Do you have questions about residential schools and reconciliation, but don’t know who or where to ask? Do you want to do your part, however big or small, to help the country heal but don’t know how?
THE GATHERING Educators from North West Community College/University of Regina Community-Based Masters Program have compiled First Nations, Metis, and Inuit (FNMI) teaching resources that can be adapted for all students. While the website is focused on teachers, anyone starting their Reconciliation journey will find this to be a useful tool!
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has teaching resources organized according to age groups. They also host ongoing activities and programs for students to learn about Reconciliation and get involved.
CBC Gaming/Comic Book Guide for Parents
Comic books and graphic novels can be a great way to start the path towards Reconciliation—and there are many titles out there for kids and adults. Start with these lists to discover titles and authors!
Learn About Indigenous Medicinal Plants
“Medicine is all around us. For centuries, Indigenous peoples found all of the medicine they needed on the land, using plants to treat a variety of ailments and conditions.” Learn more from the guides at Wanuskewin.
Siha Tooskin Knows is a series children’s books reinforcing the importance of Indigenous culture, including Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance on why powwows are so important.
Parks Canada Travel Experience
Parks Canada and their Indigenous partners offer meaningful journeys to explore Indigenous roots in Canada, interacting with First Nation, Métis and Inuit cultures.
Use graphic novels to introduce youth to history! Chester Brown, creator of the Louis Riel graphic novel, retells the history of the nineteenth-century Métis Rebellion lead by Prairie Métis Louis Riel.
Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre is an ambitious theatre company based in Saskatoon that presents unique Indigenous theatre and youth programs. Attend their plays or donate. If Indigenous theatre is not in your community, read plays by longtime GTNT contributor, playwright/actor Curtis Peeteetuce or Canadian icon Thomson Highway.
Also, check out the Poundmaker Indigenous Performance Festival, with it’s goal of celebrating the talent and diversity of local Indigenous singers, dancers, poets, and actors.
This Northern Plains Indigenous Interpretive Site is home to over 6000 years of history, and truly unique cultural experience for the whole family.
Look at the National Film Board’s website to find short films for younger learners (ages 6 – 11) by Indigenous filmmakers from across Canada.
The Parent Toolkit presents a How To on Talking to Kids about Race and Racism. As they say, there’s no question, talking about race can be sensitive, and yes, even a bit messy.
