This week, I was asked to facilitate two sessions of the Build a Community exercise to eighty 14- and 15-year-olds attending summer camp for Ve'ahavta. And let me tell you, I did not think I stood a chance with these energetic young people away at camp on their summer vacation. However, both times, the students were taken in by the activity, and their responses in our closing circle reminded me of the power of this workshop (see below).
Read moreAnishnaabeg: Art & Power - at the ROM in Toronto
Starting on June 17th, the Royal Ontario Museum (located in downtown Toronto) will be hosting Anishnaabeg: Art & Power which invites you to "explore the life, traditions, and sacred stories of the Anishinaabeg as told through their powerful art over the last two centuries."
This opportunity seems perfect if you (or your students!) are looking to learn more about the Woodlands style, but also expand your knowledge about Anishnaabeg* culture.
The Anishnaabeg have a huge traditional territory, which includes Ontario, so learning more about their communities is another way to ground your teaching in the territory you are in/on.
Read the CBC's article on the exhibit!
(Vocabulary note: Anishnaabeg is the plural of Anishnaabe or Anishnabe).
Under One Sun - Teaching Treaties in Kindergarten
Two sample copies I was sent from Nelson
These resources are designed to introduce our youngest students to concepts related to Treaties, and with that, I was completely hooked. From my work with teachers, I know many of us struggle finding resources and ideas to incorporate Indigenous perspectives in the youngest grades.
Read moreTeaching Morriseau and Interrogating Appropriation
Appropriation has been a persistent topic in the news this month, both with the case of Amanda PL copying the style of Norval Morriseau and the suggestion in the latest issue of Write magazine that there be an Appropriation Prize by Hal Niedzviecki.
The story of Amanda PL appropriating the Woodlands art style was the first story to break, and for many of us who teach about Norval Morriseau with our students and have had students recreate his work in the past, this was an opportunity for big learning.