INTERVIEW WITH NCTR EDUCATION LEAD CHARLENE BEARHEAD
Education at the U of R is such a
natural fit for a partnership with NCTR
for so many reasons not the least of
which is the incredible and authentic
commitment, leadership, and action
on addressing the voids in education
in the areas of all that is Indigenous in
such a genuine and respectful manner.
How many Days of Education
has NCTR jointly hosted?
The Truth and Reconciliation
Commission hosted six Education
Days within its National Events
and NCTR hosted one in Winnipeg
for the official opening of the
Centre on November 4, 2015.
What was unique about the "Walking
Together: A Day of Education for Truth
and Reconciliation at the U of R?
"It was the first one ever to
be hosted by a University."
Charlene Bearhead, Education Lead
with the National Centre for Truth
and Reconciliation (NCTR), worked
closely with the Faculty of Education
in every aspect of the planning and
budgeting for the Day of Education.
She hopes to “see a Day of Education
at every Faculty of Education across
the country.” The following is an
interview with Charlene Bearhead.
Describe your role as Education
Lead with the NCTR?
I am responsible for the engagement
of Ministries of Education, School
Divisions, Faculties of Education,
School Board Associations, Teachers’
Organizations and all other education
organizations and agencies across
Canada. This includes public
education and outreach towards
our goal of educating every person
living in Canada about the history
and legacy of Indian Residential
Schools and to engage Canadians
in meaningful reconciliation.
How did this partnership between
the U of R and NCTR come about?
I have been connected with the Faculty
of Education at the University of
Regina (U of R) for some time through
my work as the National Coordinator
of Project of Heart. The Faculty of
It was the first one ever to be hosted
by a University. The overwhelming
success of the U of R day has
inspired the University of Manitoba
(U of M) Faculty of Education and
the Faculty of Education at University
of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) to
host their own events this fall.
take action on our learning nothing
will change. I’ve borrowed the term
from Stan with his blessing as have
many others across the country.
What outcomes have you
seen resulting from these
Days of Education? And
specifically the U of R?
The positive action and energy
that have resulted from these
Education Days is endless. The
most important outcome is that
they inspire people in other parts
of the country to host their own
gatherings of authentic, experiential
learning and ReconciliACTION.
The U of R day has inspired the U
of M and UPEI among others.
There will be many more truth and
reconciliation days of education at
Faculties of Education across the
country as a result of April 14, 2016
at the U of R. In fact I have had a call
from the North Dakota State University
in Fargo, ND, as a direct result of the
U of R education day media coverage.
Why are Days of Education for
Reconciliation important?
These days of education give the
unique opportunity for students
and teachers to come together to
experience learning with one another,
to engage in authentic learning
experiences that might not be
otherwise available in their own
schools and communities,
and to understand that they
are a part of something much
bigger than an individual school or
community. It gives students and
teachers the opportunity to garner
ideas and experience learning that
they can then take back and share in
their home schools to promote the
seeking of truth and reconciliation
in their families and communities.
You’ve been known to use the word
“ReconciliACTION.” What is the
passion behind this word for you?
The term "ReconciliACTION” was
coined by Stan Wesley who is an
amazing and inspiring Anishnabe
mentor from Ontario. I love the
term because it embodies the
understanding that if we don’t actually
Charlete
Bearhead
at Project of
Heart presentation.
Dustin Brass presents
Playback Theatre.
Bottom Left and Centre:
Students participating in the
Blanket Exercise.
Page 6