Indigenous educators say children must learn truth before reconciliation
Global News
Indigenous educators say the focus must first be on truth before moving toward reconciliation.
Jacob Lane had never sewn before, but in the days leading up to Sept. 30 — the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation — the 13 year old was hand-stitching miniature orange moccasins.
The moccasins are a tribute to those who were in residential schools.
Lane, a Métis student in Grade 8 at Kitchener Community School in Regina, Sask., knows Indigenous students were torn from their families and sent away to church-run schools.
The teachings in his classroom go far beyond Orange Shirt Day.
Jessica Madiratta, an Indigenous advocate teacher at the school, said the majority of students attending are Indigenous — they are immersed in the history and culture year-round.
“With having Indigenous studies every day, it’s just something that’s just a part of their everyday classroom experience,” said Madiratta.
The discussions are age-appropriate, but Madiratta said the most important thing for all students to learn is truth.
“We have the classroom spaces, teachers, the opportunities for kids to learn this while they’re young, so when they’re older, they’re going to have this in-depth knowledge of Indigenous people, Indigenous history — especially with the history of residential school.”