Posted on 06/11/2009, 1:30 pm, by mySteinbach

Manitoba students in grades 9 and 11 will learn about residential schools through new classroom resources that include personal interviews with survivors, Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced.
 
“We are developing made-in-Manitoba educational resources to honour residential school survivors and record their stories,” Bjornson said.  “Teachers will be better equipped to help students understand the history of residential schools as well as the long-term impact they have had on First Nations, Métis and Inuit people.”
 
From Apology to Reconciliation, a Manitoba Residential Schools Survivors Social Studies Project will provide culturally appropriate classroom resources that respect Aboriginal perspectives, the minister said. Components of the project include a video and teaching guide, a speakers’ bureau, an interactive website and extensive bibliography, and a residential schools student gallery walk.
 
The provincial government is working with various partners to develop the resources.  At this time, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba are working on the development of a Residential Schools Speakers’ Bureau to provide a unique perspective on the residential schools experience.  Students have also developed art and stories that will be on display today at an event hosted by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs at Memorial Park.
 
“The video currently under development will include interviews with residential school survivors from all regions of Manitoba as well as archival footage and examples of the reconciliation process,” Bjornson said.  “We have taken many steps forward in the past year and we hope the good work being undertaken in Manitoba will facilitate healing and strengthen the new relationships we have formed.”
 
Today marks the first anniversary of Prime Minister Steven Harper’s historic formal apology to Aboriginal people for the treatment they received in residential schools.  The Manitoba government hosted a reception to honour survivors and those affected by residential schools on June 12, 2008, in response to the federal government apology.  Statements were delivered in the Manitoba Legislature by Premier Gary Doer as well as ministers and other elected members.