The Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action was a result of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement, in which urges all levels of government in Canada to actively participate in the process of reconciliation. These actions were created to acknowledge and address the historical injustices that were placed upon Indigenous peoples and communities from the creation of Residential Schools. TRC Calls to Action is important to recognize as it aims to heal the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous in Canada. It allows the opportunity for accountability, understanding and healing. Covering areas from health, education, language, culture and settlement agreements, the Calls to Action consists of 94 specific recommendations to guide the government on the path of reconciliation.
“We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, in consultation and collaboration with Survivors, Aboriginal peoples, and educators to: 62 i. Make age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, Treaties, and Aboriginal peoples’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement for Kindergarten to Grade Twelve students.”
(TRC, 2015)
I chose the TRC Calls to Action 62 i. because the new curriculum has started implementing a dedicated space for Indigenous history, a critical inclusion that should have always been a part of our education system. Incorporating Indigenous history, stories, and contributions is not difficult, there are tons of great resources out there, and as educators, we need to make space for these perspectives instead of continuing to overlook them as the curriculum has done in the past.
Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase of Indigenous stories and resources being published. One well-known author in this is Phyllis Webstad, a prominent figure when discussing Residential schools and incorporating important topics into the classroom. In addressing the TRC Call to Action 62 i. I would use her book “The Orange Shirt Story”, this book is a great resource for teaching young students (1-3) about the legacy and impact of residential schools and the importance of reconciliation. The book tells Phyllis Webstad’s personal story about the day she was taken to residential school, conveying the loss of identity, culture, and family that many Indigenous children experienced in residential schools.
Teaching this book before National Truth and Reconciliation Day provides students with a valuable learning opportunity to understand the historical and cultural significance of the day. It helps students recognize that it is not merely a school holiday, but a meaningful day dedicated to honouring and reflecting on the experiences of Indigenous peoples and residential school survivors.