PME 811 (Post 10): The Road to Truth & Reconciliation

Throughout this course, I have thought about, written and researched why Indigenous language and culture retention is vital within the classroom.

I have come to realize that Indigenous language and culture retention within the classroom covers a myriad of facets. However, one of the essential aspects of Indigenous language and culture retention within the school is the opportunity to revitalize and reclaim the Indigenous Peoples essential part in Canadian history.

To recap, Indigenous language and culture retention are essential and in my view necessary and non-negotiable to the Canadian education system. Over the past weeks, I have come to understand the following reasons why Indigenous language and culture is vital within our school systems:

1. Empowers Indigenous youth to attend and graduate from school and move onto post-secondary institutions.

2. The opportunity to reclaim and preserve endangered Indigenous languages and cultures.

3. Provides a solid foundation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators to empower their students to be advocates for equality.

4. Contributes to all Canadians understanding the real history of Canada and implications of Residential School systems that have led to intergenerational trauma for Indigenous people.

5. Indigenous language and culture retention within the classroom helps eradicate negative and false stereotypes regarding FNMI people and provides students with understanding different worldviews.

6. Provides the opportunity to contribute to truth and reconciliation by creating important dialogues and social movements.

7. "Studies and research have proven that learning and having the ability to speak an Indigenous language improve self- esteem, lower suicide rates, promote academic success and strengthens the connection between Indigenous people and their culture" (Pereira & Morgan, 2017).

8. It is our duty as educators to be committed to the care of our students and to be sensitive to their needs.

9. "Educating yourself on Indigenous people, the importance of their languages, and supporting their revitalization efforts, are just some of many ways you can help with the revitalization of Indigenous languages" and culture (Pereira & Morgan, 2017).

10. Indigenous early learning and language and culture retention promotes Indigenous self-identity and prepares Indigenous children to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Reference:

Pereira, A., & Morgan, J. (2017, April 25). What You Need To Know About Indigenous Language Revitalization. Retrieved November 7, 2018, from https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-indigenous-language-revitalization