Event Recap: Sacred Fire (Honouring Our Children)

Reflections and Insights with Chas Coutlee

Q: What inspired you to incorporate the sacred fire exercise into this event? 

A: IRSSS Executive Director Angela White inspired the sacred fire exercise, which she used to provide and generously gave to me. I have had the opportunity to bring this sacred fire exercise into communities and organizations, and the feedback received from all sorts of folks has been excellent.

 I feel like one of the most important parts of the sacred fire exercise is that it is a different style of learning, experiential learning, and it moves learners from the academic intellectual part of self into a more holistic part of self and feeling from the heart. It's much more impactful to feel and understand in a way that connects you to humanity, to the things that happened, and to understand some of the outcomes and ongoing outcomes respectfully. People don’t always remember what is said, but they remember how they felt and how you helped make them feel, which was my intention with this exercise.

Q: How can educators create safe and inclusive environments where Indigenous students feel comfortable discussing their culture and history? 

A: Educators can create safe and inclusive environments where Indigenous students feel comfortable discussing their culture and history by building trust, respect, and safety. That is one of the foundations, and it's critical that justice can be achieved by acknowledging the unique experiences and histories of Indigenous students and nations. Additionally, culturally responsive teaching should be provided. Indigenous perspectives and knowledge should be incorporated into the curriculum using culturally relevant materials and teaching methods that reflect the student's background. In addition, community engagement can be achieved by engaging with Indigenous communities and involving elders and community leaders. This helps to create a sense of belonging and respect for Indigenous cultures and ways of doing and being. 

This was such an incredible event. Not only did the educators from SFU put respectful, kind, thoughtful effort into every detail of planning, but the student teachers there were respectful, paying attention, and showing up as their absolute best selves. In today's culture, where people are trapped in their phones or disengaged with what's happening before them, it was beautiful to see the folks who put their phones away and asked incredibly insightful and respectful questions.

Q: What roles do cultural practices, like the sacred fire, play in healing and reconciliation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and educators? 

A: Giving place and space to different cultural practices like the sacred fire is a starting point for meaningful conversations about the history of colonization and its ongoing impacts on Indigenous communities. It helps create a safe place for dialogue where difficult topics can be discussed with sensitivity and respect. Inviting cultural practices like the sacred fire into educational places and spaces can support healing and reconciliation efforts, promoting a more inclusive and understanding society. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?  

A: I have deep respect and honour for Indigenous people who create and usually share their stories, such as our dear Elder Gertie Pierre. Her lived experience is so rich, and sharing in that way is such emotional heavy lifting. She does it wholeheartedly, which is so much more meaningful and impactful than anything that could be read in a book. Also, the cedar paddles made especially for participants and printed with the six R's are a great reminder and framework for moving forward together.

Jennie Blankinship and her entire team and everybody who participated created a safe environment for these brave conversations.