First Semester's Teaching

Yesterday Galen and I were able to finish all our marking and submit them to be recorded. Man, there is no feeling like clicking send and knowing you have finished another semester! I love it and feel so overwhelmingly grateful to be given such an opportunity. Especially after a semester like the one we just had -- coming into the semester a month late, becoming a mother for the first time, for unforeseen events in our pregnancy which still has me on a very light load. It has been awesome to not only have a boss and colleagues that are not only very supportive, but also loving and encouraging during these crazy times we could not have even helped.

It was tough though, coming into a semester and class that had already been taught for a few weeks before hand. For those of you who do not know me or know what I am like as a teacher, I very much believe that learning happens in a highly interactive and community-like environment. So, you can imagine my nervousness and fear coming into a class that was already a month into it.

I am so thankful and grateful to have had a class that has been so loving, encouraging and accepting of all that has happened in my life throughout the course of the semester. And, at the same time I am so thankful that they were able to walk down this path alongside Galen and I. We had class at my home several times – which was lovely [insert sarcasm here!] (I was still recovering from my surgery, still looking like crap, and barely able to walk/situp well) and yet, they were so gracious! It was so meaningful to me to have this kind of experience with such a great bunch of students.

The course that I taught this semester was Introduction to Native Studies. It is my absolute favorite course, yet is also one of the scariest courses I teach as many come face-to-face with their own humanness throughout. And of course, as a First Nations woman, who believes in the One, True Creator it also presents some challenges as well. However, I think we made it through with flying colours and we all left with lives that will be forever changed.

My final exam was a take-home and my students were to watch 2 movies that had to do with Indigenous people and look at them with a critical lens and integrate all that they have learned as they watched these films. It was the most amazing assignment and I was pleased to read each and every one, as each were really quite well-done. However, the one that really brought tears to my eyes, written by a beautiful young woman who is on the cusp of a new life and adventure at the end of April:

. . . Entering into this class I knew it would be difficult in some ways, though I didn't think to quite this extent. I have always enjoyed a history classes so this seemed like a good elective to take. This course accomplished so much more then I ever expected. Growing up around Ipperwash like I have, I have witnessed a fair amount of prejudice and racism and even felt something similar in myself: “Why should Natives get all that free stuff? What are they whining about now?” These were common questions asked in some way shape of form by those around me and sometimes myself. Now, knowing the lies and the promises the government has rescinded I am truly ashamed of myself and my culture. Seeing the horrors of the past brought to light and seeing what my ancestors inflicted on others I am ashamed of my heritage. I want no part in the legacy of open wounds and pain they have left our generations to deal with. What is worse, we are continuing to perpetuate it.

It was fascinating to look at another culture especially through the eye of some of its members in the class. I wish there was a part two where we could go even more in depth then we already have. We always talk about going overseas to visit foreign cultures and to experience new ways of life and so on, yet, we seldom realize what we have here in North America. It was once brought up in class that the Ojibway had a fishing fence that is older than the pyramids! The First Nations people are a different culture, a separate nation within the Nation of Canada. I've realized how blind I and many other have been to the fact and I hope that I can learn to embrace what this culture has to offer, truths that span different cultures, such as the Grandfather teachings.

Although this is just one perspective, it echoes many of the same sentiments of fellow classmates. I just want to say thank you, guys. I love each of you so much and I am so thankful for this time that we have had together. So many times you wondered and questioned how you each could change the world in regards to what we were learning and experiencing regarding Canada's First Nations. I have one thing to say to you: YOU ALREADY ARE! Thank you for not only being up for the adventure and not only being willing participants but active agents in this huge task at hand. I know our God, the Creator is going to do great and mighty things through each of you.

Chi Megwetch.