“Schools will strive to: increase knowledge of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit cultures among all school staff”
Increasing knowledge of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) cultures among all school staff is crucial for fostering cultural understanding and creating an inclusive learning environment. Here are some steps I would use to implement this:
Professional Development: Speak to the board officials about professional development sessions focused on FNMI cultures, histories, and perspectives. Invite knowledgeable speakers, Indigenous elders, or community members to share their experiences and insights (i.e. blanket activity). Provide resources, books, and documentaries that staff can explore to deepen their understanding.
Cultural Awareness Training: Organize cultural awareness training workshops that address stereotypes, biases, and misconceptions. These sessions can help staff recognize and challenge their own assumptions, promoting a more inclusive and respectful environment.
Collaborate with Indigenous Communities: Establish partnerships with local Indigenous communities or organizations. Invite guest speakers, artists, or performers to share their culture and traditions with staff. Engage in collaborative projects or cultural exchanges to foster meaningful connections.
Embed Indigenous Perspectives in Curriculum: Ensure that FNMI perspectives and contributions are integrated into the curriculum across subject areas. This can be done by incorporating Indigenous literature, history, art, and traditional knowledge into lesson plans. Co-plan with teachers to explore and incorporate Indigenous perspectives in their teaching practices (i.e. Take Action for Reconciliation, The Ogemawahj Tribal Council: Community Resource Books, etc.).
Create a Resource Library: Develop a resource library with books, videos, and other materials that focus on FNMI cultures. Make these resources easily accessible to staff, allowing them to further their knowledge independently (i.e. We Are All… Treaty People kit, Orange Shirt Day September 30th, First Nations, Métis and Inuity Education Resource, Joining the Circle: An Educator’s Toolkit to Support First Nations, Métis and Inuit Students, etc.).
Celebrate Indigenous Heritage: Organize events and celebrations that highlight Indigenous heritage, such as National Indigenous Peoples Day or Indigenous History Month. Encourage staff to participate and engage in activities that promote understanding and appreciation of FNMI cultures (i.e. information into the digital announcements, organize centres of learning, etc.).
To persuade the staff, I would begin by highlighting the shared goal of creating an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment. Emphasize that increasing knowledge of FNMI cultures will benefit all students, promoting cultural understanding and fostering a sense of belonging. I would explain the significance of cultural competence in education and how it positively impacts student engagement, achievement, and overall well-being. Then, I would help colleagues understand that by increasing their knowledge of FNMI cultures, they can better support and connect with students from these backgrounds. As the teacher librarian, I would then provide evidence (stats Canada - Languages, Population, Ancestry) and resources (outlined previously above). I would also share my successes and offer to collaborate.
Sources:
Statistics Canada. 2023. (table). Census Profile. 2021 Census of Population. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2021001. Ottawa. Released November 15, 2023.
https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed February 13, 2024).
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