Understanding and Finding Our Way – Decolonizing Canadian Education is a powerful film that exposes education inequities within public education in Canada. It challenges viewers to help decolonize education so that all students can succeed. Teachers have a unique opportunity to contribute by advocating for change to eliminate inequity and racism.
However, all Canadians are responsible for reconciliation. Anyone looking to help guide and support their own reconciliation journey can use the film and accompanying resources by clicking on the links at the end of this article.
The film was produced by Dr. Verna St. Denis, an internationally renowned scholar in anti-racist education, Professor Emeritus at the Universtity of Saskatchewn. It was directed by award-winning filmmaker Alison Duke following appropriate protocols and under the guidance of Elder Mary Lee. The 32-minute film is divided into three parts.
Part one – kiyâskiwâcimowina (myth)
Explores the myths that “everyone is equal in Canada. Canada does not have a race problem. Education is the great equalizer. Education is neutral.”
Part two – tâpewêwin (truth)
Exposes public education inequities and explores the need for system change through an anti-colonial lens.
Part three – ôte-nikâniyihtamawin (hope)
Inspires hope that, together, we can create public education systems that support the success of all students.