Today’s Blanket Activity was an important experience that helped me understand Indigenous history and reconciliation in a more realistic and meaningful way. Before this activity, I had mainly learned about Indigenous history and reconciliation through books, readings, and media. However, participating in this activity helped me see the impact of colonization from a different perspective.

From the early stages of European colonization, when Indigenous Peoples began to lose their lands, to the devastating effects of residential schools, the activity helped me understand how Indigenous families and communities were disrupted and separated. Rather than simply reading about these historical events, I could observe the changes through the activity and experience how these losses affected Indigenous Peoples and their communities. This made the history feel much more real to me. I also began to understand more deeply why the effects of colonization continue to be felt today.

One thing that stayed with me was that the loss of land and the separation of families were not only individual experiences. They also affected the connections between people, their communities, cultures, and ways of life. This helped me think about community in a deeper way. A community is not just a group of people living in the same place. It is built through relationships, shared histories, culture, language, and a sense of belonging. When these connections are disrupted, the effects can continue across generations.

As a future teacher, this experience made me reflect on how I should teach Indigenous history and reconciliation. I do not want to teach these topics as events that happened only in the past. Instead, I want to help students understand how history continues to shape people’s lives and communities today. I also need to think carefully about whose perspectives are included in the curriculum and whose voices may be missing.

This activity also reminded me that decolonization is more than including Indigenous stories and traditions in the classroom. It requires me to question my own assumptions, learn from Indigenous perspectives, and understand the history and experiences of the Indigenous communities whose lands we live and learn on. I know that I still have much to learn, and I should not assume that I fully understand the experiences of others after one activity.

Moving forward, I want to continue learning about the local Indigenous communities and their histories, and consider how I can respectfully include their knowledge and perspectives in my teaching. I also want to create a classroom where students learn not only to respect differences but also to ask questions, think critically about history, and understand the importance of relationships and community.

Today’s activity reminded me that becoming a teacher is not only about sharing knowledge. It is also about being willing to question what I know, listen to different perspectives, and take responsibility for how I teach. I am still learning what decolonization means in practice, but I believe that this reflection is an important step in becoming a more thoughtful and responsible teacher.