Indigenous Knowledge and Representation in Canadian Curricula: Translating Curricula Into Action and Building Settler Capacity For Treaty Partnership
Indigenous Knowledge and Representation in Canadian Curricula: Translating Curricula Into Action and Building Settler Capacity For Treaty Partnership
Indigenous Knowledge and Representation in Canadian Curricula: Translating Curricula Into Action and Building Settler Capacity For Treaty Partnership
Author
Laura B Pasquariello
Editors
Roman Ebadi
Husayn Jamal
NOTICE & DISCLAIMER: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any
form by any means without the written consent of the FCSS-FESC and/or the Author. The FCSS-
FESC and all persons involved in the creation of this publication disclaim any warranty as to the
accuracy of this publication and shall not be responsible for any action taken in reliance on the
publication, or for any errors or omissions contained in the publication. Nothing in this
publication constitutes professional advice.
The FCSS-FESC has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or
third-party Internet websites referred to in this publication, and does not guarantee that any
content on such websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.
https://fcss-fesc.ca/
[email protected]
+1 (289) 408-8600
Title: Indigenous knowledge and representation in Canadian curricula : translating curricula into
action and building settler capacity for treaty partnership / author, Laura B. Pasquariello ;
editors, Roman Ebadi, Husayn Jamal.
Names: Pasquariello, Laura B., author. | Ebadi, Roman, editor. | Jamal, Husayn, editor.
Description: First edition. | Includes bibliographical references.
Identifiers: Canadiana 20210319658 | ISBN 9781777894405 (PDF) | ISBN 9781777894412 (HTML)
Subjects: LCSH: Multicultural education—Canada. | LCSH: Culturally relevant pedagogy—
Canada. | LCSH: Critical pedagogy—Canada. | LCSH: Indigenous peoples—Social life and
customs—Study and teaching (Secondary)—Canada. | LCSH: Curriculum change—Canada. |
LCSH: Curriculum planning—Canada. | LCSH: Reconciliation. | LCSH: Canada—Race relations
—Study and teaching (Secondary)
Classification: LCC LC1099.5.C3 P37 2021 | DDC 370.1170971—dc23
2
3
Table of Contents
04 CONTEXT AND RATIONALE
08
CULTURALLY-RELEVANT
TRAUMA-INFORMED GENDER BASED
ANALYSIS (CRTIGBA) FRAMEWORK
10
CROSS-CURRICULA ANALYSIS OF
SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION IN
CANADIAN PROVINCES AND TERRITORIES
25
GOING BEYOND INDIGENOUS
ALLYSHIP AND BECOMING
RESPONSIBLE TREATY PARTNERS
30 REFERENCES
4
5
Context and Rationale
The Federation of Canadian Secondary Students / Fédération des élèves
du secondaire au Canada is a youth-led nonpartisan charity that provides
opportunities for secondary and CÉGEP students in Canada to become active
stakeholders and advocates for positive change and radical social justice
within the education system. Engaging in justice, equity, decolonization, and
inclusion in collaboration with Indigenous peoples in Canada is one of the
most crucial aspects of substantive reconciliation and requires immediate
action from every level of government and all citizens.
Historically, curriculums
Indigenous peoples and across Canada have:
identities have been used erased, excluded,
and misrepresented
in Canadian curricula to: Indigenous peoples,
inform public memory history, and culture
establish the legitimacy of been used as a tool to
the white-settler state legitimize the physical
exclude Indigenous and emotional violence
identities from the perpetrated against
national narrative Indigenous people
placed Indigeneity in
contrast to modernity
Recently, in part due to both the calls to action from the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the calls to justice from the National
Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (NIMMIWG),
educators and researchers are recognizing the important role that
Indigenous knowledge, language, and culture play in academic achievement,
cultural survival, and wellbeing, and are beginning to implement this within
their respective curriculums (Putnam, et al., 2011).
“Does the program or policy recognize and account for the distinct lived experiences
between and among First Nations (both on-reserve and off-reserve, both status and
non-status), Inuit (land claim beneficiary or not, living in Inuit Nunangat or not),
and Métis (urban or rural) individuals?” (NWAC, 2020, p.11)
“Does the program or policy account for intersecting identities as the foundation
rather than as a matter of inclusion?” (NWAC, 2020, p.11)
“Does the program or policy place value on non-Western ways of knowing and
transmitting knowledge, such as storytelling, ceremonies, sharing circles, or
land-based learning?” (NWAC, 2020, p.12)
Does the program or policy meaningfully center Indigenous voices by accounting for
the systemic intergenerational trauma perpetuated by historical colonial institutions
and contemporary settler interests that continue to devalue and dispossess Indigenous
peoples of their identities, cultures, knowledge, and right to self-determination?
10
11
STRENGTHS
Recognizes the distinct lived experiences among Indigenous nations across
Turtle Island (both on-reserve and off-reserve, both status and non-status).
Values Indigenous women's ways of knowing and the important roles that
women play within Indigenous cultures and communities.
LIMITATIONS
Does not meaningfully acknowledges the systemic intergenerational trauma
perpetuated by historical colonial institutions and contemporary settler
interests that continue to devalue and dispossess Indigenous peoples of their
identities, cultures, traditional knowledge and right to self-determination.
Does not account for intersecting identities as the foundation for inclusion (ie
sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, class, etc.).
Is not inclusive of gender, sex, and sexuality in the way that the curriculum
appreciates that these all have their own respective spectrums.
12
“Both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
peoples need to be part of those
conversations. Land claims, treaties, a
Northwest
sustainable Northern economy, residential
schools – these are not ‘Aboriginal’ issues;
Territories
they are issues that are vital for both
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal young people
to be deeply grounded in and to wrestle
with. If Canada dreams of being a ‘fair
country’, the North may, in fact, be the best
place, and Northern Studies the best
vehicle, for bringing that dream to reality”
(NWT, 2015, p. 15).
STRENGTHS
Recognizes the distinct lived experiences among Indigenous nations across
Turtle Island (both on-reserve and off-reserve, both status and non-status).
Values Indigenous women's ways of knowing and the important roles that
women play within Indigenous cultures and communities.
LIMITATIONS
Does not meaningfully acknowledge the systemic intergenerational trauma
perpetuated by historical colonial institutions and contemporary settler
interests that continue to devalue and dispossess Indigenous peoples of their
identities, cultures, traditional knowledge and right to self-determination.
Does not account for intersecting identities as the foundation for inclusion (i.e.,
sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, class, etc.).
Is not inclusive of gender, sex, and sexuality in the way that the curriculum
appreciates that these all have their own respective spectrums.
13
STRENGTHS
Recognizes the distinct lived experiences among Indigenous nations across
Turtle Island (both on-reserve and off-reserve, both status and non-status).
Values Indigenous women's ways of knowing and the important roles that
women play within Indigenous cultures and communities.
LIMITATIONS
Does not meaningfully acknowledge the systemic intergenerational trauma
perpetuated by historical colonial institutions and contemporary settler
interests that continue to devalue and dispossess Indigenous peoples of their
identities, cultures, traditional knowledge and right to self-determination.
Does not account for intersecting identities as the foundation for inclusion (i.e.,
sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, class, etc.).
Is not inclusive of gender, sex, and sexuality in the way that the curriculum
appreciates that these all have their own respective spectrums.
14
British
success for all Indigenous students by
having the voice of Indigenous people be
Columbia
heard in all aspects of the education
system; the presence of Indigenous
languages, cultures, and histories will be
increased in provincial curricula; and
leadership and informed practise will be
provided (“Curriculum Overview,” n.d.).
STRENGTHS
Recognizes the distinct lived experiences among Indigenous nations across
Turtle Island (both on-reserve and off-reserve, both status and non-status).
LIMITATIONS
Does not meaningfully acknowledge the systemic intergenerational trauma
perpetuated by historical colonial institutions and contemporary settler
interests that continue to devalue and dispossess Indigenous peoples of their
identities, cultures, traditional knowledge and right to self-determination.
Does not account for intersecting identities as the foundation for inclusion (i.e.,
sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, class, etc.).
Is not inclusive of gender, sex, and sexuality in the way that the curriculum
appreciates that these all have their own respective spectrums.
Does not value Indigenous women's ways of knowing and the important roles
that women play within Indigenous cultures and communities.
15
Alberta
assurance about Indigenous
reconciliation by consulting with
Indigenous peoples to meaningfully
integrate traditional knowledge into
the social science and Indigenous
language curriculums (“Education for
Reconciliation,” 2021).
STRENGTHS
Recognizes the distinct lived experiences among Indigenous nations across
Turtle Island (both on-reserve and off-reserve, both status and non-status).
LIMITATIONS
Does not place value on non-Western ways of knowing and transmitting
knowledge, through storytelling, ceremonies, or land-based learning.
Does not account for intersecting identities as the foundation for inclusion (i.e.,
sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, class, etc.).
Is not inclusive of gender, sex, and sexuality in the way that the curriculum
appreciates that these all have their own respective spectrums.
Does not value Indigenous women's ways of knowing and the important roles
that women play within Indigenous cultures and communities.
16
First Nations and Métis ways of
knowing, content and perspectives are
an integral part of Saskatchewa
curricula, in all classrooms, at all grade
levels. They are not an add-on or
intended just for classrooms with
STRENGTHS
Recognizes the distinct lived experiences among Indigenous nations across
Turtle Island (both on-reserve and off-reserve, both status and non-status).
LIMITATIONS
Does not meaningfully acknowledge the systemic intergenerational trauma
perpetuated by historical colonial institutions and contemporary settler
interests that continue to devalue and dispossess Indigenous peoples of their
identities, cultures, traditional knowledge and right to self-determination.
Does not account for intersecting identities as the foundation for inclusion (i.e.,
sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, class, etc.).
Is not inclusive of gender, sex, and sexuality in the way that the curriculum
appreciates that these all have their own respective spectrums.
Does not value Indigenous women's ways of knowing and the important roles
that women play within Indigenous cultures and communities.
17
Manitoba
understanding of and respect for the
histories, cultures, and traditional
knowledge of Aboriginal peoples; to
develop informed opinion on matters
relating to Aboriginal peoples” (Labelle
& Peden, 2003, p. 2).
STRENGTHS
Recognizes the distinct lived experiences among Indigenous nations across
Turtle Island (both on-reserve and off-reserve, both status and non-status).
LIMITATIONS
Does not meaningfully acknowledge the systemic intergenerational trauma
perpetuated by historical colonial institutions and contemporary settler
interests that continue to devalue and dispossess Indigenous peoples of their
identities, cultures, traditional knowledge and right to self-determination.
Does not account for intersecting identities as the foundation for inclusion (i.e.,
sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, class, etc.).
Is not inclusive of gender, sex, and sexuality in the way that the curriculum
appreciates that these all have their own respective spectrums.
Does not value Indigenous women's ways of knowing and the important roles
that women play within Indigenous cultures and communities.
18
Ontario
however, the majority of this
inclusion depends on individual
teachers to find resources and
decide whether they will be
incorporating the knowledge into
their classrooms.
STRENGTHS
Recognizes the distinct lived experiences among Indigenous nations across
Turtle Island (both on-reserve and off-reserve, both status and non-status).
LIMITATIONS
Does not place value on non-Western ways of knowing and transmitting
knowledge, through storytelling, ceremonies, or land-based learning.
Does not account for intersecting identities as the foundation for inclusion (i.e.,
sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, class, etc.).
Is not inclusive of gender, sex, and sexuality in the way that the curriculum
appreciates that these all have their own respective spectrums.
Does not value Indigenous women's ways of knowing and the important roles
that women play within Indigenous cultures and communities.
19
STRENGTHS
Recognizes the distinct lived experiences among Indigenous nations across
Turtle Island (both on-reserve and off-reserve, both status and non-status).
LIMITATIONS
Does not place value on non-Western ways of knowing and transmitting
knowledge, through storytelling, ceremonies, or land-based learning.
Does not account for intersecting identities as the foundation for inclusion (i.e.,
sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, class, etc.).
Is not inclusive of gender, sex, and sexuality in the way that the curriculum
appreciates that these all have their own respective spectrums.
Does not value Indigenous women's ways of knowing and the important roles
that women play within Indigenous cultures and communities.
20
LIMITATIONS
Does not recognize the distinct lived experiences among Indigenous nations
across Turtle Island (both on-reserve & off-reserve, both status & non-status).
Does not account for intersecting identities as the foundation for inclusion (i.e.,
sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, class, etc.).
Is not inclusive of gender, sex, and sexuality in the way that the curriculum
appreciates that these all have their own respective spectrums.
Does not value Indigenous women's ways of knowing and the important roles
that women play within Indigenous cultures and communities.
21
Prince Edward
Indigenous history into the
social science curricula
Island
however there is little
incorporation of knowledge or
the importance of
reconciliation.
STRENGTHS
Recognizes the distinct lived experiences among Indigenous nations across
Turtle Island (both on-reserve and off-reserve, both status and non-status).
LIMITATIONS
Does not place value on non-Western ways of knowing and transmitting
knowledge, through storytelling, ceremonies, or land-based learning.
Does not account for intersecting identities as the foundation for inclusion (i.e.,
sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, class, etc.).
Is not inclusive of gender, sex, and sexuality in the way that the curriculum
appreciates that these all have their own respective spectrums.
Does not value Indigenous women's ways of knowing and the important roles
that women play within Indigenous cultures and communities.
22
Nova
specific inclusion of Indigenous
perspectives into the social science
curricula and seeks to enable
STRENGTHS
Recognizes the distinct lived experiences among Indigenous nations across
Turtle Island (both on-reserve and off-reserve, both status and non-status).
LIMITATIONS
Does not meaningfully acknowledge the systemic intergenerational trauma
perpetuated by historical colonial institutions and contemporary settler
interests that continue to devalue and dispossess Indigenous peoples of their
identities, cultures, traditional knowledge and right to self-determination.
Does not account for intersecting identities as the foundation for inclusion (i.e.,
sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, class, etc.).
Is not inclusive of gender, sex, and sexuality in the way that the curriculum
appreciates that these all have their own respective spectrums.
Does not value Indigenous women's ways of knowing and the important roles
that women play within Indigenous cultures and communities.
23
New
New Brunswick provides regionally
specific inclusion of Indigenous
STRENGTHS
Recognizes the distinct lived experiences among Indigenous nations across
Turtle Island (both on-reserve and off-reserve, both status and non-status).
LIMITATIONS
Does not meaningfully acknowledge the systemic intergenerational trauma
perpetuated by historical colonial institutions and contemporary settler
interests that continue to devalue and dispossess Indigenous peoples of their
identities, cultures, traditional knowledge and right to self-determination.
Does not account for intersecting identities as the foundation for inclusion (i.e.,
sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, class, etc.).
Is not inclusive of gender, sex, and sexuality in the way that the curriculum
appreciates that these all have their own respective spectrums.
Does not value Indigenous women's ways of knowing and the important roles
that women play within Indigenous cultures and communities.
23
Provincial and
Territorial Report Card
“Reconciliation
begins with each and
every one of us”
(TRC, 2015, p. 238).
30
31
References
Assembly of First Nations. (n.d.). Traditional Knowledge. https://www.afn.ca/uploads/files/env/ns_-
_traditional_knowledge.pdf.
Ali, C. (n.d.). How art can help with Indigenous reconciliation. The University of British Columbia: Beyond.
https://beyond.ubc.ca/kent-monkman-exhibition/.
Buller, M., Eyolfson, B., Robinson, Q., & Audette, M. (2019). (rep.). Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final
Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (Vol. 1b).
Caissie, M. (2017, February 22). 5 Things First Nations Want In Canada. HuffPost Canada.
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/monique-caissie/5-things-first-nations-want-in-canada_b_9276292.html.
CBC/Radio Canada. (2018, June 1). Personal acts of reconciliation | CBC News. CBCnews.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/community/personal-acts-reconciliation-1.4687405.
Curriculum: Nunavut Curriculum and Resources K-12. Nunavut Department of Education. (n.d.).
https://www.gov.nu.ca/education/curriculum.
Curriculum Overview. Building Student Success - B.C. Curriculum. (n.d.).
https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/overview#indigenous.
Education for Reconciliation. Government of Alberta. (2021). https://www.alberta.ca/education-for-
reconciliation.aspx.
Donate to Indigenous Charities: CanadaHelps. CanadaHelps. (n.d.). https://www.canadahelps.org/en/donate-to-
indigenous-charities/.
Honouring the Treaties. The Land Between: Cottage Country's Conservation Organization. (n.d.).
https://www.thelandbetween.ca/honouring-the-treaties/.
How to Be an Ally of Indigenous-led Conservation. Land Needs Guardians. (n.d.).
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d9e3f83baad6f4ed18b9539/t/5ef4de54f76c126274981d00/15931
06006572/How+to+be+an+Ally+of+Indigenous-led+Conservation.pdf.
How To Help First Nations Communities In Canada. True North Aid. (2020, June 18).
https://truenorthaid.ca/how-to-help-first-nations/.
Indigenous Education: Walking on Both Sides of the River. Gouvernement du Québec. (2017, March 1).
https://www.quebec.ca/en/government/ministere/education/organismes-lies/translate-to-anglais-
commission-de-leducation-en-langue-anglaise-cela.
Indigenous Climate Hub. (2020, October 2). https://indigenousclimatehub.ca/.
Indigenous Organizations. Indigenous Organizations | Indigenous Works. (n.d.).
https://indigenousworks.ca/en/resources/indigenous-organizations.
Jamieson, R. (2012, August 1). Realizing Canada's promise in partnership with indigenous peoples. Policy Options.
https://policyoptions.irpp.org/fr/magazines/policy-challenges-for-2020/realizing-canadas-promise-in-
partnership-with-indigenous-peoples/.
Joseph, B. (2018, August 16). What Reconciliation Is And What It Is Not. Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.
https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/what-reconciliation-is-and-what-it-is-not.
Labelle, L., & Peden, S. (2003). Integrating Aboriginal Perspectives into Curricula: A Resource for Curriculum
Developers, Teachers, and Administrators. Manitoba Ministry of Education and Youth.
https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/docs/policy/abpersp/ab_persp.pdf.
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. (2019). Calls for Justice (Reclaiming
Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and
Girls). Government of Canada.
NativeLand.ca. Native Land. (n.d.). https://native-land.ca/.
Northwest Territories: Education, Culture and Employment, Northern Studies 10: Northern Homeland (2015).
https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/sites/ece/files/resources/northern_studies_10_curriculum.pdf.
Putnam, J. A. W., Putnam, D. E., Jerome, B., & Jerome, R. (2011). Cross-Cultural Collaboration for Locally
Developed Indigenous Curriculum. International Journal of Multicultural Education, 13(2).
https://doi.org/10.18251/ijme.v13i2.400
Settlers Take Action. The On Canada Project. (n.d.). https://oncanadaproject.ca/settlerstakeaction.
Swiftwolfe, D. (n.d.). Indigenous Ally Toolkit.
https://physiotherapy.ca/sites/default/files/indigenous_ally_toolkit_en.pdf.
Toolkits. Reconciliation Canada Toolkits Comments. (n.d.). https://reconciliationcanada.ca/resources/toolkits/.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). Calls to Action. Government of Canada.
What are Treaties? Why should you know about them? Live & Learn: a project of English Online Inc. (2018, April
25). https://livelearn.ca/article/living-in-manitoba/what-are-treaties-why-should-you-know-about-them/.
WordPress. (2011, November 25). Traditional Knowledge and Technology. UBC BLOGS.
https://blogs.ubc.ca/traditionalknowledgetech.
Wyile, H. (2019). “The Currency That Is Reconciliation Discourse in Canada.” Studies in Canadian Literature,
43(2). https://doi.org/10.7202/1062918ar