Friday, September 24th, our cohort attended a Professional Learning opportunity to begin the week orientating ourselves towards Truth and Reconciliation. It began with a wonderful land acknowledgement which included a newly developed song which was drummed and sung. Then we were told a story about Creator and his trials in finding someone to protect Mother Earth. Afterwards, we listened to a keynote speaker talk about their experiences with success, and breaking the chain of inter-generational trauma.
Dr. Dustin Louie spoke in the next seminar which I attended. Our group had broken up since the first session and was allowed to select between four rooms which each had different sessions. Dr. Louie spoke about thoughts he has been having regarding reconciliation, and how to mitigate the dichotomy which still largely exists between Indigenous peoples/allies, and lingering colonial worldviews. One thing that really resonated with me was his articulation of the difference between cultural ways and colonial practices. I think that is a very important degree of separation that many people who feel challenged by the idea of reconciliation likely have yet to bridge.
Moving forward into practicum, I really appreciate having that articulation to bring to my lessons and discussions regarding reconciliation. Dr. Louie is an incredibly powerful speaker, and I very much enjoy listening to his ideas. Today was very stimulating for a growth mindset dedicated to fostering powerful alliance with Canada’s First Peoples.
Thank you.