Land Acknowledgment: 

I am grateful to have had this opportunity to learn more about the land I am currently living on. To learn from the people, but additionally from the land around me. Every day I wake up and look out to the mountains, I am in awe of the creation around me. What a blessing to get to learn more about this place. I have been super lucky to have gained these new experiences in a new place. I have learned more here, experiencing, listening and reflecting than I could have ever learned through a colonial lecture. Being able to approach big concepts, truths and perspectives within this course, in an authentic and meaningful way, has taught me how I can take small steps towards reconciliation and learning, as an educator in my own classroom. 

What has this course taught me? 

Over the duration of this course and this semester, I have gained valuable pieces of knowledge that have helped me grow as an educator and as a person. We have talked about the dark, and we have shared in the light. Every person walks with a story, with heavy burdens, with things they hold onto. Walking together, mindfully, intentionally and with purpose and love is critical. 

Learning to remove myself as the teacher, and recognizing how the education system has been built on colonial perspectives and values, has taught me how I want to proceed as an educator by providing opportunities for students, places, and things, to take the role as “teacher” within my classroom. 

What are some key takeaways/aha moments? 

Some key takeaways from this course include:

• Learning does not look the same for everyone. 
• Patience and perspective is everything. Sometimes it is easy to want to take the reins, and to be a fixer. As educators it is a common thing to want to fix things and make things better. It is important to remember, what may seem “broken” to you, may be all that someone knows, and they do not need your help, just your support and kindness. (Less can be more)
• Reconciliation is an ongoing process. The world may stop talking about it, but it is up to us to continue to carry it on our shoulders, lifting the weight together to move forward in a positive, reflective manner. 
• Create-space. For all voices to share, for learning to take place, for correction to happen.
• Connecting with the land and exploring the reciprocal relationship we as humans have with the land around us. 

Moving forward:

I intend to move forward, as a life long learner, with purpose, commitment, and an open mind and open ears. Eager to hear all stories and perspectives. I will practice constant reflection and continuously search myself for my own biases, and proceed with learning and asking new questions throughout.