Intermediate FNMI ABQ: Introduction Module 5- Task 3 "Learning Portfolio"

 Carmelo Bono

Nicole Bell

March 25/2022

EDAQ SA829

Module 5 Reflection: How it all comes together

As an educator in the field of FNMI, there is a lot to figure out. After demonstrating the abilities to comprehend and understand, the “figuring it out” portion of the learning is ultimately the portion of experience in which an educator asks oneself, “where to start?” and the answer to this question is simple, “within the community”. An educator should be familiar to discuss the details of the land, culture or identity of indigenous peoples to that geographical area.

What an educator can say they have completed in the course of this journey through the examinations of FNMI curriculum is that they have developed a sense of heightened understanding in regards to where people are from and how to be sensitive to their personal backgrounds. Educators in FNMI will also be educators who are willing to go beyond the powerpoints and cultural rhetoric that makes many uncomfortable to really indulge in the romance and beauty of FNMI cultures and practices.

Many may classify (unwillingly) into the stereotype of “The Perfect Stranger” that Dion is introducing in her text, but as an educator it is important for one to keep in mind that these people being discussed, this culture being learned area real, suffering and alive. Not all, but more than Canada or many of Canadians would like to admit as a country or peoples themselves. These indigenous peoples need attention, as much as the curriculum and as a student (former and currently) an educator can understand the appreciation of each particular gesture in moving forward as one with understanding rather than hesitation of how to engage.

The challenges of FNMI learning is not so much a challenge of the education in this subject area as much as it is of the peoples that it represents. This is noticeable and worth mentioning consistently in the delivery of course materials or in the support given to indigenous students. Reminders of one’s support should be something of a reflection point for educators and students. Educators are role models and this is seen when it is done.