June is National Indigenous History Month, with June 21 marking National Indigenous Peoples Day. This month offers a meaningful opportunity to honour the rich histories, vibrant cultures and enduring contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit across Canada. It also serves as a reminder that learning about Indigenous cultures, languages, stories and traditions is an ongoing journey for teachers, as well as for students.
Alberta teachers and school leaders continue to strengthen their knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, in alignment with Alberta’s Professional Practice Standards. To support members in their learning journey, the Alberta Teachers’ Association offers a wide range of learning opportunities, including online resources, workshops and in-person sessions, focused on Indigenous education. These tools help teachers deepen their understanding, create inclusive classrooms and renew respectful relations with Indigenous Peoples, cultures, languages, stories and traditions.
Check out the ATA’s offerings:
New or updated resources
- Guidance on Indigenous Cultural Protocols for Association Subgroups resource
- Being in Good Relations—An Introduction to Cultural Protocols workshop
- The Stepping Stones series—concise overviews of such topics as Elder protocol (recently revised), Numbered Treaties within Alberta, and the forced relocation of Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Other key resources
- Land acknowledgement resources, including a pronunciation guide video, posters and bookmarks
- Honouring the Voices of Indigenous Teachers and School Leaders in Alberta School Communities —a report on the experiences of Indigenous teachers, school leaders and central office leaders in Alberta’s public education system
- Strengthening the Heartbeat of Reconciliation: Advancing Truth and Reconciliation in Classrooms and Schools
- Engaging in Numeracy and Connections through First Nations, Métis and Inuit Traditional Games workshop
- Truth & Reconciliation Books for the Classroom—literature recommendations for kindergarten to Grade 12 (and beyond)
- Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada (available to borrow from the Association at no cost) ❚
Access online resources or book an Indigenous education workshop at
teachers.ab.ca/professional-development/indigenous-education-and-walking-together.
