Reading Response 8

Prompt:
Given the email that Dr. Mike Cappello received, use this weeks resources to craft a response, being sure to address the following questions: What is the purpose of teaching Treaty Ed (specifically) or First Nations, Metis, and Inuit (FNIM) content and perspectives (generally) where there are few or no First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples? What does it mean for your understanding of curriculum that “we are all treaty people”?

Dear Student,
As much as I wish that all teachers and school staff took the topic of Treaty Education seriously, I know that in our current situation this is not the case. Unfortunately you appear to have been placed within a school that may not appreciate the full potential of Treaty Education. It may also be the case that your co-teacher and/or the school’s administration don’t understand the true intention of Treaty Education.
I would suggest that you approach your co-teacher and ask to have a conversation about what Treaty Education is meant to be about. I realize this type of conversation can be disquieting, just know that you have my support. Make sure to stress that Treaty Education is not about teaching FNIM culture, but is about introducing students to the treaties, and helping them to navigate their relationship with said treaties. It is also important to note that all people are subject to the treaties that they live within. Treaties are signed agreements between two parties stating the obligations, rights, and benefits received by members on both sides. As your co-teacher has made clear, they feel the lack of FNIM students justifies a lack of Treaty Education. Contrary to your co-teacher’s beliefs, all citizens of Canada are subject to treaties, and thus should be educated on them.
As for your Social Studies 30 lesson, I would suggest having a conversation with your class about where their ideas of standard of living come from — what influences have helped them to shape these opinions. You could create a lesson that explores the changes that standard of living have gone through in recent history. I would then draw parallels to pre-colonial history and what the standard of living was at that time (make sure to do some research yourself so as not to unwittingly propagate misinformation). From there you could take a look at the Treaty Education Outcome TPP8⁴, specifically exploring what promises were made in terms of standard of living, and whether or not those have been fulfilled. Additionally, I would suggest segueing to a discussion on standard of living under the context of the Treaty Education Outcome HC12³.
I hope that you are able to put create a lesson that fosters greater understanding in both your students, and potentially your co-teacher. Feel free to reach out if you are ever in need of advice in the future.
-Mack