Exploring Reconciliatory Pedagogy and Its Possibilities through Educator-led Praxis

Abstract

In the spirit of taking an action-based response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (2015) Calls to Action and principles, a group of educators came together in 2016 to create a one-year graduate pathway program that sets students on paths toward reconciliation. By examining the contributions of international and national scholars who explore topics of reconciliation, we extend this global discussion with insights gained from our praxis-based approach in education. Inspired by Chung (2016), we present a model which identifies a set of entry points into the work of reconciliation: listening and learning from Indigenous peoples; walking with and learning from Indigenous peoples; and, working with and learning from Indigenous peoples. By examining what we have learned through our program “Indigenous education: A call to action,” our model posits that reconciliation is accessible to those who are willing to listen and learn, and, most importantly, take action.