Walking Together Toward Reconciliation: Reflections on Our Indigenous-Focused Pro-D Day

On May 16th, 2025, Alexander Academy’s teachers and staff gathered for a meaningful day of professional development. This was part of our ongoing Indigenous-focused learning series. It was the second session in this year’s reconciliation-centered program. The session built on previous learning. It deepened our understanding of Indigenous history, knowledge, and our role in reconciliation.

The day began with a share-out session led by our school leadership and instructional staff. Educators reflected on their current classroom practices. They discussed challenges in incorporating Indigenous perspectives and shared goals for decolonizing their teaching approaches. These open conversations set a tone of vulnerability, honesty, and collaboration.These are essential qualities when engaging in the long-term work of reconciliation. In addition, our staff demonstrated a strong commitment to both learning and unlearning habits shaped by colonial systems.

We had the privilege to connect with Musqueam Elder Martin Sparrow, Knowledge Keeper Shona Sparrow, and their daughter Caitlin. Elder Martin and Shona led us through the Kairos Blanket exercise, where we deepened our understanding of our shared history as non-Indigenous people of Canada by walking through the shared history of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, beginning with pre-contact life, through the signing (and breaking) of treaties, into the eras of colonization, forced assimilation, residential schools, and ultimately, Indigenous resistance and resurgence.

Elder Martin and Shona guided staff through the experience by narrating the historic timeline. Meanwhile, Caitlin supported the session by facilitating the interactive elements. Blankets on the floor represented the land, and as the exercise progressed, they gradually removed or reduced them to symbolize the loss of Indigenous lands, culture, and lives. As we moved through history, we also moved emotionally, feeling grief, discomfort, reflection, and, importantly, empathy.

It wasn’t just an intellectual exercise. It was a deeply emotional and human experience. For many of us, the Kairos Blanket Exercise was a turning point in understanding how colonial policies and systems have devastated Indigenous communities, and how those legacies continue today. The stories, facts, and voices we heard came alive in a way that textbooks often cannot convey.

After the exercise, we were invited to participate in a debriefing circle. This space allowed us to reflect on what we had experienced and to begin processing the difficult emotions that arose. There were tears, thoughtful silences, and powerful words of realization. Many of our staff shared how this experience opened their eyes. It encouraged them to look at their roles, both personally and professionally, through a new lens.

This professional development session did more than provide historical knowledge; it gave us a framework for action. It reminded us that reconciliation is not a destination but an ongoing process. How can we, as educators and staff in a Canadian school, ensure we are not unconsciously reinforcing colonial systems? How can we move beyond symbolic gestures and embed meaningful Indigenous perspectives and truths into our daily teaching?

We are proud to say that the Alexander Academy community is committed to this journey. Following the session, many teachers are revisiting their lessons with fresh insight. Integrating authentic Indigenous resources and fostering deeper classroom discussions. Our leadership team continues to work on school-wide strategies that center Indigenous voice, land acknowledgment, and partnership with local communities.

To walk toward reconciliation is to walk together, with honesty, humility, and hope. We’re grateful to Elder Martin, Shona, and Caitlin for sharing their stories, wisdom, and strength with us.

At Alexander Academy, we recognize that this work is never complete. We are learners, we are listeners, and we are allies. May this experience be one of many steps forward on our shared path of decolonization and Indigenous empowerment.