Indigenous Education
February 5, 2021
Treaty Land Acknowledgement
Out of respect for the Indigenous people of Manitoba, we at École Robert H Smith and the Winnipeg School Division recognize the school we attend resides on Treaty 1 land known as First Nations Territory as well as the Homeland of the Métis Nation.
Par respect pour les peuples indigènes du Manitoba, nous, à l'École Robert H Smith et la Division Scolaire Winnipeg reconnaissons que notre école est située dans la territoire du Traité no. 1, les terres traditionelles des peuples des Premières Nations et sur la patrie de la nation métisse.
For more information regarding the Treaty-Land Acknowledgement, please view the pdf document below.
https://mapc.mb.ca/files/Treaty-Land-Acknowledgement-Document.pdf
Learning about Indigenous Education
At École Robert H. Smith School, our students are exposed to the various Indigenous perspectives, cultural items, and historical contributions made by Indigenous people in the development of this country. These learning opportunities will develop a foundation for understanding the issues, challenges and successes of Indigenous peoples. Indigenous Education Perspectives are integrated in daily learning activities and experiences, as mandated by the Winnipeg School Division. Our school continues to work as a team, using a collaborative approach for learning about Reconciliation, Equity, Indigenous Perspectives and Human Rights.
Here are some of the learning opportunities we have previously engaged in at École Robert H. Smith School around Indigenous Education Perspectives. This list does not include all learning opportunities that have taken place in our school community. It is important to acknowledge the work teachers have done in regards to Indigenous Education within their classrooms, which has not been listed here.
- The Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada (Floor Map) – Through our division, we have access to a Giant Floor Map allowing students to learn about Indigenous History, Human Rights, Natural Resources, Housing, Climate Change, Languages, Residential Schools and many other important topics that are closely related to Indigenous Perspectives.
http://www.canadiangeographic.com/educational_products/ipac_floor_map.asp
- Ordering of Indigenous Books for our Library to increase accessibility and exposure to Indigenous Literature
- Reading many resources to students including novel studies in classroom settings, school-wide reading opportunities, small group settings and parent/guest readers
Books and Resources at RHS
- Working with the Resilience Kit (Art Cards and Teaching Guide)
Lessons from the Resilience Kit are used in the school this year (posted bi-weekly by the Library). More lessons and suggested activities and conversations are added to Google Classrooms for students to access.
https://mawa.ca/shop/view/resilience-50-indigenous-art-cards-and-teaching-guide - Smudging Group – Our students and staff have engaged in many learning opportunities related to Smudging. We have met with student groups from other schools and an Indigenous Learning Support Teacher to learn more about Smudging. In response to the interest of Smudging, we have created a Smudge Group. Here are resources that discuss Smudging in schools.
Smudging Protocols for School Divisions in Manitoba
- Learning about the First Peoples` stories of the sky
- Learning about Soap Stone Carving with Michael Many Eagles and other Art Forms
- Learning about Indigenous Dances and Music (Arts)
- Use of Multicultural O'Canada including Cree, English, French, Ojibway, Inuktitut, and Tagalog.
- Speaker Niigaan Sinclair and other community member speakers during school assemblies
- The Learning Circles Resources for students ages 4 to 7 years old
For a link to this resource, please click here.
- Orange Shirt Day Videos and Resources (Residential School Resources)
https://winnipeg.ca/indigenous/reconciliation/AssiniboiaResidentialSchoolExhibit.stmhttp://archives.algomau.ca/main/?q=taxonomy/term/1103
The following links are Indigenous Education resources that can be accessed by teachers.
- Aboriginal Teacher Tool Kit for Teachers of Grades 1 to 12 (with links to the Social Studies Curriculum included)
https://portal.wsd1.org/Departments_Services/Indigenous%20Education/Pages/Aboriginal-Education-Strategy.aspx
- Many other teacher resources can be found in the portal by using staff log in or by clicking the link below.
The following links are Indigenous Education resources that can be accessed by teachers, students and parents.
- Winnipeg School Division Blog for Indigenous Academic Achievement formerly known as Aboriginal Academic Achievement, AAA)
http://blogs.winnipegsd.ca/aaa/
- Manitoba Education Indigenous Education Web Site and Resources
- Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Resources
- Indigenous Writers to Read About
- CBC Articles – Indigenous
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous
For more information regarding Winnipeg School Division opportunities for learning, events, initiatives and resources for Indigenous Education, please visit the Winnipeg School Division Indigenous Education Web Pages. Please see the links below to access more information regarding these supports and services offered in the division for students, staff and families.
-Your Indigenous Education Committee