PME 811 (Post 3) Why is Indigenous language and culture important in the classroom? Truth and Reconc
A major reason that teachers should want to include, research and prepare to know as much as possible regarding Indigenous languages and cultures and integrating them in the classroom are for the following reasons (based on the article Truth and Reconciliation in YOUR Classroom):
1. "Infusing Indigenous histories, cultures and perspectives into educational curriculum is a way to contribute towards the goal of reconciliation by providing students with an opportunity to learn about the Indigenous people with whom they share the land, and on whose ancestral territories all Canadians currently reside."
I completely agree with the article's points beause education is where students get the most exposure when learning about various cultures. The classroom can be a place where learning about Indigenous cultures/languages can bring upon important, and life-changing discussions that can lead to proactive actions towards Truth and Reconciliation.
2. "It is also vital that teachers understand that doing nothing adds to the problem."
If teachers choose to not educate themselves or their students regarding the history of the residential school system, traditional Indigenous values and Indigenous languages then they are being active participants of not partaking in truth and reconciliation.
In addition, as stated in the OCT Standards of Practice, "Members are dedicated in their care and commitment to students. They treat students equitably and with respect and are sensitive to factors that influence individual student learning. Members facilitate the development of students as contributing citizens of Canadian society." I believe this is a key point as to why integrating Indigenous culture and languages is vital to the classroom. We want our students to become contribuing citizens of Canadian society and for that to be true, they need to be aware of the founding Indigenous communities that were here first. They need to be exposed to the truth of the role Canada played in oppressing the FNMI people in order for this to be reconciled and to never be repeated.
Source:
Freeman, K., McDonald, S., Morcom, L., Winton, S., Hogue, M., Bennett, H., . . . EdCan Network. (n.d.). Truth and Reconciliation in YOUR Classroom. Retrieved September 29, 2018, from https://www.edcan.ca/articles/truth-reconciliation-classroom/
Standards of Practice | Ontario College of Teachers. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2018, from https://www.oct.ca/public/professional-standards/standards-of-practice