Teachers honoured in blanketing ceremony

BY MINA KERR-LAZENBY NORTH SHORE NEWS

Teachers implementing the rollout of Indigenous courses have had their efforts acknowledged by being honoured in a blanketing ceremony.

“On behalf of Tsleil-Waututh Nation Chief and Council, I hold my hands up to the North Vancouver School District for championing reconciliation, and for strengthening the foundation of Indigenous teachings and learning with students,” Tsleil-Waututh Nation Councillor Dennis Thomas said.

Sutherland Secondary Teacher

Jennifer Kwong said it was a very rare opportunity for “settler folk” to not only witness a blanketing ceremony, but to be honoured in that way. “It’s very empowering for teachers to have that.”

Kwong has been working alongside Rose Greene, District Principal,

Indigenous Education and Equity, to gain a better grasp of the Indigenous worldview, learn the curriculum and understand the best way to approach in a teaching environment.

Greene said Kwong was one of “many teachers” who answered the call to lead the new courses, which began in September.

Greene said the dozen-strong group have begun teaching with “a good mind and a good heart” and have been working since May to learn, and create curriculum alongside

“It is a privilege to work alongside Tsleil-Waututh Nation,” said Principal Sarah Best. “We are honoured to be gifted this Indigenous name for our school.” ■ the local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and educators. “All students deserve to learn the authentic true histories of the lands they live, learn and play.”

Keeping in line with the new graduate requirement that all secondary students must complete Indigenous-focused coursework before graduating from Grade 12, Kwong said the lessons focus on social studies from an Indigenous worldview, literature from Indigenous authors and poets, and history from the perspective of oral culture.

While initially nervous for what reaction would be from parents, Kwong said the response has been “very, very positive” and she has received ample support from families.

“They realize they are getting to do something that should have been done a very long time ago.” ■