Many Vancouver classrooms have implemented required Indigenous-focused coursework in the upcoming school year for students, especially those pursuing a B.C. Certificate of Graduation.
For teachers, this means ensuring that education is authentic and accurate to reflect the lived experience of Indigenous Canadian history. One way that educators across the region are doing that is through technology.
To truly understand, learn about and work towards truth and reconciliation, it’s essential to introduce Indigenous education in a way that is accessible; technology provides that ability. The implementation of Indigenous-focused coursework provides a critical opportunity for educators, especially Vancouver teachers. So, what is the first step educators can take in getting a head start on Indigenous education?
We sat down with Nelson, Canada’s only heritage education content provider, and chatted with Steve Brown, CEO of Nelson, and Linda Isaac, Nelson’s National Director of Education for Reconciliation, Equity and Inclusion, to discuss bringing Indigenous learnings into the classroom.
There will be an Indigenous-focused graduation requirement in British Columbia. What are these changes, and how will it impact Vancouver-based teachers?
SB: When we are talking about Indigenous education, students need to understand every part of history – even the bad — that occurred all over Canada. Teachers trust that the content they are teaching is accurate; if anything is incorrect it expresses insensitivity and can become a problem.
LI: I was thrilled to hear about the steps British Columbia is taking to embed Indigenous knowledge into the classroom. Upon graduation, students will have a good understanding of First Nations, Métis and Inuit ways of knowing, cultures and issues of the past and present that will carry with them into the future.
For teachers, the most notable impact I foresee will be in their learning journey. I know for many educators these courses will be focused outside of their specialty; and to gain confidence to teach Indigenous offerings, they will need to develop a strong foundational knowledge. This means finding great resources and professional learning to support them in the classroom.
How do you anticipate these changes will impact the education system in Canada in the long term?
SB: These changes will be key to ensuring that curriculum-aligned content is accurate and authentic, in Vancouver and also nationwide. Having a rapid-response strategy and taking the time to ensure information is updated and fact-based can help ensure that resources can be updated quickly, in real time, to reflect the current Indigenous education requirements in Canada.
LI: Ultimately, I would like to see all provinces and territories include an Indigenous graduation requirement. I believe the country will be watching and learning to see how B.C. is incorporating these teachings in the curriculum and then consider how it could be applied to education systems across Canada.
As a result, students, educators and our society as a whole would move closer toward truth and reconciliation.
I know that Edwin is an online ecosystem that can easily update resources without the time restrictions of sending things to print. How does technology come into play when it comes to implementing curriculum changes as important as this? Tell us about the immediacy of Edwin, how does this resource work?
SB: In education today, some Indigenous education resources are solely available in print format and can take substantial time to update, reprint and get into classrooms. What technology like Edwin now provides is an opportunity to get information into classrooms quicker and make updates in a timely manner. Edwin enables educators to feel comfortable teaching curriculums outside of their expertise and are backed-up with historically accurate information.
LI: We live in a transformative world. Whether new discoveries are made across the globe or new curriculum updates are made in Canada, technology is imperative to share this information. When it comes to Indigenous education, things are constantly evolving. Whether it be new information, creative ideas, shared truths, various perspectives or strategies for educators, these are all areas we integrate into Edwin to ensure the most recent and accurate information. Thus, making the digital ecosystem of Edwin more important than ever before.
Nelson has an Indigenous Advisory Circle to develop culturally relevant, accurate, and authentic content for teachers and students. Tell us more about that.
SB: Nelson recognizes the value of the Advisory Circle; the Circle is a reminder that we are still learning — learning is a continuum. The purpose of Nelson’s Indigenous Advisory Circle is to collaborate with Indigenous communities and bring ideas to the table through Indigenous voices. Nelson has a responsibility and commitment to create authentic, accurate First Nations, Métis, and Inuit resources in education that rely on Indigenous perspectives and authorship to promote a, “nothing about us without us,” approach directly into the curriculum. Incorporating and involving Indigenous voices at all levels can change the narrative in the Canadian education landscape.
LI: The Indigenous Advisory Circle is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role at Nelson. I network with Indigenous leaders, educators and collaborators from across Canada, to ensure all of Nelson’s resources provide culturally accurate truths about Indigenous peoples.
This Advisory Circle also works together to develop educational content that is published in various mediums. When doing so, we work with Indigenous leaders in diverse communities to speak to their experiences, history and values providing an authentic Indigenous voice for learners in the classroom.
Are there any plans to expand this required Indigenous course content outside of BC?
LI: I believe the content that is being developed to support the Indigenous graduation requirement can be used not only outside of B.C., but across Canada. Educators across the country could take lessons and inspiration from these offerings and use them in many subject areas. This will enhance our growth toward reconciliation as a nation and provide students with additional Indigenous perspectives.
What advice do you have for teachers when implementing this curriculum requirement? How can educators be supported?
SB: Indigenous educational content needs to be carefully vetted and continuously updated to ensure it is correct. Education technology provides that solution. As history reveals itself – to move forward as a nation – we must acknowledge that we can never achieve reconciliation without the truth.
LI: Within Indigenous teachings, it is very important to build relationships, share information and work with each other aligned a common purpose. With that being said, my greatest piece of advice for educators would be to connect with each other.
I recommend exploring Indigenous professional learning webinars, and literature and resources that are current to gain a foundation of knowledge to teach the Indigenous offerings in the classroom.
In particular, Moving Forward: A Collection About Truth And Reconciliation, Strength and Struggle and Indigenous collections in Edwin, all hold fantastic information for B.C. teachers to build that foundation.
What excites you about the future of innovation and technology within the education space, particularly in British Columbia?
SB: What excites me most is that Nelson, Canada’s only heritage education content provider, has self-disrupted with the introduction of Edwin as an online learning ecosystem. The past ways of teaching are evolving, and through Edwin, Nelson is providing technology-driven tools to keep students engaged and equip teachers for success. Edwin enables both teachers and students to enjoy education in ways that are consistent with how they live their everyday lives.
LI: As a past educator and Principal who mainly had access to print resources, innovation and technology within the education space excites me because it is current. Technology allows teachers to provide information and teach students in new innovative ways which increases student outcomes and learning.
At Nelson, we have the capability to deliver reviewed and trusted content very easily through Edwin. This enhances lesson plans and learning with information readily available at your fingertips. I am proud to be aligned with a company that is on the leading edge of revolutionizing education in the digital space.
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