Creating learning environments that reflect the First Peoples Principles of Learning (p. 4)
You can learn more about these principles at:
- http://www.fnesc.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PUB-LFP-POSTER-Principles-of-Learning-First-Peoples-poster-11x17.pdf
- https://firstpeoplesprinciplesoflearning.wordpress.com
Territory Acknowledgement (p. 7)
The following resources may help you write an appropriate Territory Acknowledgement with your class:
1. Find out whose traditional territory your school or community is built on. Use this interactive map of traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples across Canada developed by Native Land to help you:
2. Learn more about the protocols for acknowledging territory by reading the information shared by Native Land at:
3. Look at examples of acknowledgements by various post-secondary institutions across Canada on the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) website at:
Talking Circles (p. 8)
BC First Nations Land, Title and Governance Teacher Resource Guide, First Nations Education Steering Committee and First Nations Schools Association, c. 2019 (p. 20).
The Circle Way:
First Nations Pedagogy Online:
A Trip to the Bank Gone Wrong
Extensions (p.16)
1. Learn more about this story by exploring the following news sources. What additional lessons can we learn about systemic racism and the impact it has on Indigenous Peoples in Canada? What additional lessons can we learn about how systemic racism be countered or eradicated in Canada?
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/maxwell-johnson-granddaughter-human-rights-complaint-vancouver-police-1.6598580
- https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/granddaughters-handcuffing-haunts-heiltsuk-nation-man-even-as-police-settle-rights-case/
- https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/bc-first-nation-family-reaches-settlement-with-bmo-following-wrongful-arrest
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/human-rights-commissioner-report-vpb-vpd-maxwell-johnson-granddaughter-handcuffed-1.7135454
2. The Canadian Museum of Human Rights has created the Teachers’ Guide Pass The Mic: Let’s Talk About Racism to equip teachers and their classes with the tools needed to have important conversations about race. Through video conversations with three diverse Canadians, students are encouraged to consider their relationship with racism, learn how to be anti-racist, and understand what it means to pass the microphone to others. Check out the resource at:
3. To understand more about what systemic racism in Canada looks like, watch this short video by CBC News:
Systemic Racism in Canada
Before Reading (p. 17)
Watch the video “White privilege, systemic racism explained” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZkGWmrIRFU [4:57]
Extensions (pp.25-26)
1. Learn more about Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy by exploring the links found on this Government of Canada webpage:
2. Here are some links that offer suggestions to adults for talking to their children or students about race and racism:
- https://www.unicef.org/parenting/talking-to-your-kids-about-racism
- https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2020/09/teaching-talking-kids-about-racism-and-police/616159/
- https://www.pbs.org/education/blog/10-tips-on-talking-to-kids-about-race-and-racism
- https://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-racism-an-age-by-age-guide/
3. Use picture books to talk about race. Consider using the metaphor of books as windows, doors, and mirrors to help you select picture books that will: allow students in your class to see themselves reflected in books; offer an opening into worlds, both real and imagined, that go beyond their own experiences where they meet characters different than themselves; and provide a conduit for them to see or experience the world and what it offers. [Visit the website:
4. For a more detailed explanation of the metaphor, book lists, links, and articles.] This PBS.org-blog provides an annotated bibliography of picture books you can use to prompt further conversations on race:
5. Engage your students in discrimination activities to discuss concepts of diversity, power, & privilege. TeenTalk.ca has several resources for educators with activities related to discrimination, appreciating diversity, and taking action. Check out the following links:
6. The website is also a resource for youth with ‘Learn About’ links for Decolonization and Diversity and Discrimination:
7. The Association for Canadian Studies (ACS) published a study in 2022 that looked at Canadians’ perceptions of racism online:
8. Watch the press conference here:
- https://youtu.be/tOjVS2mOsec [0:55].
9. Read more about the challenges the First Ministers had coming to a common understanding of the words ‘racism’ and ‘systemic’, in this National Post article:
10. Listen to the podcast “Colour Code”, Episode 1: Race Card at :
11. Watch Erica Violet Lee’s “Our bodies and lands are not your property” at:
- https://vimeo.com/200241287 [21:16].
12. Invite students to compare the Hon. Ahmed Hussen’s suggestions with the reflections of Ms. Thorne’s (in the article) on how to avoid perpetuating systemic racism:
Culminating Activity: Art Analysis
You can see more of Brianna’s powerful art on her Facebook page at
Culminating Activity: Letter to My Children
Tina calls out to all people to be empathetic. As a class, compose a response to Tina. What kinds of promises can your class make to initiate change on a systemic level? What promises or actions would you like to initiate in your school so that all kids feel safe? Send your letter via email to the editor:
* Tina is the creator of “To My Children: Every Child Matters – Even You”, a video that describes beautifully and powerfully the impact of Residential Schools on her family and the hope she has for her three children, as well as the importance of understanding history, being kind, and having children know they matter. You can preview this video at:
To find out how to purchase rights to show this video to your students, contact Tina at: