Throughout my time within the teaching program as well as during my practicums I have really loved learning more about the FPPL and how to incorporate it into my practice meaningfully. I feel like it is a subject that needs to be highlighted within the educational system especially considering how Indigenous ways of knowing has historically been oppressed. My background in history has highlighted on various occasions the plight of the oppressed as colonization has destroyed the cultures and traditions of those outside of the European ideal.
As we move through the modern age I think it is more important than ever to highlight these cultures and the value they can give to education as well as in creating a colorful and inclusive community. I think it is important to highlight the history of Indigenous peoples, especially that of residential schools, so students can see that Canada would not exist without their help, and so we do not repeat the injustices of the past.
I feel like Indigenous ways of knowing brings a lot of value to the education system to create a more inclusive and culturally responsive community. I feel like students, like myself, can connect to the one or more of the ideals of the FPPL in so many ways whether its a sense of place, connectedness, or experiential learning. Indigenizing education allows for students of any culture to feel valued as students learn that culture is a valuable asset within the classroom that can connect people.
Moving forward I want to keep trying my best to highlight the value and colour Indigenous cultures bring to Canadian life to make it the culturally diverse place that it is. I want to make the FPPL meaningful for students so they can look back and understand that Indigenous beliefs are, in my honest opinion, one of the most interesting belief systems Canada has to offer.