As people we all assume an identity. That identity is a fusion of nature and nurture. Chambers article examines her own identity around identification and its relation to borders. The borders created by our colonial forefathers were not natural borders. They were borders created for political and monetary reasons. In the context of Indigenous identity there is much to navigate and comprehend regarding Canadas colonial past and how it has shaped the current identity of the First Nations, Indigenous, Metis and Inuit peoples. Documents such as the Indian act were created to control the identity of Indigenous peoples. We cannot negate the intersectionalitiess that make up our country. We must work harder to ensure that every Canadian has the same rights the same voice and the same responsibilities. We are all the product of our lived experiences, good bad and ugly. As teachers we must understand these complex identities as well as past injustices and work to foster acceptance of our history and champion those differences in the classroom.
Chambers article allows us to reflect and ask ourselves, who is the owner of our identities, individual or collective! Is it truly our own? Chambers notes that her grandfather’s death certificate offered very little information about who he was and simply breaks him down to his place of birth and race. The divorce certificate she references is noted for what it did not include. These are not accurate representations of identity. Much like how the history that we have taught is not a true representation of our colonial past and its genocide of FNMI peoples of Canada. Chambers also discusses how borders change, how the faces of our countries change. With the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada or TRC and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, we as a Nation have been able to take our first steps to create concrete actions to make sure we understand and recognize our past failures and makes very real changes, positive and meaningful contributions towards a better Canada .
This is only the beginning and I believe we must strive for better. As educators we must implement the calls to action of the TRC. There is so much power in Education and as an educator I feel a deep responsibility to pass on the true history of our country. By acknowledging the past not only can we dream of a better future, but we can create one that is inclusive for all.
Mrs. Stone 