About this project

This blog is the work in progress of a high school educator, enrolled in the online Professional Masters of Education program at Queen's University. Its intent is to share reflections on a guiding question of my choice, an interest of mine, which I will attempt to ground in philosophical and historical thinking.

I began teaching about the history of Canada before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission published its calls to action. 

I remember when the history of residential schools and the atrocities experienced there did not exist in our greater cultural narrative. 

I, along with so many Canadians, experienced many moments of shock and angst as the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission came to light. 

Eventually, I was introduced to new curriculum, with other teachers in our school board, as we were going to be introducing our students to these historical events. Together we grappled with the big feelings this knowledge evoked, and we began to understand how we might talk about this with our high school history students. 

Some years later, with some experience under my belt, aboriginal studies has become a strong undercurrent throughout my course, and also my life.  

My goals in undertaking this blog, are to:

•  Deepen my understanding of the Commission's calls to action related to education.

• Look at where Canada currently stands in its fulfillment of these calls to action.

• Explore best practices for how to include aboriginal values and life views.

Thank you for joining me on this learning journey,

                                                  Mélanie Labelle