Student Reflections: Indigenous Learning, Fall 2024

“Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as people.

Now our minds are one.”
– Haudenosaunee thanksgiving address  

At Act Five, we’ve been on an Indigenous learning journey. One of our students, Nina, has taken the time to give reflections on some prompts around what the experience has been like for her.

What happened?

“Throughout the months of September and October, we have had numerous days focused on learning about the Indigenous story in Canada, and learning from Indigenous communities. Through documentaries like the Doctrine of Discovery and books like Braiding Sweetgrass we have been growing our knowledge of Indigenous culture and history. We have also been learning from Adrian Jacobs about his personal experiences and got the opportunity to make a trip to the Six Nations reserve.” 

What has been Beautiful?

“I think what’s beautiful is the relationship Indigenous peoples have with the earth and all the beings on it. I find the respect for all beings beautiful. The way that Indigenous people continue to fight for their rights and the land is also inspiring. Places like Iroqrafts (a craft store on Six Nations) where they proudly display and sell their creations and art are also beautiful.”

What has been Challenging? 

“It’s challenging to hear about the struggles Indigenous peoples face. It’s also challenging not feeling like I know how to help. It’s a struggle learning that we are part of the ‘group’ that is the problem- we are the same race and are technically settlers. I struggle with being called a settler, and I’m trying to work that out.” 

What have you Learned so far?

“I have learned about the Wampum Belts and the treaties they represent, the Indigenous stewardship over the land, the conflict in Caledonia and how developers were trying to take away land that Indigenous people protect. I have learned more about the Doctrine of discovery which still affects Indigenous people to this day. I have learned about places that have been stolen from them, like the mine near Adrian’s house. I have learned how unfair the world was and continues to be for Indigenous peoples in Canada. And I have learned at the same time how beautiful Indigenous culture is and how much I aspire to live with a mindset like theirs; to protect the land and live a life of reciprocity.”

What are you still wondering about? 

“How can we help such a large issue? How do we stay curious while staying respectful? How do we deal with the past as we move into the future?

I have the desire to learn more and to help. I am in this feeling of sadness for the hurts and yet at the same time hope for the future.” 

As we continue our Indigenous learning journey with a trip to Manitoulin Island in just a few weeks, we are hopeful for how God will continue to use our learning. We hope God might breathe in us lament for what has happened and continues to happen. And at the same time, as Nina reflected, we hope for change, and hope for how we can understand and share the stories we are learning about for ourselves.