WATCH — How students and teachers can support reconciliation
Your classroom questions answered by Indigenous teen panellists
With Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation happening this week, you may be thinking about what reconciliation means to you and your community.
We have gathered questions from classrooms across Canada to put to three Indigenous youth who are ready to share their ideas, insights and personal experiences.
CBC Kids News contributors Isabel DeRoy-Olson and Ainara Alleyne take us through a chat about Orange Shirt Day, reconciliation and how the classroom can be a place for change.
Watch the discussion below to learn more.
What will you learn about?
In this video, you’ll hear from three Indigenous panellists answering your questions about reconciliation in the classroom.
Hear answers to questions like:
- How can we reflect our commitment to reconciliation in the classroom?
- What do you think teachers should focus on when teaching about reconciliation and Indigenous Peoples' history?
- How can students be a part of reconciliation and how can we help with reconciliation?
Who are our panellists?
Sophia Smoke, 15, Manitoba, Dakota Plains First Nation
- Passionate First Nations youth leader.
- Loves musical theatre.
- “It’s about reconciliation within ourselves, too…. Learn the history that isn’t in the school textbooks.”
Eli Rowe, 16, Nova Scotia, Lake St. Martin First Nation (Manitoba) and Mi’kmaw
- Excited about news and wants to pursue a career in journalism.
- Loves to cook and listen to old rock albums.
- “Cultural experiences like smudging have been open [in my] school and can help give a glimpse into Indigenous culture.”
Ryleigh Todd-Moore, 16, Manitoba, Norway House Cree Nation
- Loves science and wants to become a paramedic.
- Wants to bring more awareness to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, climate change and pipelines.
- “Reconciliation is important because everyone deserves equality.”
Want to continue the discussion? Use the “send us feedback” link below to share your own reconciliation wins. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
TOP IMAGE CREDIT: Philip Street/CBC