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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Elementary, Middle

Description

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024 is a multi topic resource suitable for use in any elementary classroom.  It includes a link to a video presentation regarding Ribbon Skirts and their importance to First Nations people.  There are also four activities that allow the students to explore the government of Canada’s colonisation of indigenous people and to guide them in acting toward reconciliation within their own community.

In the first activity, the students will watch a video that explains terms like indigenous and first nations.  They will then explore links to virtual maps that will guide them in answering questions about traditional Indigenous territories located in their area, the languages spoken and relevant treaties. They will then research in depth, some of the Indigenous groups.

Activity 2 begins with a read-aloud video of the story, When I Was Eight by Margaret Pokiak-Fenton. After a class discussion guided by provided questions, students will create a piece of art that expresses a message of hope for the survivors of the residential schools.

With its focus on climate change, the third activity begins with the reading of Sila and the Land or We Are Water Protectors.  Alternatively, teachers can choose to show a read-aloud video version of the books. The class will then explore three areas of climate change in Canada (oceans, wetlands and forests) via provided information links. Students are  encouraged to share their ideas concerning the following four topics for each of the three areas: benefits to the environment, issues facing the area, indigenous actions being taken to protect each.

In the final activity, the students will begin expressing their understanding of the topic of reconciliation and then they will watch and then discuss the video “What is reconciliation?”. After the discussion the students will answer three reflection prompts.

Each of the four activities include extension suggestions.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

Truth and Reconciliation Day 2024 is a compelling resource that would be best suited for the upper elementary and middle school Social Studies classroom. It does integrate visual arts, literacy, science and social studies in order to help students understand the concept of reconciliation. 

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        • Canadian Issues and Governance: Canada’s policies and treatment of minority peoples have negative and positive legacies
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Themes Addressed

Human Rights (4)

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Education
  • Environmental Racism/Justice
  • Social Justice

Indigenous Knowledge (1)

  • Rituals, Spirituality and Worldviews

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