Reading Assignment Part A: Issue, Personal Interst, or Opportunity Identification and Keyword Generator

Protocols of Place

Kamloops Lake, Photo by Orange Suede Sofa

I would like to acknowledge that I am writing this assignment on the traditional lands of the Secwepemc and I would like to acknowledge the local Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc First Nation who have called this home since time immemorial. I am humbled and honored to be part of this land while on this academic journey of professional development.

Initial Thoughts

As I contemplate this assignment my mind draws a blank and my heart races. I do not know where or how to begin. This is my fourth course and I feel I should have a better understanding of what is expected of me yet I feel like a first year student! So, whenever I am struggling I do what I have always done and I head to the land. Once I am out on the hiking trails, smelling the sagebrush, and hearing the birds chirp my body instantly relaxes and my mind clears.

Digging Deeper & Thinking Outloud

What issues, interests, or opportunities do you anticipate arising in your teaching in the near future? 

In my near future, I foresee challenges and obstacles. I am learning to navigate a more political environment as I have recently accepted the position of District Coordinator of Aboriginal Education.  In the past, my influential sphere to nurture Truth and Reconciliation was contained to my classroom and school. I now have the opportunity to do this in a larger sphere which is exciting but daunting! I am a very honest person and a reluctant leader, meaning I do not set out to be a leader rather it’s a title bestowed upon me by others. I tell you this story of myself because in my new role I have been given advice on how to “play” the politics within my role but the best advice came from my father. He told me to be who I am as that is how I got to where I am now. 

I would like to honour my ancestors as they are the reason I am who I am. Hadi, Chelcy sts’utni. Saik’uz First Nation skeyoh. My father is Clifford George Hall from Saik’uz First Nation and my mother is Sandra Hall, maiden name Wilson from Uxbridge, Ontario. My maternal side, my grandparents are the late Arthur Wilson from Spectre, Saskatchewan, who is of Scottish/European ancestry and the late Marion Wilson from Wiarton, Ontario who is of Cree/European ancestry. On my paternal side, my grandpa is the late Earl William Hall from Vanderhoof, British Columbis who is of Cree/European ancestry and my Atsoo, grandmother, is the late Margaret Antoine from Saik’uz First Nation and is of Dakelh-Carrier ancestry. 

My interests lie in creating "a transformed education system [that] will reflect a value for Indigenous Peoples and cultures in Canada" (Chrona, 2022, p. 50). Therefore, I would like to create a teacher librarian program that is embedded with Aboriginal ways of knowing and being.

Is there a component of this issue, interest, or opportunity that relates to the use of digital technologies? 

Once again where to begin. Digital technologies are a necessity as they empower students and staff. I personally enjoy combining traditional and contemporary ways. That is, when students complete a research project their first source of information is from books, next online digital sources. When thinking of combining traditional and contempary ways a connection I immediately thought of was Darkspark. Darkspark is a not-for-profit organization who "enable youth to promote intercultural understanding using the tools of pop culture." The video shows how we can connect our culture past, present and future all while creating a huge impact on all people. 

I think digital technologies have the power to move our society forward in a positive direction. But, we must learn to use digital technologies properly and ethically to create a better world. I wonder how can I create or culivate a project of this magnitude within our district?

What curriculum is related to this issue, interest or opportunity?

I believe it's possible to create a holistic project that would be cross-curricular and incorporate majority of BC's curriculum. But, if I had to focus on a few areas I would say; ADST, ELA, SS, and Arts Education. 

What pedagogy might be useful for fostering learners' engagement and excitement? 

Collaboration is important. I feel for students learning to work with others is important and the projects are usually more creative and polished. I also believe in inquiry based learning that is hands-on. When students have choice and control over their own learning they are more engaged and invested in their education. 

What digital technologies can you imagine contributing to enrich, enable, or enhance learning? 

I think access to chromebooks and ipads with internet will be a necessity for research purposes. I also think how they present their learning could be done through various digital technologies. Augmented reality would be cool as would using 3D cameras to connect to the land. Learning to effectively use Adobe Illustrator for digital designs would be interesting. Students could also create videos or music videos.  

Keywords & Possible Topics

Drawing from the keywords pertaining to your curriculum, pedagogy, and digital technology, make a list of possible topics you might need to broaden your understanding of this area of interest. Think about grade level, age level of students, school setting, administrative setting, pertinent policy and guidelines from government, district, and school levels, technological setting, relevant curriculum resources, relevant pedagogical resources, potential technological resources

Keywords: Truth and Reconcilation, Indigenous Knowledge, digital technologies, intercultural understanding, modern and traditional practices, inquiry learning, collaboration, K-12 

Possible Topics:

• Social Media and Indigenous Knowledge
• Role of Digital Technologies and Preserving Indigenous Knowledge
• Role of Digital Technologies and Indigenous Education
• Personal Learning Networks and Indigenous Education

I would like to explore the use of personal learning networks to enhance my professional development as an Indigenous educator within the public school system of British Columbia. I feel this will enable me to connect with like-minded individuals who are committed to creating equity within our school systems for Indigenous learners. I feel by further exploring this topic I will enhance my ability to provide impactful and meaningful contributions to my district within my new role.  

Resources

BCTF. (2018). Aboriginal Ways of Knowing and Being.

Chrona, J. (2022). Wayi Wah! indigenous pedagogies: An act for reconciliation and anti-racist education. Portage & Main Press.

Curriculum. (n.d.). https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/

Darkspark, Four Directions - Rankin Inlet, NU. (2019). YouTube. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://youtu.be/6UcJv3cVmz4.

Empowerment through song. Darkspark. (2021, January 30). https://darkspark.org/