The Art of Listening: Connecting Students to the Teachings of Survivors
This event has concluded.
Virtual
About this event:
Single Session
Our single professional learning sessions are designed to easily fit into your day. Typically one hour or less, these sessions explore timely and relevant topics including teaching strategies, current events, and more.
Instructor-Led
This professional learning event will be led by Facing History staff. When you register, you will receive instructions for how to attend the event.
Key Takeaways
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Explore trauma informed teaching strategies for taking students “safely in and safely out” of teaching difficult histories and testimonies
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Explore filmed testimony, memoir, photographs and legacy of Theodore Niizhotay Fontaine, and his invitation for us
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Reflect on how Theodore’s wisdom, truth and teachings can inform our lives and collective world views
How and why do we carry particular stories as a society? What role do these stories play in shaping our lives? What role can collective memory play in shaping our world view?
In his memoir, Broken Circle: The Dark Legacy of Indian Residential Schools, Former Chief of Sagkeeng First Nation, and residential school survivor - and self described thriver, Theodore Fontaine writes:
“Almost every day has made me wonder about, appreciate and understand my life, and realize that although we are all unique, we are not alone in what we endure.”
Join us for an educator workshop to explore the experiences and insights Theodore offers through his testimony and teachings. Gain understanding, resources and strategies to connect students with the human dimensions of a dark history and the courage to embrace hope and healing.
In this workshop, we will:
- Hear from Morgan Fontaine, wife of the late Theodore Niizhotay Fontaine
- Model and outline trauma informed teaching strategies for taking students “safely in and safely out” of teaching difficult histories and testimonies
- Learn strategies that support students to understand and centre the voice of a survivor
- Explore filmed testimony, memoir, photographs and legacy of Theodore Niizhotay Fontaine, and his invitation for us
- Share different forms of, and give time for processing testimony and contemplating how we bear witness
- Reflect on how bearing witness can inform our lives and collective world views
- Learn about an upcoming winter 2024 opportunity to engage students in listening to the stories of individuals whose lives have been shaped and deeply impacted by Theodore (virtual/in person), and an exciting opportunity to contribute to a witness blanket inspired project for classrooms across the country.
Theodore passed away in 2021 and left behind a strong legacy- he is known across Canada as an accomplished leader in First Nations and public service, a knowledge keeper, Elder, gifted author, educator and public speaker (click here for a full biography).Theodore (Ted) was a dear friend, mentor, and teacher to Facing History Canada staff and touched many educators. It is an honour and privilege to have access to Theodore’s recorded testimony and ensure that his legacy lives on.
Shirley John, Strong White Buffalo Woman, Elder and Knowledge Keeper from Saugeen First Nation, Ontario and friend to Theodore Fontaine will be present during this virtual workshop to provide support for participants and speakers.
Facing History is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive educational environment for educators of all abilities. Zoom Captioning will be available; to request an English-ESL interpreter, please contact us by November 7th 2023 at canada [at] facinghistory.org
Sponsored By
Sponsored By This content was made possible by Johanson Larson Foundation.
