On Monday, November 18, 2002, at a community/media gathering at the the Native Canadian Centre (NCC) in Toronto, the CAAS report Learning about Walking in Beauty: Placing Aboriginal Perspectives in Canadian Classrooms was released. Approximately 100 people attended, including representatives from federal departments of Canadian Heritage and Indian Affairs, staff from teacher federations and ministries of education, Canadian and on-Reserve educators, teachers from First Nations territories and Canadian classrooms, Aboriginal and Canadian post-secondary scholars, and human rights educators.

The Honourable Lincoln Alexander (former Ontario Lieutenant-Governor), Chair of the CRRF Board of Directors and a staunch anti-racism activist, pledged ongoing support for the implementation of WIB's proposals. "Congratulations to all who were involved in this incredible project! We look forward to following through to promote it wherever we can," commented CRRF's Executive Director, Dr. Karen Mock.

This comprehensive national research report describes what must be done to improve the way Aboriginal Peoples' worldviews, cultures, histories, and contemporary concerns are taught in Canadian classrooms. The research project was funded primarily by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF), with support from the George Cedric Metcalf Foundation and MANY, many volunteer hours and other contributions from our CAAS network of scholars, authors, critical readers, editors, classroom educators and researchers. Nia:wen, Miigwetch, Ekosi, Thank You!

Learning About Walking in Beauty: Placing Aboriginal Perspectives in Canadian Classrooms (WIB) was released in November 2002. It includes the findings from this survey, together with pedagogical, social and historical analyses. The report also offers a framework and proposals for "next steps" towards learning about "walking in beauty" together.

The entire report, and our Highlights (summary) document, can be downloaded from the CRRF website at http://www.crr.ca

Here are four comments on this report:

"I REALLY, REALLY am impressed, relieved and hopeful, having read these chapters!! WELL DONE!!! " - Carol Scott, an urban junior elementary Canadian teacher.

"I always ask myself about the possibility of cultural appropriation and what motivates teachers to change their practice?... Proposals look good. Especially like the unlearning and decolonizing approach." - Charlotte Henay, an elementary school principal and mixed race woman of Aboriginal heritage.

"Walking in Beauty" shows that Canadians care about making these changes to the curriculum. RCAP demonstrated thoroughly that Aboriginal Peoples not only care, but that many of us have been damaged by the kind of schooling we have had in Canada. The time for change is long past. The research and the energy behind CAAS, together with CRRF"s support, can make it happen now! It must. Too many young lives depend on some justice being visible at last... In Unity..." Kukdookaa - Terri Brown, President, Native Women's Association of Canada.

"Your work highlights the rich possibilities of a more inclusive curriculum and identifies practical tools to assist teachers in implementing "A Pedagogy of Respect and Honesty." I am particularly pleased with the recognition given to the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the principles it set out for renewing the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada, and its continuing relevance as a primary source of information and wisdom grounded in Aboriginal experience... [As] Co-Chair Georges Erasmus counselled his peers to remember that "The movement of Aboriginal people to take charge of their lives didn't start with the Commission and it won't end with our Report." Your collaborative efforts have added momentum to the ongoing work of achieving a just and inclusive society. Yours in peace and friendship..." Marlene Brant Castellano Professor Emeritus of Trent University (Native Studies) and (former) Co-Director of Research Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples

Contributors to WIB are members of CAAS network, including education scholars, Elders, parents and advocates. Aboriginal Studies for all students For generations, Aboriginal educators, leaders and parents have been calling for improvements to school curricula. Follow these links to learn more about the WIB findings:

• Canadians Call for Better Representation of Aboriginal Peoples in Canadian Classrooms
• Why Are These Changes Important?
• Learning about WIB is Embraced by Canadian and First Nations Educators
• Canadian Educators Need Support to Include Aboriginal Perspectives
• Strengthening the Capacity of the Coalition for the Advancement of Aboriginal Studies (CAAS) to Support these Changes
• SAS has Transformative Effect
• Student Awareness Survey Questionnaire

Follow these links for ideas that might help you with this work in your classroom or region:

• CAAS Sharing Circles
• Unlearning-to-Learn anti-stereotyping, decolonizing exercises
• CAAS Learning Circle and related Learning Expectations