The assignment was to learn about Residential schools, and Sienna, Sigrid and I chose to learn about Kamloops Residential school.
Our Podcast:
Reflection- My experience
My experience with this assignment was very educative, I learned lots of things about Residential schools that I did not know before. Such as, the sexual abuse from the staff. I knew the children were treated horribly, but I didn’t know how many were raped and assaulted at the school.
I also learned that the kids stayed at the school for much longer than I expected. For some of them, more than 10 years.
I felt awful learning about these kids, but at least I feel glad that we’re learning about our country’s past, the dark past. At least we’re acknowledging our past mistakes, instead of ignoring them.
Overall, it was not a pleasant thing to learn about, but it was an educative experience, and that’s what’s important.
Our groups path in researching the topic
Our experience in the research part of this project was very well done, I would say. Each of us worked on different things so we could finish the project efficiently, we helped each other out if we were stuck, we asked questions, we brainstormed together. I think what we really excelled at was the organization.
Obstacles in Recording
Well, some of the obstacles we faced as a group were our personal opinions on residential schools, because they were different. We each thought differently about whether what the British did was right or wrong. For example, some of us understood why they were sent to the schools, while others thought it was not necessary and just plain wrong. I think we had different opinions because we each have different personal experiences with racism. It created a bit of conflict, but after mature and calm discussions the obstacle was overcome.
Positive and Cultural Identity
Things I value about the First Nations Culture are, for one, their respect for the world. I value their kind relationship with nature because in my culture, (Mexican culture) it is valued as well. I grew up learning how important it is to respect our planet by not littering and picking up trash if you see it, always finishing your food, not killing anything, even if it’s a little insect, because all life is precious. We consider it shameful to waste.
I also value their traditions and celebrations as well. For example, how they would all gather together every now and then, to feast together and eat lots of food, dancing to loud cheerful, traditional music.
I value their way of living and celebrating because my culture loves big parties as well, for example a Quinceañera, which celebrates a young girl turning 15, and entering womanhood.
Sources
“Kamloops Indian Residential School.” Gale Canada Online Collection, Gale, 2021. Gale In Context: Canada, link.gale.com/apps/doc/PSUUTT174058505/CIC?u=43riss&sid=bookmark-CIC&xid=52f90b45. Accessed 14 Oct. 2022.
https://www.worldpressphoto.org/collection/photo-contest/2022/Amber-Bracken-POY/1
“The dark and difficult legacy of the Kamloops Indian Residential School.” Kamloops This Week [BC], 7 Oct. 2020, p. A31. Gale In Context: Canada, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A637671661/GPS?u=43riss&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=cb7a0ff2. Accessed 14 Oct. 2022.
https://collections.irshdc.ubc.ca/index.php/Detail/entities/46
https://nctr.ca/residential-schools/british-columbia/kamloops-st-louis/
Effects/Impacts:
https://globalnews.ca/news/7915520/kamloops-residential-school-survivors-stories/
Anecdotes (stories from those involved):
What survivors said about life at the Kamloops Indian Residential School | Globalnews.ca
Indigenous Languages Spoken:
Bands in area:
Thank you for posting your “Indigenous Exploration” audio project (podcast). As the assignment was completed for both English 9 and COL, I have the following feedback for you on the post:
– All elements of the assignment’s post were exceptional, however, your audio is not posted properly
– Reflection on blog explains process taken to complete the assignment
– Audio quality is clear and delivery is well executed, although not all voices are equal in volume
– Citations is well laid out with subheadings, very organized
– Professional sounding podcast
Overall, this assignment was extremely well done. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Thank you!
Mr. Barazzuol
COL Teacher