Reading Assignment Part A

A big Issue and opportunity for learning that is coming up for me is Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation. With all of the new findings of Indigenous children at residential schools and the history and legacy that comes with it, I think teachers, parents and kids will need a lot of support with this in the fall. Also, Orange Shirt day falls on September 30. There is always a lot going on in September and I think teachers get overwhelmed teaching such a heavy but important issue like this. Residential Schools continue to have far reaching effects on indigenous and non-indigenous communities. Starting this conversation is just the first step in this long and necessary process. Sometimes the easiest way to start the conversation or this process is through a good quality and authentic picture book. Not all libraries (mine included) have enough content to cover this far reaching issue. So I thought I could compile digital texts and supporting websites for my school. I want to make sure that all of the texts are by authentic Indigenous authors because unfortunately there are people benefiting financially  who are not indigenous. I could start to compile a curated list of books that are available online and perhaps some interactive websites to go with them.   I also want to warn teachers  that residential schools and reconciliation is a very difficult (but necessary) subject and some students may be triggered by some of the stories or information. I should also compile a list of resources for kids and parents/teachers who may need help from hearing this information.

Some of my keywords that I will use to identify elements of this this issue are:

• Orange Shirt Day
• Truth and Reconciliation
• Residential Schools
• Every Child Matters
• Indigenous
• Healing
• Authentic Indigenous Authors
• Digital Resources for orange Shirt Day
• Local Indigenous Voices

Drawing from the keywords pertaining to my curriculum, pedagogy, and digital technology, some possible topics I might need to broaden my understanding of this area of interest are:

• Digital Resources to support Orange Shirt Day
• Local Indigenous perspectives and digital resources
• Truth and Reconciliation websites and digital books to support
• Resources for dealing with traumatic news and findings surrounding residential schools
• Help and support for First Nations students and families
• Perhaps starting a list of books and authors to avoid (who are not Indigenous)

This is an early brainstorming activity so I think my thinking will definitely grow and possibly shift. I am open to ideas and advice too!

-Brittany