Students are asked to write a paper introducing themselves and their family. Indigenous scholars such as Robina Thomas and Kim Anderson speak about the importance of self-locating in academic writing (i.e, these are examples off scholars but you are not asked to reference their writing necessarily). Identifying one’s people, land, community, and grandparents is a traditional practice so that people would know who and where you came from. In this paper, you are asked to share (if the information is available – contact me if you want to talk about your approach):
- Identify the Indigenous territories on which you live
- Identify the Indigenous peoples, their languages and community agencies in the territory where you live. Ideally, include agencies that serve that particular group
- Discuss how knowledge of self, place, and history relates to caring for Indigenous children in an educational or social service setting.
- Discuss Todd and Wade’s notion of the colonial code and propose a more egalitarian and socially just way of working with Indigenous families
The above questions will count for 30/100
In addition, you may reflect on and address the following questions as you develop this paper:
- Who are the Indigenous peoples who live on the land traditionally?
- Are there other intentional communities that came later (e.g., Doukhobours, Ukrainians, Scots, Quakers, war resistors, religious groups)?
- What are the Indigenous names for this land (please reference)?
- What languages are/were spoken by these peoples (please reference)?
- Were there Indian residential schools in these communities? Which churches were given responsibility for the education and care of Indigenous children?
- What kinds of reparations have been made as part of this history (e.g., lawsuits, Truth and Reconciliation events, Common Experience processes, monuments)?
- What Indigenous political, educational, health-based or child and family organizations are there in these communities? What kinds of services do they offer?
- What initiatives or community efforts are trying to repair racism and create community between Indigenous peoples, settlers and immigrants where you live?
- How do improved community and social relationships foster well-being for children?
Any additional discussion you pull from the second set of questions will be 15/100
As you write this paper, use your voice as a ‘tour guide’ for the reader, leading them through the communities and explaining your experiences and observations. Provide a clear introduction and summary/conclusion, telling the reader what they will see/experience in this paper and then what you have shown them.
Use discuss your experiences and observations (i.e., not a research paper) 5/100
Clear introduction telling what the reader will experience 5/100
Clear conclusion telling what you have shown 5/100
For sources, you may use reference materials or Internet sources that provide up-to-date information. Many of the bands and tribal websites provide updates on treaty processes, language classes, and events/social services in their communities.
The paper should be:
- 7-8 pages (8 pages max, excluding title page and references)
- 12 point font, double-spaced
- APA formatting with title page and reference list
Length 8-10 pages 10/100
APA throughout body 15/100
Title page 5/100
Reference list 10/100
