The Four Key Components Towards Reconciliation

Being able to gain knowledge makes us grow.

Being able to understand shows us a different perspective.

Being able to explore makes us seek passion and love.

Being able to be educated about the past, helps us change the future.

Being able to gain this knowledge and understanding will lead to the exploration of options towards change.

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Throughout my life, I have heard so much said about Aboriginal People. I have heard many stereotypes, assumptions, and accusations. Many in which I have learned not to believe. During my years in high school, there were many Aboriginal Peoples transferring to my school. This being because Whitewood is near Kahkewistahaw, Ochapowace and Cowessess First Nation. In my Grade 10 year, Whitewood School offered courses that focused on the history of the Aboriginal People and Europeans in Canada. They made Native Studies 10 a required credit to graduate, I really enjoyed the class and the knowledge it provided for me. It showed me a different view upon our history and the steps towards the future to enhance a better relationship between Europeans and Aboriginal Peoples.

The next semester that year my own curiosity was taking over, I wanted to learn more and experience as much of their culture as I could. So throughout grades 10-12, I become very familiar with the Aboriginal students attending Whitewood School. I would hang out with them at extra-curricular events within our school, we would all go to hockey games on the weekend, them being in Whitewood and also on the reserve. I was able to attend a powwow with one of my close Aboriginal friends. I will always remember sitting in the stands, asking my friend so many questions, what are they doing? What outfit represents what? She looked at me and said just watch. When watching the dancers and the people around me, I had a growing sense of understanding and passion just like they did. I was so grateful for being able to experience that. Then we went and had an Indian taco, I think that's what they're called haha. Best taco I've ever eaten! My grade 11 and 12 years I continued to go to every powwow I could, and I continued to meet other people my age, elders and community members.

During my time spent with Aboriginal Peoples now and even to this day, it's always given me a sense of belonging. I am not of the Aboriginal Culture, but the Aboriginal People I have met and become close with have never been annoyed with all the questions I ask because I am willing to listen and learn which many people are not willing to do. As a young person, I know that Aboriginal People have changed my outlook on life and also have had an impact on who I am today and whom I continue to be in the future.

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In my journey of curiosity within Aboriginal culture, I have discovered that these components of :Knowledge, Understanding, Exploration and Education are the key components needed within society to see positive change towards reconciliation. I've met the most kind-hearted, open-minded, compassionate people ever. Something about the way their community is as a whole, the way Aboriginal people care for each other and support each other. Me as a non-Aboriginal person showing up at a hockey game on the reserve, or even a community event and feeling like it's home. Means so much to me because me as a young person being able to gain knowledge and understanding, but also to be able to explore it, and educate others. Now there is mutual respect shared between me and other people my age, elders and community members by doing these four easy things, and it has changed my life for the better.

Thank you:)

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Calls To Action

57. We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

-In taking Native Studies in high school really changed my views of the way events happened back then with residential schools, treaties, and reserve lifestyle.

-Educating young kids in my future classroom about the history of Indigenous culture, practices, and history within the world.

-Encourage school divisions to hire Indigenous teachers to teach off reserve to share their knowledge within their culture in the classroom.

62. We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, in consultation and collaboration with Survivors, Aboriginal peoples, and educators, to 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.

-Making Native Studies required credit to graduate.

-Having elders come into the classroom to share stories with younger kids and workshops for older kids.