Here are five practical tips for teachers to build on the core ideas of respect, learning, and courage as highlighted in the poster:

1. Respect – Honour First Nations Voices and Perspectives

• Tip: Start by integrating authentic First Nations resources, such as texts, art, and stories created by First Nations authors and artists. This not only ensures accuracy but also shows respect for the culture and perspectives you are sharing with students.
• Action: Reach out to local First Nations communities or organisations for resources or guest speakers. This builds relationships and deepens the respect within your teaching.

2. Learning – Commit to Continuous Professional Development

• Tip: Attend workshops or training on embedding First Nations perspectives, like those offered by TIPIAC, to continuously enhance your understanding.
• Action: Dedicate a part of your professional development each term to learning something new about First Nations cultures. Share insights with your students and integrate them into lessons as you grow.

3. Courage – Embrace Learning Through Mistakes

• Tip: Be open to making mistakes and view them as learning opportunities. This approach helps you model humility and growth for your students.
• Action: If you make a cultural mistake, address it with transparency in your classroom. Explain what you’ve learned and how you’ll approach things differently next time, showing that cultural learning is an ongoing journey.

4. Encourage Student Reflection – Foster a Respectful Classroom Environment

• Tip: Encourage students to reflect on and discuss what respect, learning, and courage mean in the context of First Nations perspectives.
• Action: Use activities like group discussions or reflective journaling where students can explore their own ideas of respect and share what they’re learning about First Nations cultures.

5. Create a Classroom Code of Respect – Ground Rules for Learning First Nations Perspectives

• Tip: Establish classroom norms that prioritize respect, curiosity, and openness when discussing cultural topics.
• Action: Collaboratively create a “Respect Agreement” with students. Outline respectful ways to approach and discuss First Nations topics, encouraging them to contribute their thoughts on what respect looks like in these lessons.

These tips can help teachers build a culturally responsive learning environment where students and teachers alike approach First Nations perspectives with respect, a commitment to learning, and the courage to grow beyond stereotypes.