Big idea: Learning about indigenous peoples nurtures multicultural awareness and respect for diversity.
Throughout the school year one of our focuses for Social Studies is learning about First Nations people. One of the first topics we learn and discuss about is Orange shirt day. This year we have also had the opportunity to interact directly with belongings from the Musqueam and Tsimshan. These belongings were provided from the UBC Museum of Anthropology. Having the opportunity to learn directly from these groups has given us a better understanding of why we hear the land acknowledgement daily and also the importance of saying it for our Vas-y vendredi. As a class we came up with our own personal acknowledgment. Here it is in French and in English:
Nous connaissons que nous vivons sur les territoires des Nations Salish du Littoral des Musqueam, Tseil-Waututh et Squamish et qu’ils vivent ici depuis très, très longtemps. Ceci est leur terre et nous devons le respecter par ne pas jeter les déchets dans la forêt, pas couper les arbres, planter plus et respecter les animaux. Nous aimons la nature, la nourriture, l’eau et apprendre de leur culture. Nous voulons apprendre plus d’eux et nous les remercions pour le soin et respect qu’ils montrent pour la terre.
We know we live on the Coast Salish land of Musqueam, Tseil-Waututh and Squamish and they have been living here for a long, long time. This is their land and we should treat it with respect by not throwing trash in the forest and by cutting less trees, planting more and respecting the animals. We love the nature, the animals, the food, the water and learning about their culture. We want to learn more about them and thank them for the care and respect they show for the land.