“Written by award-winning Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, this magazine, which is based on the Seven Sacred Teachings, is aimed for students in grades 5–12 and is available in both English and French. Each chapter teaches children about residential schools, Treaties, and the historic and current relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Accompanied by supplementary educational resources, the magazine is both a guide and a journal for young people as they explore their feelings, build confidence, and foster greater respect and empathy throughout their reconciliation journeys.”
“Content Warning (CW)/Trigger Warning (TW): Viewers are advised that the following website may contain/contains images, names and voices of people who have passed away”.
K-12 Residential School Curriculum for SD75: “The Elders would like all visitors to this website to know that “none of these teachings are forced upon you. These lessons are not meant to offend but are offered with Respect, Honour and Trust”. This entire Website and All learning resources are the result of the courageous efforts of Elders and Survivors. We Thank you for sharing the Truth with us!”
Below are some of the professional learning opportunities that Mission Public School District is offering in the 2022/2023 school year. These can be used in-lieu of the May 19th, 2023 professional development day.
Open to All Educators:Early Learning – Gr. 12
Virtual Author Café – Legacy: Trauma, Story & Indigenous Healing
Please join us virtually for a series of four learning sessions with author Suzanne Methot, author of Legacy: Trauma, Story & Indigenous Healing. Using her book as a guide and through an Indigenous lens, Suzanne will walk us through the following:
Session #1: Trauma-Informed Practice (November 17, 2022) In this session, we will learn about the impact of trauma on our brains, bodies, spirit, and emotions; the difference between intergenerational trauma and complex trauma; and how complex trauma relates to colonization and colonialism.
Session #2: Healing-Informed Strategies for Working With Youth and Families (January 12, 2023) During this session, teachers will try out and practice 3-5 strategies that they can use when working with students and families who have experienced, or are experiencing, trauma.
Session #3: Self-Care for Helpers (March 2, 2023) This session will consider the impacts of intergenerational trauma on helpers and on the teacher-student relationship, and how Indigenous culture-based strategies for creating meaning and connection can minimize triggers and alleviate vicarious trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue.
Session #4: Expressive Writing for Health and Wellness (May 4, 2023) During this workshop, teachers will use expressive writing to engage in self-care and achieve greater emotional, psychological, physical, and spiritual wellness.
Details: This learning opportunity also may count towards May in Lieu, if you commit to all four learning sessions.
Dates: November 17, January 12, March 2, May 4
Time: All sessions will start at 315pm and end at 445pm.
Location: Virtual
Capacity: 100 participants
Click here to register. You will be provided the book free of charge.
Registration Deadline: Please sign up before Friday, November 4, 2022, in order to receive the book beforehand.
Please join us for an inspirational evening with sɬə́məxʷ, Rain Pierre, highly acclaimed artist and motivational speaker from Katzie First Nation.
“Five years ago, I was dedicating my time and energy to a career working in the civil engineering realm. I was working extensive overtime and travelling around British Columbia, Canada inspecting multimillion-dollar projects building bridges and highways. I gave up my free time and weekends, dedicating everything to my career. I was making a name for myself within the industry, as well as a very good salary for my age. I worked on pursuing and growing this career for 7 years. I had made it… and I should have been happy, right? But I wasn’t. I had worked myself into a state of depression without knowing it. I knew deep down something was wrong. I could feel that my internal self wasn’t happy. I felt like I was committing spiritual suicide. At the end of a long day, I asked the Creator, is this what I should be doing? Because I’m not really quite sure. That evening I got some answers. I was sitting on the couch scrolling Facebook and saw a video someone had shared about spray paint art. It was the first time my heart fluttered for anything. I felt more alive and awake than I ever did. “IT’S CRAZY TO THINK ABOUT WHERE I ONCE WAS IN MY LIFE. I HAD TO LET GO OF WHAT I THOUGHT I “SHOULD” BE DOING AND TOOK A LEAP TOWARDS SOMETHING THAT MAKES ME TRULY HAPPY.”
Details: 3.5 hours toward May in lieu
Date: Thursday, January 26th
Time: We will begin with a brief dinner from 330pm to 430pm, followed by an inspirational presentation from 500pm until approximately 700pm.
The Secret Pocket: Book Launch and Learning Session with Author Peggy Janicki
The true story of how Indigenous girls at a Canadian residential school sewed secret pockets into their dresses to hide food and survive
Mary was four years old when she was first taken away to the Lejac Indian Residential School. It was far away from her home and family. Always hungry and cold, there was little comfort for young Mary. Speaking Dakelh was forbidden and the nuns and priest were always watching, ready to punish. Mary and the other girls had a genius idea: drawing on the knowledge from their mothers, aunts and grandmothers who were all master sewers, the girls would sew hidden pockets in their clothes to hide food. They secretly gathered materials and sewed at nighttime, then used their pockets to hide apples, carrots and pieces of bread to share with the younger girls.
Based on the author’s mother’s experience at residential school, The Secret Pocket is a story of survival and resilience in the face of genocide and cruelty. But it’s also a celebration of quiet resistance to the injustice of residential schools and how the sewing skills passed down through generations of Indigenous women gave these girls a future, stitch by stitch.
Details: 2.5 hours toward May in lieu
Date: Thursday, March 30th
Time: 3:30-6:00
Location: HPMS Cafetorium for meal and presentation to follow in the Clarke Theatre
Capacity: 100 participants
This session is full.
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This is a virtual learning series, offered by the Edith Lando Virtual Learning Centre at UBC. Organizers are Dr. Cynthia Nicol, Dr. Jo-Ann Archibald and Janice Novakowski Open to all educators, free of charge.
Details: All sessions run from 3:30-4:45 (all three sessions would count for 3 hours for May in lieu)
Dates: Wednesdays – November 2nd, January 25th, February 22nd.
Understanding and Developing Executive Functions in the Classroom
Hosted By: Lisa Stevens
Part 1: December 5 2022, 3:30 – 6:00
This workshop is designed to introduce the concept of executive functions and how to support their development in a classroom setting. Part 1 of the workshop focuses on introducing different aspects of executive functions, how they affect everyday functioning, and strategies to support their development. We will also discuss Get Ready, Do, Done, as a strategy to facilitate the development of executive functions. At the end of Part 1, the participants will be asked to design and implement Get Ready, Do, Done in their classroom. Participants should be ready to share their implementation in Part 2.
Understanding and developing executive functions in the classroom
Part 2: January 9 2023, 3:30 – 6:00
In Part 1 of this workshop, the concept of executive functions and how to support their development in a classroom setting was introduced. The focus was on introducing different aspects of executive functions, how they affect everyday functioning, and strategies to support their development. The participants discussed Get Ready, Do, Done, as a strategy to facilitate the development of executive functions. At the end of Part 1, the participants were asked to design and implement Get Ready, Do, Done in their classroom and be ready to share their implementation in Part 2.
Part 2 provides an opportunity for the participants to bring questions regarding their Get Ready, Do, Done strategy and its implementation.
The Competing Behaviour Pathway Model: Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviours
Hosted by: Lisa Stevens
Part 1: February 9 2023, 3:30 – 6:00 (Virtual session, link will be sent to registrants)
A competing behaviour pathway model is designed to better understand why a challenging behaviour might occur. The model also helps design a comprehensive, multi-component treatment plan to make the challenging behaviours irrelevant, inefficient, and ineffective. At the end of Part 1, the participants will be asked to design and complete a competing pathway diagram for a student they have in mind. Participants should be ready to share their diagram in Part 2.
The Competing Behaviour Pathway Model: Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviours
Part 2: April 17 2023, 3:30 – 6:00 (Virtual session, link will be sent to registrants)
In Part 1 of this workshop, the competing behaviour pathway model was introduced to better understand why a challenging behaviour might occur. The model also helped participants design a comprehensive, multi-component treatment plan to make the challenging behaviours irrelevant, inefficient, and ineffective. At the end of Part 1, the participants were asked to design and complete a competing pathway diagram for a student they had in mind.
Part 2 is a chance for the participants to share their competing pathway diagrams and receive feedback, suggestions, and ideas to polish their treatment plan.
Details: 5.0 hours toward May in lieu
Dates: Thursday, February 9th & Monday, April 17th
Time: 3:30-6:00
Location: To be determined
Click here to register. School teams are encouraged to attend together.
Six module, self-paced course. Let’s complete this together!
Hosted by: Sandra Norum
Suitable for: LST, ISP, Classroom Teachers, EA’s
Description – FASD 101 On-Demand course is an online, free, self-paced course for BC Educators. This 6-module course provides foundational information to enhance educators’ capacity to support students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Educators who complete the 3-hour course will receive a certificate of completion. (Link to course: www.fasdoutreach.ca/training)
Details: Two 1.5 hour sessions (3 hours towards May in lieu)
Dates: Monday, February 27th & Monday, March 6th
Time: 3:30-5:00
Location: To be determined (in-person or virtual options available)
This professional development opportunity is all about exploring math manipulatives. We will follow two new books published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and look at everything from Cuisenaire rods and base ten blocks to geoboards and pattern blocks. Two sessions are available (primary and intermediate plus) – feel free to attend one or both. The first 50 people who register will receive a copy of the book at the session!
Details: 2.5 hours toward May in lieu
Primary: Monday, February 6th, 3:00 – 5:30
Intermediate Plus: Monday, February 13th, 3:00 – 5:30
Suitable for Elementary LST, or anyone interested!
Description: How can you use the SoR to help struggling readers on your caseload? Tips for pull-out groups, as well as classroom supports to offer teachers at your site.
Details: 1.5 hours toward May in lieu
Date: Thursday, April 13th
Time: 3:00-4:30
Location: To be determined (in person or virtual options available)
Suitable for Middle and Secondary LST, or anyone interested!
Description: How can you use the SoR to help struggling readers on your caseload? Tips for your enrolling support blocks, as well as classroom supports to offer teachers at your site.
Details: (1.5 hours toward May in lieu)
Date: Monday, May 1st
Time: 3:30-5:00
Location: To be determined (in person or virtual options available)
Attend the National Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day Event on Sept. 30:
This event is timely in that, as per the website XYÓLHMET YE SYÉWIQWÉLH (TAKING CARE OF OUR CHILDREN), “Stó:lō Nation Chiefs’ Council (SNCC), under the leadership of Chief David Jimmie, President of the SNCC, launched a broad-based and inclusive initiative to investigate potential unmarked graves and missing children related to three of the former Residential School sites within S’ólh Téméxw. This initiative includes the former St. Mary’s (Mission), Coqualeetza (Chilliwack), and All Hallows institution (Yale), in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia.”
This work began in early September 2022 at St. Mary’s in Fraser River Heritage Park and will continue every Thursday and Friday of each week in September, as long as the weather cooperates (i.e., no heavy rain). As the rain impacts the accuracy of the equipment, the work will stop for the rainy months and resume in late Spring 2023. There are a few different sites within the former St. Mary’s grounds that will need to be investigated over the course of the next year or so. Once the work is complete a report will be generated and findings shared.
The event is presented in partnership by Siwal Si’wes Indigenous Education Advisory Council and Members of local Nations, including Sq’éwlets, Leq’á:mel, and Kwantlen.
Every Child Matters – Educator Guide English French “Written by award-winning Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, this magazine, which is based on the Seven Sacred Teachings, is aimed for students in grades 5–12 and is available in both English and French. Each chapter teaches children about residential schools, Treaties, and the historic and current relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Accompanied by supplementary educational resources, the magazine is both a guide and a journal for young people as they explore their feelings, build confidence, and foster greater respect and empathy throughout their reconciliation journeys.”
“Content Warning (CW)/Trigger Warning (TW): Viewers are advised that the following website may contain/contains images, names and voices of people who have passed away”.
K-12 Residential School Curriculum for SD75: “The Elders would like all visitors to this website to know that “none of these teachings are forced upon you. These lessons are not meant to offend but are offered with Respect, Honour and Trust”. This entire Website and All learning resources are the result of the courageous efforts of Elders and Survivors. We Thank you for sharing the Truth with us!”
K’was hoy to Siwal Si’wes Indigenous Education for sharing these learning opportunities and resources:
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: Walking the Path to Reconciliation in 2021
“This year, we gained a deeper collective understanding of the devastating and ongoing impacts of Canada’s residential school system. The recognition of unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools reopened the wounds that Survivors and their families have been tending for generations.
It also sparked a new conversation across the country as more people learn, engage, and reflect. Truth and Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to bring together people from nations and cultures across the country to continue this reconciliation journey.
In the week leading up to September 30, Orange Shirt Day, we will honour the children who were sent to residential schools and the many who never came home. We will come together to embrace the hope we see in this renewed conversation as we work to ensure the truth of this country’s history is known. Truth and Reconciliation Week would not be possible without the Survivors, the children of Survivors, Indigenous Elders, and Knowledge Keepers who continue truth-telling to advance reconciliation through education.”
Truth and Reconciliation Weekruns from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, 2021. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is planning week-long learning opportunities for educators and students.
Over the course of five days, teachers will share videos created by Indigenous storytellers, which show traditional ceremonies and artistic performances, alongside conversations with Elders and knowledge keepers, survivors, and children of survivors of residential schools. There will also be a moving tribute to the missing children that never returned home from the residential schools. On September 30, Orange Shirt Day, a special program will be held to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Registration is accessible on the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.
Every Child Matters – Educator Guide English French “Written by award-winning Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, this magazine, which is based on the Seven Sacred Teachings, is aimed for students in grades 5–12 and is available in both English and French. Each chapter teaches children about residential schools, Treaties, and the historic and current relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Accompanied by supplementary educational resources, the magazine is both a guide and a journal for young people as they explore their feelings, build confidence, and foster greater respect and empathy throughout their reconciliation journeys.”
K-12 Residential School Curriculum for SD75. “The Elders would like all visitors to this website to know that “none of these teachings are forced upon you. These lessons are not meant to offend but are offered with Respect, Honour and Trust”. This entire Website and All learning resources are the result of the courageous efforts of our Elders and Survivors. We Thank you for sharing the Truth with us!”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________Shared by the Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
Curriculum Connections 