Skwolkwelt Sememlat Anchor Resources

Click the play button to hear the English and Halq’emeylem pronunciation of the title of this tab

Big Idea:

Reconciliation means different things to different people. To one it may mean to forgive, to another it may mean to take responsibility, and yet to another it may mean to heal. But no matter what reconciliation means to you, to all it is a process. It is the process of learning the truth, recognizing that horrible wrongs were committed and finding a way to move forward that is good and respectful, acknowledging the pain and suffering of the people.

Inquiry Question:

How has the Canadian government been moving towards Reconciliation with Canada’s First People’s?

Core Competency: Communication, Thinking, Personal/Social

Reconciliation begins with all Canadians, Indigenous and Non-Indigenous. Two well respected Indigenous leaders give good insight into the notion of reconciliation:

“Our future, and the well-being of all our children rests with the kind of relationships we build today.”- Chief Dr. Robert Joseph

“Reconciliation is realized when two people come together and understand that what they share unites them and that what is different about them needs to be respected.”

― Wab Kinew, The Reason You Walk: A Memoir

If we take to heart and truly want to reconcile, we will remember that it is not for just for us, not just for the past, but it is for the future. The future of having a society where Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Canadians can live together in a society of mutual respect and admiration for each group’s cultural beliefs, traditions and values. A society who embraces diversity, welcomes change and celebrates culture is what Canadians are striving for through the reconciliation process.

Video Resources:

On April 1, 2017, a bus carrying Elders, Survivors, Aboriginal Leadership Students, Teachers, Administrators and community members went to UBC to witness the raising of James Hart’s “Reconciliation Pole”. The following video documents that journey of Reconciliation.

Digital Resources:

Project of Heart – Illuminating the hidden history of
Indian Residential Schools in BC

Gladys We Never Knew (BCTF, interactive eBook): “This eBook is intended to be an interactive resource leading educators from the story to the ‘back story’ utilizing links on each page to offer related resources. Throughout this book you will find Project of Heart tiles with an ‘aura’ which indicates that this is a link. Click on each of these tiles to find additional resources including films, videos, documents, articles, activities and more.” (Source: BCTF)

Lesson Plans and Resources for Orange Shirt Day : From The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. Includes lesson outlines and suggested resources for Grades K-3, 4-8 and 9-12. Also includes additional resources. Many of the resources mentioned can be found in this SWSW Digital Library and in our SWSW Library’s physical collection. (Primary, Intermediate, Middle School, High School)