Clan Systems and Treaty Teachings with Richelle Scott

We spent time with Richelle Scott this month, the Indigenous Education Teacher for early years in our school division. Richelle taught us about clan systems and treaties. We learned that each clan (group of people) in a clan system has their own dodem animal, qualities, and jobs and that every clan helps the other clans through the connections illustrated in the Seven Pointed Star. Each clan is essential to a balanced, happy, and healthy community, much like each member of a family helps the others.

Richelle also taught us about the treaties (promises/contracts) made between Indigenous Peoples and the newcomers from Europe. We learned that Indigenous Peoples negotiated the treaties when newcomers laid claim to the land where Indigenous Peoples lived. During these negotiations, First Peoples thought about the next seven generations and how to care for each generation, but often these treaties were not upheld and Indigenous Peoples have endured pain over the years. We will soon begin learning about residential schooling. The purpose of this learning is to understand the history of Canada, so that we can be aware of our role in reconciliation and, as we are citizens of Canada, that we are all treaty people.