to be asked, not told, what will happen to their confidential documents from the Independent Assessment Process. He is right. And this is what the Supreme Court of Canada decided. As an adjudicator in the Independent Assessment Process (IAP), I have conducted hundreds of hearings since 2003 and I know that few of these stories would have been told had claimants not trusted the promise of confidentiality that was made to them. If the court had decided that this promise could be broken, would that have furthered the spirit of reconciliation?
http://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/letters/letters-residential-school-promises-traffic-tragedies
Algoma U Approves new First Nation Undergrad Certificate Program
SOO Today – November 5, 2017
Algoma University will add a new undergraduate certificate in First Nation social policy and community development. Approved this past week by the university senate, the 10-course certificate is primarily aimed at First Nation social service administrators across the province, and at members of the Garden River-based Ontario Native Welfare Administrators’ Association (ONWAA). “This standalone certificate can be completed in its entirety upon completion of 30 credits,” says a summary presented to senators on Friday.
Indigenous Student Services at U of T Celebrates 25 Years of Providing a ‘Home Away from Home”
CBC Indigenous – November 5, 2017
Located at the U of T’s downtown campus, First Nations House provides services for Indigenous students that offer cultural support in their studies and personal well-being. “We know who we are and we want to know who you are,” said Jackie Esquimaux-Hamlin, former resource centre co-ordinator for First Nations House, a position she held for 18 years before retiring this summer. “It’s like home. A safe spot here, you can be yourself, your Anishnaabe self, or Haudenosaunee self and you know that’s where the people are. “We think the same and we talk the same. We understand the same,” she added.First Nations House has been in the same building off Spadina Avenue since it launched in 1992, and has seen a rapid influx of self-identifying Indigenous students.
Ahead by (almost) a Century
Jasper Fitz Hugh – November 5, 2017
While the Alberta government unveils new First Nations, Métis and Inuit lesson plans for classrooms, Jasper Elementary School is ready to adapt, but has already been working to stay ahead of the curve.Last week, Alberta’s Minister of Education David Eggen announced new resources to support reconciliation and the inclusion of First Nations, Métis and Inuit history, perspectives and contributions into the current Grades 1-9 curriculum. “It’s critical our students understand the history of residential schools, along with the histories and vibrant cultures of Indigenous communities, and the role we all have to play in reconciliation,” says Eggen.
http://www.fitzhugh.ca/ahead-by-almost-a-century-downie-material-to-appear-in-jasper-school/
Nanaimo School District Trustees Explore Next Steps on Reconciliation
Nanaimo News Bulletin – November 5, 2017
“How will we be sure that we’ve done the necessary things, made necessary changes to gain your trust, to be responsible for your children – that is a huge area,” he said. “That’s one we’re finding now, many First Nations are abandoning the public school system, setting up their own schools on reserve or we’re seeing the Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre, a sort of urban-based First Nations education. “If we don’t very soon regain that trust there won’t be any First Nations students in our schools.”
Thunder Bay Students Learn About Clean Water from New Indigenous Children’s Book
CBC News – November 4, 2017
“One day an ounce of water will cost as much as an ounce of gold,” is what an Elder told Josephine Mandamin almost 20 years ago. This lead Madamin to dedicate 14 years of her life to running and participating in water walks to raise awareness about the importance of clean water. Now there’s a children’s book inspired by Mandamin’s journeys. The Water Walker was written and illustrated by Joanne Robertson after meeting Mandamin in 2011 when she was the coordinator for the four directions walk.
First Indigenous Chair Elected in the Canadian Education Association’s 126-Year History
EdCan Network – November 3, 2017
As the leading independent national voice in Canadian K-12 education, the CEA/EdCan Network is pleased to announce that Darren Googoo has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors. Darren has been the Director of Education for Membertou – a Mi’kmaw First Nation community – for 19 years. He also serves as Chair of the Council on Mi’kmaw Education, and Chair of the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board.
Treaty Education Books for Elementary Students to be Launched During Treaties Recognition Week at Shawanosowe School
Anishinabek News – November 2, 2017
The Anishinabek Nation has produced two new elementary books on treaties that will be launched during the kick-off to Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario. “Alex Shares his Wampum Belt” and “Dakota Talks about Treaties” will help students understand the importance of treaties.
