Receiving information through documentaries, text, and stories can really give us background and the opportunity to reflect on ourselves and our practices. But, Interacting with the truth hits a little deeper. Being part of this exercise allowed me to connect more personally-both physically and symbolically. As a someone with a performing arts background, I have always been able to connect more deeply to stories when I am in them, not just observing or listening. This became my “So, What?”. I had all this information, I had all these questions and confusions about my past, and now I was beginning to see where I, as an immigrant fit in. As the blankets, which symbolized the land being taken away, became smaller, I realized that all of the spaces in between-the gaps-is where I fit. My family came here, not as colonizers, but running from their own trauma due to WWII. They came here for refuge. Canada was a place that offered land, security, comfort, and opportunity and it continues to do that for many immigrants and refugees. This should be celebrated, but for some reason, I keep seeing those blankets getting smaller. Land that was taken from Indigenous people was graciously given or sold to families like mine.
So, What does this mean? It means, to me, that as a teacher I need to hold space, value place, and give back what was taken. It means respecting sacred cultural time and practice. It means acknowledging that the land I live, work, and play upon was not mine to take.
It is only through recognizing and reflecting on ourselves, that we can truly be reflexive and take action. Our past connects us to our future.