Treaty 2 Territory – FNT2T Life Long Learning is finalizing the Treaty 2 History Learning Kits that consist of 13 booklets from Grades K-12; T2 storybook, Binenshii; map of Treaty 2 Territory; and we are hoping to complete the Treaty 2 Residential Schools Booklet that has a brief history and map of the schools that existed in the territory.

Currently, Binenshii is under some final edits and design. Some fun was had with the review of this book when one FNT2T Knowledge Council member and Elder noticed the “feet” on the bird were backwards. No one else had noticed but everyone had a good laugh when it was pointed out by the member. Good laughs were also had when it was briefly discussed whether birds had “feet” or claws. FNT2T is thankful for the Knowledge Council and their invaluable contributions to all of the Circles.

As mentioned in a previous FNT2T Life Long Learning post, a Treaty Residential Schools Booklet was also recently developed in response to the recoveries of our children across Turtle Island. The booklet provides a brief overview of the schools that existed in Treaty 2 Territory along with readings and lessons. This will be another learning document that will evolve and grow with time. FNT2T GIS Specialist, Shawn Gurke, was kind enough to help Life Long Learning by creating a map of the schools that existed in and around Treaty 2 Territory. We hope that have this booklet completed so that it too can be included in the Treaty 2 History Learning Kits.

This learning kit was drafted for Treaty 2 because most if not all curriculum in Canada excludes our stories, worldview(s), and perspectives. We need more curriculum that tells our history and our contemporary. This kit is an important first step in telling our history. It will evolve and grow with time. It will remain a living, breathing document as we continue our lifelong learning journey of learning and most importantly, unlearning. The learning kit is an important foundation to FNT2T Life Long Learning and it was drafted in response:

• To The Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to Action #62: “Make age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, Treaties, and Aboriginal peoples; historical and contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement for Kindergarten to Grade Twelve students.”
• To Article 14 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: “Indigenous people have the right to establish and control their educational systems and institutions providing education in their own languages, in a manner appropriate to their cultural methods of teaching and learning.”
• To Wahbung: Our Tomorrow’s by the First Nations of Manitoba: “It is our responsibility, especially after 100 years of the white man’s failure and as those with the most to gain and the most to lose, to direct the changes in the education process.”

Every FNT2T Local Nation can receive a T2 Learning Kit. Miigwetch. Renew and revitalize.