National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to be remembered in Chinook’s Edge

“We are starting our journey of reconciliation from a place of shared learning,” said Karyn Barber, Associate Superintendent of System Services. “Learning together allows us to come from a shared space of what we know and recognition of what we have yet to learn.”

“This course is award winning and internationally recognized,” said Carolynne Muncer, Indigenous Education Coordinator, “and it is written by Indigenous scholars, elders and leaders which is important because the materials have an authentic voice. In Chinook’s Edge we have an approach of learning and growing together, and this course fits that approach nicely. Staff members can go into the course and affirm what they know, and it’s a respectful way of helping people become aware of what they didn’t know.”

“We were thrilled to have more individuals interested in participating in the pilot than we had space,” said Karyn Barber, Associate Superintendent of System Services. “The feedback was very positive and now we’re excited about the positive impact of this in our schools. We truly

hope the content will be a springboard for conversations in classrooms, hallways, and division wide. Ultimately, we want this platform to create a foundation of knowledge about the history of Indigenous peoples, and a stronger understanding of Indigenous students,” said Barber.

“It’s important in Chinook’s Edge that we work to build understanding and take steps towards reconciliation. This work won’t happen on a single day, but as a regular part of what we do in our schools,” says Kurt Sacher, Superintendent, Chinook’s Edge School Division.

Division officials say the course covers content including the impact of residential schools and the Indian Act, the importance of treaties, and what solutions might be possible with economic reconciliation, as well as positive stories of partnerships, hope, and Indigenous cultural revitalization. It is anticipated it will take participants up to five hours to complete the course.

The division offered the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation course to Indigenous Lead teachers, school and division administrators, and school board trustees as a part of a pilot with the materials several months ago. More than 50 individuals participated.

The division plans to offer the course to parents and any other adults who are connected with schools within a year.

Here’s a link to a video preview of the course: https://vimeo.com/299774118/5a39fa9a8d

The deadline for sign up for this session is October 5, 2023.

by rdnewsNOW staff

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to be remembered in Chinook’s Edge

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