This is a program for everyone. It is helpful to staff, students, and community members alike. I hope that everyone will take the time to learn the truth about our country and it's relationship with our Indigenous peoples and First Nations communities better. This program is a really rewarding way to do that.
How This Program Has Influenced Me
The Aboriginal Canadian Relations certificate program has provided me a depth of knowledge that I was sorely lacking in my life. Growing up and being educated in the Ontario school system, I was not taught any truth regarding the history of our country and the atrocities committed against the Indigenous people here. I knew nothing of their history, their life, their ways, or anything about the treaties that exist between us. I have learned so much, while at the same time learning how very little I still know. I am beyond thankful for this experience and look forward to being an advocate in every way that I can to ensure our First Nations and Indigenous peoples get the acknowledgement, compensation, remuneration, and restoration that they deserve. We are all treaty people.
My Recollection of a Teacher Who Made a Difference
All my teachers were great, but Pam Burton's classes were by far the best. Her patience and understanding in helping a mixture of Indigenous students, domestic white students, and students from many other countries and cultures understand and learn to appreciate the true history of this country and it's relationships to it's Indigenous peoples was inspiring. Thank you for all you taught us Pam!