Podcast Summary: Unlearn16 - "The One Where We LISTEN to the Truth to Change the World"

Episode Details:

• Title: The One Where We LISTEN to the Truth to Change the World
• Podcast: Unlearn16: Class is in Session
• Host: Unlearn16
• Release Date: October 1, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Unlearn16: Class is in Session, host Unlearn16 delves deep into the significance of Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada. With a blend of sarcastic wit and profound insight, the host explores the implementation of this day within educational settings, particularly focusing on his experiences at Metro Prep. The episode emphasizes the necessity of moving beyond mere acknowledgment to fostering genuine community engagement and empathy.

Implementation of Truth and Reconciliation Day

Unlearn16 begins by critiquing the conventional approach to Truth and Reconciliation Day, arguing against limiting its significance to a single day. Instead, he advocates for its integration into the broader educational curriculum and community consciousness.

"Truth and reconciliation about our indigenous population should not be only resigned to September 30th. That's ridiculous."
(00:03)

At Metro Prep, he took an innovative approach by involving students in creating personalized T-shirts featuring influential Indigenous figures, symbolizing a year-long commitment rather than a one-day event.

Educational Approaches and Curriculum Integration

The host discusses the multifaceted educational strategies employed to teach students about Indigenous history and contemporary issues. This includes detailed lessons on residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the systemic efforts to assimilate Indigenous populations.

"We talk about what was done to them. We talk about the language that was taken, the culture that was taken, the rights, the rituals, the names."
(00:03)

He emphasizes the importance of not only educating students about historical atrocities but also highlighting the resilience and achievements of Indigenous communities. This dual approach aims to instill both awareness and respect.

Empowering Students and Fostering Empathy

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the importance of empathy in education. Unlearn16 believes that fostering a resurgence of empathy is crucial for meaningful change.

"There needs to be a consistent resurgence of empathy. There needs to be a consistent resurgence of how do I talk about this issue?"
(00:03)

By engaging students in discussions and collaborative projects, such as researching Indigenous figures and presenting their findings, the host ensures that students connect emotionally and intellectually with the material.

Community Engagement and Collaborative Learning

The episode highlights a pivotal event at Metro Prep where all students donned their personalized shirts and participated in a day-long series of lessons across various disciplines. Teachers from subjects like math, science, and art integrated Indigenous perspectives into their curricula, demonstrating the pervasive influence of Indigenous knowledge systems.

"There are brilliant Indigenous mathematicians, there are brilliant chemists and biologists, and doing incredible work."
(00:03)

This interdisciplinary approach not only broadens students' understanding but also showcases the integral role Indigenous contributions play in diverse fields.

Importance of Language Preservation

Unlearn16 underscores the critical role of language in preserving Indigenous culture and identity. He discusses how multilingual students can bridge understanding and appreciation for Indigenous languages, which are vital for maintaining oral histories and traditions.

"They are able to articulate how important language is to them... how should we back and improve and allow indigenous societies all over the country to bolster, to strengthen, to educate, surrounding their language."
(00:03)

Student Empowerment and Leadership

Towards the episode's conclusion, the host reflects on the profound impact of empowering students to voice their learnings and perspectives. By facilitating open dialogues and encouraging active participation, students develop a strong sense of justice and a commitment to societal change.

"They're saying it loud, and they're saying it proud, with their full chest. Because I know that they understand what will change the world."
(00:03)

He expresses confidence in the younger generation's ability to drive meaningful change, emphasizing that true justice requires systemic transformations rooted in genuine listening and understanding.

Insights and Conclusions

Unlearn16 concludes the episode by reiterating the essential steps toward achieving justice and reconciliation:

1. Listening: Truly hearing the experiences and voices of Indigenous communities.
2. Questioning: Challenging existing narratives and systems.
3. Conversing: Engaging in meaningful dialogues to foster understanding.
4. Changing: Implementing authentic, impactful changes across societal structures.

"Justice requires change. First you have to listen. Really listen. Then you have to question, then you have to have conversation, and then you have to Come up with authentic, incredibly important ways of enacting change in our society so that we move forward differently."
(00:03)

The host's passionate discourse serves as a clarion call to educators, students, and the broader community to commit to ongoing efforts in truth and reconciliation, ensuring that the lessons learned are not fleeting but form the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive future.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Limiting Truth and Reconciliation Day:

  "Truth and reconciliation about our indigenous population should not be only resigned to September 30th. That's ridiculous."
  (00:03)

• On Empathy in Education:

  "There needs to be a consistent resurgence of empathy. There needs to be a consistent resurgence of how do I talk about this issue?"
  (00:03)

• On Indigenous Contributions Across Disciplines:

  "There are brilliant Indigenous mathematicians, there are brilliant chemists and biologists, and doing incredible work."
  (00:03)

• On the Power of Student Voices:

  "They're saying it loud, and they're saying it proud, with their full chest. Because I know that they understand what will change the world."
  (00:03)

• On the Path to Justice:

  "Justice requires change. First you have to listen. Really listen. Then you have to question, then you have to have conversation, and then you have to Come up with authentic, incredibly important ways of enacting change in our society so that we move forward differently."
  (00:03)

Conclusion

This episode of Unlearn16: Class is in Session serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of education when it is coupled with empathy and active engagement. By showcasing practical implementations of Truth and Reconciliation Day and highlighting the pivotal role of youth in driving societal change, Unlearn16 underscores the potential for a more just and inclusive world. Listeners are left not only informed but also motivated to participate in the ongoing journey toward reconciliation and equity.