During the week of September 30th, Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Education Authority encourages teachers to have conversations with students about the truth of First Nation Treaties, reconciliation, and the residential school system.
KTCEA has compiled links to professional development, classroom resources and activities for teachers about reconciliation and the history and legacy of the Indian Residential School System.
Teaching and Learning Resources
Interactive Map:
- Did you live near a residential school? https://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/beyond-94-residential-school-map/
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (see section on Education): https://nctr.ca/
- Every Child Matters – Online Virtual Events: September 27 – October 1, 2021. Virtual online events open to all Canadian schools for youth Grades 5-12: Truth and Reconciliation Week 2021 Five days of free programming open to educators or the general public.
- NCTR Teaching Resources – Education for Reconciliation: https://nctr.ca/education/ Over 300 resources related to residential schools (downloadable apps, computer games, films, graphic novels, lesson plans, teaching guides and more).
Statement of Apology, 2010
- Watch the video or read the apology from the Government of Canada to former students of Indian Residential Schools: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100015677/1571589339246.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action 2015:
First Nations Child & family Caring Society (youth-friendly) Calls to Action
View and learn more about the hundreds of residential schools that were not included in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement at:
National Film Board, Orange Shirt Day Playlist.
- Sign up for free to watch a playlist of 8 Canadian films on the NFB’s website: https://www.nfb.ca/playlist/orange-shirt-day-edu/
Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, Truth and Reconciliation:
Northwest Regional Learning Consortium (NRLC) Empowering the Spirit: Educational Resource to Support Reconciliation. Events, teaching resources, K-12 lesson plans, September 30th teachings and ceremonies, professional development. Student infographic poster and giveaway contest.
Project of Heart – Inquiry-based, hands-on, collaborate intergenerational artistic journey of seeking truth about the history of Indigenous people in Canada and examine the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools.
“He Can Fancy Dance” a song by Alberta artist Cindy Paul from Fort Vermillion. A PD activity using this song is on page 54 of the Professional Learning Pebbles by Alberta Teacher’s Association.
Support is Available
If you are a former residential school student in distress or have been affected by the residential school system and need help, you can contact the 24-hour National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419, or the Indian Residential School Survivors Society toll free line at 1-800-721-0066.
Hope for Wellness Helpline – offers immediate mental health counseling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Toll free: 1-855-242-3310 (24/7)
KTCEA Wellness Line – 1-877-942-1901 offers confidential support and information to students, parents and staff to connect with the KTCEA Mental Health Team to discuss mental health topics.
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