The activity started as a group of Individuals, strong, proud and free in so many ways and ended with segregation which is still a part of our life as Canadian Citizens. Students were actually feeling what it may have felt to be First Nation people and what it feels like today. This was shown in the non-directed actions of the students, as they unthinkingly backed away from the European oppressors after watching what contact with them had had on their family of fellow students. It was shown as arms were placed on neighboring shoulders as if to say WE ARE ONE and WE BAND TOGETHER. Together they made a small circle of strength but no matter how much they held together, the group’s strength was not enough to fight off the advances of European Colonist from breaking down their wall of strength. It was seen in the constant battle as they would try to unfold their blankets which represented their land, only to have it refolded, smaller and smaller by the European colonists. In the end, no matter their endurance of fighting, they were divided and segregated into small portions, instead of what was once a great and large nation.
She talked about her students and their want of change, want to be heard, want to be recognized and the want to be given a chance to succeed in a world dependent on being educated. If anything in the world should touch your heart, those pleas of young students who know they are disadvantaged from birth should motivate us to change our paths and direction. But this can be hard. I keep thinking of Scott’s comment whey he said they don’t need a saviour teacher. How do we get away from the Saviour way of thinking but find the change we all need so all students have the advantage and means for success? When I think about it, my desire is to make a difference, to help them find the success they want. I have no desire to change their ideas, beliefs or who they are, only to give them a chance.
The rest of the workshop was a little rushed because of time. However the pictures and stories she showed us helped us relate to them more. It is amazing to see the young students also recognize a need for change, because they are feeling disadvantaged and the want the outside world to know and recognize their need and help change it. It is very true, change starts with us. As educators we must exemplify the need for change and include FNMI content into the classroom.