Welcome back, dear readers (although I’m not sure anyone besides my teacher actually reads this). As per usual, I am writing a reflective blog post so we must discuss my project, also known as the Echos of Colonization. Firstly, this project was right up my alley as the materials we discussed were centred around topics I am passionate about and have previously researched. But before we get to what I learned, you must know the driving question, namely, what were the consequences of colonization? Most importantly in this blog post, I will be touching on what I learned and how I learned it, my thoughts on the phrasing of the driving question, some of the specific assignments within this project and my feelings towards what I learned and the skills I practised.
Dealing with Dates and Discussions
As previously stated, I already knew a lot on this subject. But, regardless, this project was a great opportunity for me to discuss and expand on my views of the subject (but there is only so much one can improve upon perfection). During this project, we had class discussions on the effects of colonization as well as learning about specific events in history. This was a great opportunity of learning since my knowledge of specific dates was limited compared to what I know about current events related to this topic. In our discussions, topics of land and resources, traditional life ways, economic exploitation, social and political issues, sovereignty and self governance, health and wellbeing, and resistance and resilience were looked at, but specifically how they changed because of colonization and how that affects everything today.
Curriculum Congratulations and Concerns
The effects of colonization on everyday life and society today is an important topic that is close to my heart as an Indigenous person. So I applaud the clarity in the curriculum specifically how history was not covered up (even the nasty bits). However, the specific phrasing in the driving question is off-putting as the consequences of colonization are everlasting and must be treated as such. Being an Indigenous person, I felt the wording dismissive of the continuous struggles that First Nations, Métis and Inuit people face today. Although I do recognize that the words were chosen to focus our minds towards the specific events of the past. Regardless, this is still mildly vexing. In the aspect of discussions I feel I have participated extensively and meaningfully, despite my feelings towards the phrasing of the driving question. On a separate note, the final assignment in this project was a group presentation that I believe I contributed greatly to both in the aspects of information and graphic design. This final assignment was also a great chance to practice my public speaking and group organization skills (however I am still not quite adept at the latter).
Practicing Processes and Procedures
The learning I did during this project is invaluable, not only the information I learned (such as dates and events) but also new viewpoints I acquired. I feel this project has expanded my worldview in ways many other projects have not. It bears repeating that the final assignment of this project proved to be a great help in practising public speaking (something I have struggled with in the past) as well as communication and organization within a group (which I am overjoyed to have an opportunity to improve on as this skill is one of my weak points.) This project also gave me a great chance to practice my graphic design skills, but specifically in the area of slide presentations. I learned how to best minimize text on slides and create an engaging yet not overstimulating slide with good examples that are easy to follow. Here is an example of two slides that I am quite proud of.
I hope to continue to improve upon my skills in this area as I believe they will be invaluable in future.
In conclusion, I am proud of the work I have shown and the skills I have sharpened in this project. In addition, I believe the discussions I have participated in and knowledge I have acquired are priceless. I hope that in future my teachers are able to use more accurate wording and still communicate that this project is focussed on the past.