Aboriginal Beliefs, Values, and Aspirations in Contemporary Society

9. For deeper investigation into issues of reconciliation, teachers could utilize specific chapters in the
Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Volume 4 Perspectives and Realities. The
focus in this volume is on:
• Women’s Perspectives;
• Elders’ Perspectives;
• Youth Perspectives;
• Métis Perspectives;
• Northern Perspectives;
• Urban Perspectives.
Recommendations could be analysed by students to see how reconciliation and renewal is
encouraged.
10. Another form of reconciliation occurred when the Anglican Church of Canada, the United Church of
Canada, and the Roman Catholic Church issued apologies for their roles in operating residential
schools. Students read An Apology From the Primate, August 6 1993 and the Letter of Apology from
the United Church of Canada, October 27,1998. (See Appendices 2.4.1 and 2.4.2.)
11. Students respond to the following questions to promote debate and discussion:
a) Why did the Anglican Church Primate apologize?
b) Why did the United Church of Canada apologize?
c) In your view, is each apology sufficient? Why or why not?
d) What actions is each church promising beyond the apology?
e) Investigate how healing can effectively occur if individuals have been abused physically,
mentally, and sexually.
f) Investigate literature, philosophy, and approaches advocated by the Aboriginal Healing
Foundation.
Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement
Because material in this activity is sensitive, the teacher may wish to reinforce a sense of confidentiality
in the student work submitted.
1. Assessment of worksheet on video, using marking scheme. Focus is on the factual content of the
video, but should include opportunities for students to raise issues. Questions might include:
a. In your opinion, what was the worst effect of residential schools?
b. Explain how residential schools affected more people in the Aboriginal community than just the
students.
c. Did residential schools have any good effects? Explain.
d. Ask three questions about residential schools that this video does not answer.
2. Summative assessment of six group reports outlined in Strategy 4. use the following headings:
• Clear understanding of the task
• Clear understanding of the video’s messages
• Use of evidence from video to prove points
• Good use of language and correct grammar
Accommodations
As these issues deal with sensitive emotions, feelings, reactions, and opinions, teachers may wish to pace
lessons with care. It may be appropriate to use private journal writing and factual worksheets to build
confidence and awareness. Some students could be encouraged to investigate relevant issues beyond the
material presented. Some students may have difficulty with the reading level in some of the governmentpublished
material and may need a “buddy” or a specific teacher-developed worksheet to assist
comprehension.
Unit 2 - Page 12
• Aboriginal Beliefs, Values, and Aspirations in Contemporary Society - College Preparation