Social Issues Day

Today I had the opportunity to attend a Social Issues day at the Quality that was presented by several members of the Native community, some of which are affiliated with the Tecumseh centre and Brock University. The day was opened with a ceremony known to the Native community as a 'smudge' to cleanse the spirit and body. There was also a drumming group called 'Yellowbird' that perfromed different chant songs that are used at gatherings and conferences. It was an interesting way to begin a full day of workshops that I think should be copied by others that put on convention and workshops. The speakers and performers were able to get the audience involved and do something different to capture our attention early in the morning.

The theme of the social issues day was an introduction to various contemporary Native issues. The purpose was to inform the teacher candidates of various issues so that we may better understand Natives that we may have in our classroom to meet their needs more effectively. The reason why we need to be informed about Natives and their history is so that we are able to help stop the wave of Natives that are dropping out of schools.

The morning session provided some general Native history included small lesson on Residency schools to inform all of the type of hurt that was created in the Native population in these schools. There were a few strategies shared for new teachers when dealing with Native students. For example, Natives are usually visual and physical learners. Therefore to offer more opportunities for your class to do and explore would likely increase a Native student's level of interest in schooling. Also it would be beneficial to add Native themes to spark student interest.

Just being introduced to a few Native people and some of their customs was a great experience and made me feel more comfortable if I were to be put into a situation where I had a Native child or chidren in my classroom. I am a long way off from being an expert but feel as though this morning session gave me some basic information that I can carry with me. I feel better knowing that I have spoken to some Native people and started to gain a sense of understanding their worldview and perspective on education. I am not sure where in the world I will be teaching, but it is nice to know that I have some basic understanding of an important portion of the Canandian population.