Orange Shirt Day discussion: Reconciliation in the Classroom | CBC Kids News

Summary

In this engaging video, a group of Indigenous students from across Canada discuss reconciliation in the classroom. Through fun games and insightful conversations, they share their personal experiences with Orange Shirt Day, the importance of learning Indigenous history, and how schools can better support reconciliation. Students emphasize the need for teachers to educate themselves beyond textbooks, invite elders, and create meaningful connections with Indigenous cultures. The video highlights various student-led initiatives and emphasizes the significance of staying committed to reconciliation every day, not just on designated days.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indigenous culture and history are important for all students to learn and understand, particularly in the context of reconciliation in schools.
• 😀 Orange Shirt Day is a key event to honor residential school survivors, but it needs deeper engagement and education, not just wearing orange shirts.
• 😀 Indigenous students often face challenges when their peers don’t understand the significance of Orange Shirt Day or the broader Indigenous experience.
• 😀 Commitment to reconciliation in schools involves both Indigenous students asserting their place and non-Indigenous students and teachers actively learning about the issues.
• 😀 Teachers need to go beyond textbooks to learn about Indigenous culture and history, including seeking out first-hand experiences and community-based knowledge.
• 😀 Indigenous students want teachers to be open about their knowledge gaps and be honest in their teaching, fostering an environment of learning and understanding.
• 😀 Reconciliation should be a daily commitment, not limited to specific days like Orange Shirt Day; students and teachers need to keep learning and asking questions every day.
• 😀 Indigenous students value learning their traditions and languages, and sharing these with others can help break down stereotypes and encourage understanding.
• 😀 Indigenous culture is diverse, and there’s no one-size-fits-all experience for Indigenous peoples in Canada—recognizing this diversity is key to understanding reconciliation.
• 😀 Students and classrooms can participate in reconciliation through art, storytelling, and community-based activities that honor Indigenous peoples and their history.

Q & A

What is the significance of Orange Shirt Day in the context of reconciliation?

Orange Shirt Day is a day to honor and remember the experiences of Indigenous children who were forced into residential schools. It's important for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to learn about this history, understand its impact, and support the reconciliation process.

How can students contribute to reconciliation beyond Orange Shirt Day?

Students can contribute by maintaining an open mind, continuously learning about Indigenous cultures, and engaging in conversations about reconciliation year-round, not just on specific days like Orange Shirt Day.

What challenges do Indigenous students face when explaining Orange Shirt Day to their classmates?

Indigenous students often face the challenge of their peers not fully understanding the significance of Orange Shirt Day. Some non-Indigenous students mistakenly associate it with Halloween or fail to grasp the gravity of the history behind it.

What do the students in the video hope to see for the future of Orange Shirt Day?

The students hope that Orange Shirt Day evolves into an event focused on education, where students learn not just about the symbolism of wearing an orange shirt but also about the history behind it, with time dedicated to understanding Indigenous culture and history.

What do the students suggest teachers should focus on when teaching about Indigenous history and reconciliation?

Teachers should educate themselves beyond textbooks, seek first-hand experiences, engage with local Indigenous communities and elders, and create an open, honest dialogue with students about Indigenous history and reconciliation.

How did a question asked in one of Eli's classes about residential schools make him feel?

Eli felt confused and enraged by a teacher's question asking students about the 'good qualities' of residential schools. He felt that the question misrepresented the harmful legacy of these institutions, which contributed to genocide and the loss of Indigenous culture.

How can students help break negative stereotypes about Indigenous people?

Students can help break stereotypes by promoting understanding, showing respect for Indigenous cultures, and confronting stereotypes when they encounter them, whether in classrooms or outside of school.

What role do teachers play in supporting reconciliation, according to the students?

Teachers play a crucial role in reconciliation by being proactive in their education, engaging with Indigenous knowledge sources, and creating an inclusive environment where Indigenous students feel heard, respected, and understood.

What is one key piece of advice for teachers regarding reconciliation, according to the students?

Teachers should be honest with themselves and their students about what they know and don't know. They should be open to learning from Indigenous students and community members, and embrace continuous learning outside of the traditional curriculum.

What did the students say about the importance of Indigenous knowledge and culture?

Indigenous students emphasized the importance of learning about and respecting their cultures, including language, traditions, and ceremonies. They encouraged others to embrace Indigenous teachings, as these practices help ground individuals and provide important life lessons.