An Indigenous Hunting Hills High School teacher shared what Red Deer students were learning about Truth and Reconciliation with Canada’s Governor General.
This exchange happened during a real-life lesson in parliamentary democracy that teacher Heather Steele absorbed through an “immersive ” trip to Ottawa last week.
Steele, who teaches social studies to Grade 9 to 11 students at Hunting Hills, was one of 85 teachers from across the country chosen to participate in a Teachers Institute trip to the nation’s capital from an essay she wrote.
“It gave us an immersive experience so we can be better educators,” said Steele, who saw government in action, with debate in the House of Commons. She also met the Speaker of the House and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s secretary.
As the only First Nations teacher on the trip, Steele was also selected to speak to Mary Simon, the Governor General of Canada, who made a speech about education, empowerment, and the Calls to Action made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Steele was pleased to share with Simon the “positive” lessons taught at Hunting Hills, and student action towards Truth and Reconciliation.
These include bringing in aboriginal dancers to perform for the students, learning about “teepee teachings,” and listening to an elder who brought in feathers that were burned in honour of survivors of Indian residential schools, as well as the children who never made it home.
“I want people to know about some of the positive work that’s happening at Hunting Hills,” said Steele, who believes “it will help students feel proud.”
Hunting Hills principal Darwin Roscoe feels Steele’s experience will “further her learning… she represented our school so well — even sharing some of the things she has been able to bring to our school, especially regarding the 94 calls to action.
“We could not be prouder for all she has done here, and we thank her for being so willing to share her experiences with her infectious energy,” Roscoe added.