The Mamawi Project: Celebrating Together Series
Celebrating — Madelaine McCracken
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Where are you from?
I am currently on Treaty 7 territory and have my affirmed citizenship to the Métis Nation of Alberta. However, I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and my Métis relations are in Treaty 1 and Treaty 2 being Duck Bay, St. Laurent, and the past established Red River Settlement. My familial ties are to the Chartrand, Bruce, and Pangman families, along with many others…
As a Métis person how do you walk in a way that honours your responsibilities to our nation, other Indigenous communities, the land and waters?
My responsibility was discovered as I first stepped into the classroom. As a Teacher Candidate, I was learning how to appropriately teach. I thought about the importance of how I was going to do so and the ethical responsibility I carry to ensure I am including everyone’s perspective when teaching curriculum — especially when I was engaging in curriculum of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples. Further, I thought about how I was going to support students when they made mistakes. Was I going to give them more homework to develop their skills or instead, was I going to help their journey and guide them through their errors through direct learning support? Let’s just say I did not have a lot of lunch breaks…
There was a moment, I knew that I had to alter my educational path. It was when a colleague came into the copier room behind me. They closed the door, and they came up to me. At this point I was a bit nervous and confused, but I asked, “Is everything okay?” They responded, “You’re Métis right? Is it okay if I can ask you a few questions about your culture?” I said, “Absolutely.” We sat down and they asked me three pivotal questions that made me question Indigenous Teacher Education and Professional Learning opportunities for educators. They were, “What are treaties? What are reservations? Which reservations are near us?” We were on Treaty 7 territory so I answered their questions appropriately.
Their questions made me feel taken aback as I assumed that all educators were aware of colonial practices of Canada and Crown relations and their treatment of Indigenous peoples. Also, the teacher’s questions made me curious onto why not all certified educators are aware of the Indian Act, Treaty Education, nor colonial legacies that impact Indigenous Nations and communities to this day. It made me aware that my responsibility was larger than what I had originally thought and that I had to apply for my Master of Education and conduct Indigenous curriculum research.
Upon my acceptance, it was not for a thesis as I was hoping to obtain. It was course-based. However, as I attended classes and made relations, I met an immensely impassioned professor that is now guiding me on my research journey. As such, I applied to complete a Major Research Paper and was accepted. We are now conducting research on an Indigenous-led non-profit organization and their aims to support educators through Indigenous Professional Learning and analyzing its connectivity to provincial curriculums. This work, I hope, can support settler-educators and how they can feel comfortable to take up Indigenous perspectives in provincial curriculum expectations and outcomes and to know that they have a impactful responsibility to teach these notions in appropriate ways as well. Reconciliation does not happen overnight, it can happen when perspectives can be respected and can bridge the means to be able to move forward together (Dr. Dwayne Donald, concept of Ethical Relationality). My work is not done… it feels far from over. So, I am applying for my PhD! It’s a journey I never expected to be on, but I know it is the right path.
I am currently conducting research and will be sharing it with community as it is complete. Further, I ethically ensure I conduct reciprocity along the way. With as much help as I receive from my academic and Indigenous communities, I in turn share appropriate aspects of their guidance with my educational peers and colleagues who are wanting to take up Indigenous notions within their classrooms. To also help them feel comfortable to do so, I also host a podcast called, “Educate the Earth’s Research Time” and I host it with wonderful friends and colleagues in the field of education. I share their stories as a means amplify their perspectives in hopes that it will support folks on their educational journeys. When something is given, it is important to honour it, and give back in some way, shape, or form. Since I love to hold conversations and teach, I honour this through my relations, my conversations, and my research.
Education is our resilience.
What medicines do you carry that have helped you on your path?
I always say that Creator guides us in ways we may not understand, but we have to listen when our paths are needing to change. I would not be on my educational journey if I decided not to listen and not trust myself. Further, the importance of community and relations is extremely important to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of my mother, my family and our connection to our Métis roots, my friends, my Indigenous brothers and sisters, and the Métis and First Nation Elders and communities that continue to support and guide me to this day.
My values are surrounded by uplifting folks around me, ensuring their perspectives are listened to, and that they know they belong. I will always offer space for these notions and am humbled and honoured to do so.
