Truth and Reconciliation in Canadian Schools

by Pamela Rose Toulouse

In this book, author Pamela Rose Toulouse provides current information, personal insights, authentic resources, interactive strategies and lesson plans that support Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners in the classroom. This book is for all teachers that are looking for ways to respectfully infuse residential school history, treaty education, Indigenous contributions, First Nations/Métis/Inuit perspectives and sacred circle teachings into their subjects and courses. The author presents a culturally relevant and holistic approach that facilitates relationship building and promotes ways to engage in reconciliation activities.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Indigenous, School, Cultural, Canada

160 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2018

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book.

This was a great read, and a particularly important book.

I also enjoyed my timing picking up this book, as I read it on Canada Day - quite a timely read.

Would highly recommend this for Canadian readers. Especially those in education.

4.8/5

[Sam Sawazki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is incredibly accessible and a good resource as either an introduction or refresher on Indigenous knowledges. I do wish it have gone a little more in-depth personally, but I did learn a few new things just in time for National day for Truth and Reconciliation.

[Dana Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super clear, well-structured resource on integrating indigenous history, beliefs, and customs into the classroom. Lists of resources with every section was super helpful. Full lesson plans for k-12 are in the back.

[J.L. Slipak · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book focuses on Indigenous people living in Canada, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit. Included are discussions pertaining to culture and contributions made by each.

The approach to teaching Indigenous children K-12 is discussed offering strong how-to suggestions for incorporating Indigenous teachings into general studies. There is also a section addressing topics such as residential schools.

I found this book very enlightening. Indigenous people were present in Canada long before the arrival of the French, British and other immigrants and their established culture should be celebrated. I’ve always had issues with other cultures imposing their beliefs on another and how instead, we should celebrate our differences and appreciate each other for them. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case with how Indigenous people have been treated, especially in the educational system. There is much to gain from old cultural values and traditions.

The author uses her own past experiences to guide her writing in this book. It is full of wonderful ideas and suggestions for approaching newer teaching methods by including older traditions and beliefs. There is also a section that addresses Residential schools and what they did to the Indigenous people. This was not a proud moment for Canada.

Residential schools throughout history clearly had no understanding of what being part of the First Nations, etc. meant. Judgmental and often brutal treatment of the Indigenous children just because of who they were caused lasting psychological damage and emotional scars. Some children attended these schools to learn how to read and write English. Instead, the structure of the school systems was about bending children to conform to their religious beliefs and ways of life. Children were often forced to work, scrubbing floors or tending to gardens. They were humiliated and ridiculed for being ‘different.’ Nuns thought them barbarians and unintelligent. Abuse was present and condemnation for their culture and traditions was often shoved down their throats just for being Indigenous. It was horrific. Now, there’s an aftermath that needs to be addressed, healing of spirit that must occur if people are to move on.

This book is both a history book reflecting on a system that didn’t work and an educational reference for teachers teaching Indigenous children.

Contents of The Book:

Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction
Part 1: Program Foundations
Chapter One: Residential Schools Legacy
Chapter Two: Indigenous Peoples of Canada
Chapter Three: Treaties of Canada
Chapter Four: Contributions of Indigenous People
Chapter Five: Sacred Circle Teachings
Part 2: Truth and Reconciliation Lesson Plans By Grade
Introduction to Part Two: Lesson Format and Scope/Sequence
Scope/Sequence of Lessons
Kindergarten – Mother Earth
Grade 1 – First Nations
Grade 2 – Metis
Grade 3 – Inuit
Grade 4 – Contributions
Grade 5 – Treaties
Grade 6 – Residential Schools
Grade 7 – Blanket Exercise
Grade 8 – National Celebrations
Grade 9 – Making a Difference
Grade 10 – Project of Heart
Grade 11 – No More Stolen Sisters
Grade 12 – Moving Beyond Acknowledgments and Apologies
References
Image Credits

[Desiree Trott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has helped me in my personal journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. It is full of lessons and suggestions for activities for all grades from Primary to 12. No matter what grade I teach each year, I'll be able to find many suggestions for things to do with my class. I have noted books to read and buy from my current teaching assignment. Thank you for an easy to use book!

[Johannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many helpful viewpoints combined with practical strategies and resources. My only complaint was that it is already a little outdated. This isn’t a bad thing, and there was still much to take from it. Especially great if you’re new to this sort of programming and integration of FNMI ideas. I loved the balance of knowledge with resources.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible, useful, necessary. A great resource.

[Lori Emilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I encourage all educators to read this book. It offers a brief summary of Indigenous teachings, culture and history, followed by lesson plans.

[Jan D Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise place to launch richer Indigenous content and perspective in a classroom.

[Kurt Lewin]

This book contains a lot of classroom ready resources for educators