In response to the email,
Treaty Education is not for indigenous people only but for all Canadians, even if there is no or few Indigenous students in class. The essence of the Treaty Ed. is to prosper the nation together and understand our responsibilities as Canadians. It is important to know the history and recognize the initial treaties made. Each person has different level of knowledge and understanding that is given by their friends, parents, teachers and elders. As Dwayne says in video, the Indigenous and Canadians sitting on table they miss each other for they have different frame of reference that leads to disconnection. Treaties are the agreements made between Indigenous people and Settlers. By teaching about this means creating an environment of harmony and strengthening the relationship between Indigenous and non Indigenous people in the country.
The students need to learn the history of colonization and how to reconcile and renew the relationships in society. Teaching the students about the Indigenous way of knowing is important to gain the knowledge about the history of country and the people who still continue to affect. Future is build when we know about the past as they are linked together. Dwayne quotes his friend, David Smith who says “If you are going to think about the future, you are going to have work backward”. I find it very wise that for the bright future, past should be talked about. This will give chance to students not only to learn about Treaty Ed., as well as it will inform about their identity and dispel stereotypes associated with the people.
We are all Treaty people. We all take benefit from the Treaties made. So through giving awareness we can come together as Treaty Ed. is a mean to create understanding of the history and fostering reconciliation. Treaty Education is crucial to understand colonialism, build bridges as well as to make sure the reconciliation is happening. Claire mentions during the conversation with Mike not only the kids are getting educated but the parents as well. Many are not fully aware about the Treaty Education which is why we hear disputes sometimes.
Some resources are below that can be helpful to teach about the Treaty Education.
Cynthia Chambers We are all treaty people Chapter 1, 2012.
Conversations with Claire Kreuger and Michael Cappello
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvMyHcG-uVo&feature=youtu.be
Madiha's blog 