Running

head: VISUAL ESSAY

Visual Essay Assignment
EDUC 530- Indigenous Education
Heather Million
University of Calgary

VISUAL ESSAY 2

Throughout the course of the last few weeks, my perspective and knowledge

regarding Indigenous peoples has developed substantially. Some of the elements of my

understanding of course themes that I will discuss in this visual essay include; Indigenous

epistemology and ontology, Indigenous history, and pedagogical approaches. The photo

that I chose to use to represent my understanding was taken in Banff National Park. The

photo that I chose, showcases mountains, trees, grass, plants, rocks, and water. Indigenous

peoples feel a strong connection to the land.

An interesting perspective that I have learned so far in the course is that Indigenous

peoples see everything as being animate. Little Bear (2000) states, “if everything is

animate, then everything has spirit and knowledge. If everything has spirit and knowledge,

then all are like me. If all are like me, then all are my relations” (p. 3). I love this quote

because I feel like it really encompasses the holistic and cyclical perspective of Indigenous

peoples.

Another aspect of the course that I feel has deepened my understanding of

Indigenous peoples is learning more about Canada’s history with the residential schools.

Prior to this course, I feel as though my knowledge regarding residential schools was very

surface level. I had no idea about the severity of the trauma that these victims endured. A

powerful moment for me in the course was when we watched the documentary “We Were
VISUAL ESSAY 3

Children.” It was really disturbing to watch the documentary knowing that the last

residential school was still in operation after I was born. The abuse that these children

went through at the residential schools was horrific. It is no wonder why the victims are

affected by the trauma years and generations after.

Another development in my understanding through this course on Indigenous

education came from realizing that the residential schools were implemented with the

intent of cultural genocide. I had never heard of this perspective prior to this course.

However, now that my eyes have been opened, it is easy to see the intentional harm and

premeditated abolishment of the Indigenous people and their culture by the Canadian

government.

As a result of the trauma that the Indigenous peoples have endured, there exists

intergenerational dysfunction within their communities. Knowing more of the history and

trauma of residential schools has helped me to empathize with the issues that are so

prevalent in these communities. It is so easy to judge from a perspective of privilege.

However, through education and understanding, it becomes easy to realize that the issues

that Indigenous people face, are deeply embedded and it will take generations to heal.

The audio witnessing assignment each week has been challenging me for. I realize

that there is an art to narrating, and it has given me a newfound appreciation for oral

communication skills. Little Bear (2010) states, “storytelling is a very important part of the

educational process. It is through stories that customs and values are taught and shared”

(p. 5). By completing this assignment, I have gained insight as to how difficult it might be

for an Indigenous student to come into a classroom and be expected to show their

understanding through western ways of teaching.

VISUAL ESSAY 4

In my future career of teaching, I want to make sure that I give my students multiple

options to represent and submit their work, in a way that works for their learning style. By

doing this, I think that I will be able to form trustworthy and respectful relationships with

my students. Goulet and Goulet (2014) state, “if Indigenous children do not trust their

teacher, they will not be open to learning, will be reluctant to try, and will not become fully

engaged in learning” (p. 112). Building relationships with my students will be vital to their

success with their learning.

The photo that I included in this essay serves as a representation of working

together. The trees and water and rocks and plants all serve a purpose and help to

contribute to an ecosystem. Much like Indigenous culture, the relationships within, are not

linear in nature. I really like that aspect of Indigenous culture, a strong sense of collective

responsibility and understanding.

VISUAL ESSAY 5

References

Goulet, L. M., & Goulet, K. (2014). Weechihtowin, helping and supporting relationships:The
foundation. In, Teaching each other:Nehinuw concepts & Indigenous pedagogies
(pp. 98-112). Vancouver, BC: UBC Press. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.lib.ucalgary.ca/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?di
rect=true&db=nlebk&AN=768313&site=ehost-live&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_98

Little Bear, L. (2000). Jagged worldviews colliding. In Battiste, M. (Ed.), Reclaiming
Indigenous voice and vision, (pp. 75-85). Vancouver, BC: UBC Press. Retrieved from
http://ebookcentral.proquest.com.ezproxy.lib.ucalgary.ca/lib/ucalgary-
ebooks/reader.action?ppg=108&docID=3245709&tm=1503510834180