In ETAD 991 we discussed how indigenous perspectives are being taught and shared within education. We examined the culture of assimilation within Canada and its impacts on First Nations groups across the country. We also examined how racism is fostered and the past atrocities, such as Residential Schools, the Indian Act and government Indian agents have impacted First Nations people and culture. 

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In class I worked with others on a presentation that touched on these concepts and as a collective group we began to address the issues that face First Nations people. This discussions were difficult for many of us as we became critically aware of our white privileges and how our past actions as a society and even current instances of racism have damaged First Nation people and their culture. 

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I have a unique perspective to this situation. I grew up in the Northwest Territories where I was surrounded by First Nations Culture in the small communities I was raised. In many cases I happened to be the minority in the community, learning the culture and in some cases the language of the community. I have felt the isolation of being an outsider and being different from the majority, in some cases outright discrimination, so I can relate to the feelings that First Nations individuals have to the ideas of exclusion and being treated differently. On the other hand my parents were teachers and administers of the local school in these communities, and many of the people who taught the children of the communities were White, and have traveled to the Northwest Territories from southern Canada to teach. What I didn't understand at the time, but have a much clearer picture now, was the power and impact my family and the other White teachers had on shaping the lives of the students in those communities. At the time indigenous perspectives were not taught in schools and those ways of learning were thought to be taught by the parents at home, including languages and traditions. 

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Now as a teacher I have come full circle and I realize the importance of teaching the indigenous perspective within the classroom. My classroom tend to have a First Nations, Metis and Inuit population ratio of 75% or greater and ensuring that their beliefs and perspectives are taught in the class is important to building respect and helping students understand and capture their heritage and their culture. I have come to better understand the impact of assimilation practices and racism have had on Indigenous cultures within Saskatchewan and Canada and understand the need to work to revitalize their cultures must also take place within the educational context they learn. 

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Even with my knowledge of First Nations culture and my past upbringing, I find it difficult to teach this area as I do not consider myself an expert. Similar to my discussions in the scholarship of teaching these are questions that there is no easy fix. Therefore I rely on research, I ask for expert help and I try out lessons in my classes that help to build understanding and respect between all people and cultures. While there is no quick fix for the issues that face indigenous people in Canada, as an educator I can be an ally and start on the path to helping more students understand the lessons of history and build respect for all people.