BLOCK B
ENGLISH FIRST PEOPLES ARTICLE 2
INTERVIEW WITH ENGLISH 12 FIRST PEOPLES TEACHER
To understand the content being taught, the first question asked was, "What is the key curriculum of this course?" She answered the students learn about the history of the First Peoples. Having said that, a lot of the course is focused on learning about the traditional stories, literature, art, and music of such. As she states, "It's important for us to get to know their story, their beliefs, and culture so that we can learn about truth and reconciliation."
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To add onto the initial question, "What are students expected to learn in this course?"
She explained that the subjects starts with talking about identity, since it is very crucial to representing Indigenous culture. The students were also required to complete an activity where they were required to participate in a project about creating their own collage with their own identity.
After, the class studies about a book about an Indigenous person losing their identity and rediscovering it, and being proud of his heritage. The class had also watched a movie about a fight between the Mohawk people and the Quebec people.
"To you, what is the most interesting topic that is covered in this course?" "I think its all very interesting, learning the culture and art." She explains learning about the history or meaning behind an artist's work, the artist themself and their story, is what she believes is the most interesting.
"What is your usual teaching style while teaching this course?" Ms. Luccock explains that since she was formerly an English Literature teacher that taught from grades 10-12, she would say she teaches more traditionally, through writing, tests, and assignments, and letting students break off into groups to do their assigned work.
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"Now that there is a new requirement for credits in Indigenous focused and English 12 courses, is there an influx of students taking this course?" She explains that students now can not graduate until they take this course. However, they can either take socials or English. There has been an influx of students taking the course since it is mandatory now.
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In short, English First Peoples is a course that covers traditional stories, art, and culture, with it including the reading of many Indigenous books, and stories, creating presentations, and with plenty of students learning about the history with the new BC issued credit requirements.
The students have also completed a research project about the Indian Act and Truth and Reconciliation, which they then were required to present in front of the entire class. Currently, the class is studying another book called, "Moon of the Crusted Snow." Later in the school year, they expect to start analyzing Indigenous poetry.
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Next, "How do you think this course stands out from all the other subjects?" She responded that she thinks the course stands out because in this subject, students are able to learn about Residential schools and the terrible acts committed as a result. She elaborates, "I think they are appreciating what the Indigenous people have suffered."
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​"What are some examples of literature students are analyzing in this course?" Which were content her class was studying such as a novel called, "Moon of the Crusted Snow," and a movie called, "Beans," and various Indigenous poetry.
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