Kim Sadowsky

Thom Collegiate, Regina (Saskatchewan)

In Ms. Sadowsky’s classroom, her Native Studies class begins with one simple question: “Who is a Treaty person?” From this question, the entire course unveils as students relive Canadian history as part of a semester-long simulation. Students take on the roles of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples as they participate in the simulation, which begins with treaty negotiations. Students gain historical perspective and empathy as they navigate through key events and policies, such as the Indian Act, the residential school system, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Towards the end of the course, students explore the effects of inter-generational trauma and current social issues that have resulted from events in Canadian history. Through a final inquiry project, students piece together how the past has influenced their understanding of the present and as a result, they create hopeful possibilities for the future.