Students learn about being treaty people
Special to Anishinabek News
NORTH BAY – A group of local elementary school students have started to learn something many of their parents don’t know: in Canada we are all treaty people.
“They have always felt removed from the issues that are affecting First Nations in Canada,” explained Sue Korosec, Intermediate Teacher at St. Luke Catholic Elementary School. “Now they realize the importance of the agreements (treaties) that were signed many years ago between our forefathers, and their role in them even today.”
Korosec arranged a “We are all Treaty People” day session for her school’s Grades 6,7 and 8 students this past June 13th to help them understand their place in Canada’s treaty relationship with First nations.
Using a graphic novel produced by the Union of Ontario Indians called “We Are All Treaty People”, students spent the day in a variety of activities, including a group read aloud, team approach, students teaching students and a simulation activity.
“I liked that we taught each other because it made it more effective to pass on the knowledge,” said Danielle, a Grade 8 student.
Sue Korosec said the 36-page graphic novel is a good way to introduce students to what some teachers regard as a complex topic.
“Students learned the progression of the relationship between First Nations people and their French/British counterparts. Also, by hearing this history, they understood how Residential Schools and Reserves came to be. The events were certainly upsetting for some students who couldn’t believe the treatment of First Nations people.
Korosec was supported in staging the day’s activities by Kelly Crawford, a staff member at Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island. She facilitated a series of activities that helped students increase their understanding of cultures.
“To look at these sensitive issues without focussing on the past, Kelly led the students through various activities that helped the students look at the aspects of a culture,” said Korosec. “They talked about the process of socialization, the misinterpretation of cultures, the awareness of cultural differences, appreciation for cultural diversity and the overall impact that culture has on people. The students learned a great deal from this experience.”
“We Are All Treaty People” was compiled by Maurice Switzer, director of communications for the Union of Ontario Indians, and includes original watercolour illustrations by Charley Hebert, Dokis First Nation. Nearly 7,000 copies of the graphic novel have been sold since it was released in April, 2011. Copies are available for $25 plus shipping by calling 705-497-9127 ext. 2288. Educators can qualify for a 40% discount on orders of 100 copies or more.
Please visit http://www.anishinabek.ca/news.asp and click on the book to see a sneak preview.