Pays Plat First Nation Pawgwasheeng

“Where the river is shallow”

Holy Angels

Catholic School

Introduction

Critical Learning Tasks

CLT #1

Makerspaces and Inclusivity

CLT #2

Liberatory Design Thinking in the Maker Environment

CLT #4

Intersectionality in Makerspaces: Race, Gender, Culture, and Inequities

CLT #7

Utilizing AI/VR/AR in Inclusive Makerspace

CLT #8

Ableism and Inclusive Making

Provocations

Module 5: Provocation # 1

Part 1 Turning Indigenous Inequity to Equity

Refective questions while watching the documentary with Senator Murray Sinclair.

Senator Murray Sinclair highlights the discrimination and trauma experienced by Indigenous children in Residential Schools, alongside the biased education impacting non-Indigenous children, perpetuating systemic injustices. He emphasizes the necessity of education reform, including accurate Indigenous representation and a long-term perspective, for reconciliation and restoring balance in Indigenous-non-Indigenous relations. Senator Sinclair stresses the importance of evaluating educational resources, recognizing the need for multi-generational progress, and directing present actions towards fostering a respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

I have included an article Senator Murray Sinclair contributed to The Manitoba Teacher. Senator Murray Sinclair draws parallels between his childhood experiences and the story of the ugly duckling. He reflects on his personal journey, as well as his broader message about the need for understanding and acceptance in education and society.

Provocations

I would like to begin by situating myself. I live, work and raise my family on the unceded territory of the Ojiway people of Pawgwasheeng (Pays Plat). I am an educator with 20+ years experience in the classroom, with many of those years teaching NSL (Native as Second Language) and Indigenous education. This issue holds deep personal significance for me, as numerous families within the school community are impacted by intergenerational trauma as a result of the residential school system.

Senator Sinclair's words provided powerful insight, while the accompanying photo and article served as a stark reminder of the individuals responsible for the cultural genocide perpetrated under the guise of education. Together, they delivered a jolting wake-up call to the harsh reality of the atrocities committed at residential schools.

For many individuals, merely hearing or reading about Canada’s dark history of residential schools was inadequate to fully grasp their impact. Some minimize the horrors of these institutions as a way to cope with their own guilt, as they struggle to come to terms with the true extent of the atrocities. However, the photo and accompanying article serve as undeniable evidence challenging such minimization and demanding acknowledgment of the harsh realities endure.

Taken from an interview with CBC Radio Unreserved with Rossanna Deerchild (Sep 25, 2021), Murray Sinclair's poignant quote effectively weaves these pieces together,

“We have not only opened people’s eyes, but we have turned people’s heads.

The ones who would look away now can no longer look away.”

Provocations

Module 4: Provocation # 2

2SLGBTQIA+ Community Inclusion

Examination of Inclusivity through STEAM Subjects and Makerspaces

Love Has No Labels | Diversity & Inclusion | Ad Council

My personal territory acknowledgement:

In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, I recognize that I am a settler and uninvited guest on the traditional territory of the Ojibwe People of Pays Plat First Nation, Pawgwasheeng "Where the river is shallow". This territory remains unceded, while the surrounding area is covered by Treaty 60, 1850 Robinson Superior. I am grateful for the opportunities provided by the land and the people of Pays Plat First Nation, which enable me to continue my journey of reconciliation through dialogue, education, and active engagement. As an uninvited guest on this land, I recognize my privilege and position of power, acknowledging how it intersects with the experiences of others. I am committed to taking steps to continue building relationships and demonstrate this through humility, active listening, and ongoing education. This includes amplifying Indigenous voices, advocating for Indigenous rights and sovereignty, and actively engaging in efforts towards reconciliation and decolonization.

Maker Challenges

My Place on the Land: Land Acknowledgement and Commitment to Reconciliation

Designed by Allison Hubenig

Diversity & Ability: Virtual/Physical Museums Website

SMART Goal