Storytelling

Storytelling is one method to include decolonizing pedagogy within teaching practices. Storytelling is a very important practice within the indigenous community as storytelling is a method elders use to teach the younger generation. As Indigenous languages are spoken languages, information and knowledge was never written and recorded. Knowledge was passed down through each generation through stories which made storytelling the primary teaching aid in indigenous communities.

Here is a link to a resource which explains the benefits of incorporating storytelling into teaching practices as well as how to incorporate storytelling in a respectful manner: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1316530132377/1535460393645?wbdisable=true#un1 

Kairos Blanket Exercise:

During my first year completing the B.Ed. program, I was given the opportunity to partake in the Blanket Exercise. Kairos Blanket Exercise is an experiential teaching tool which helps participants learn about the historic events between Indigenous communities and the Canadian government through storytelling. It is a very impactful and emotional experience for anyone who participates in it. While this is not an exercise which cannot be easily use in FSL classes at the elementary level, it is a great resource for teachers in grades 4-12 to introduce students to the struggles Indigenous communities throughout Canada’s history. This can be incorporated in many secondary teaching subjects such as history, law and politics. Here is the link to access Kairos Blanket Exercise: https://ied.sd61.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/112/2019/02/Blanket_Exercise_Standard_Edition.pdf