Special Series: Beyond Beads and Bannock

As school starts across British Columbia, CBC British Columbia is taking an in-depth look at Indigenous curriculum in B.C. schools.

Beyond Beads and Bannock is the mantra of Nella Nelson, a leader in developing Indigenous curriculum who is featured in the week-long series. Listen, read, and watch on CBC Radio One (local morning shows and afternoon drive shows), CBC-TV, and online at cbc.ca/bc.

The series will feature:

Tuesday, September 4

• Should an Indigenous-focused course be mandatory for graduation in B.C.?
• A look back at textbooks used in B.C.'s history, revealing racist and inaccurate portrayals of Indigenous people.

Wednesday, September 5

• Kwalgiulth artist Carey Newman is co-authoring a book for middle school students about residential school. The book is based on his Witness Blanket, an artwork composed of artifacts from residential schools.
• Grade three students at the ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ Tribal school study SENĆOŦEN through land-based instruction in their own garden.  

Thursday, September 6

• Students at Langley Fine Arts School share how studying Indigenous curriculum transformed their perspective on education and history.
• What are the challenges for a non-Indigenous teacher to incorporate culturally accurate Indigenous curriculum in the classroom?

Friday, September 7

• B.C.'s Minister of Education Rob Fleming discusses the new Indigenous curriculum being used in B.C. classrooms, and responds to the call for a mandatory Indigenous-focused course.
• A look at B.C.'s first Indigenous choice school, located in one of the most challenged areas of Prince George. Staff have learned teaching kids means building a community.

Find Beyond Beads and Bannock across B.C. on CBC Radio One, CBC-TV, and online at cbc.ca/bc.