ENGLISH FIRST PEOPLES INTERVIEW
ENGLISH FIRST PEOPLES NEWS
​​​​Overall, this course teaches students not just about literature, but about understanding, respect, and reconciliation. It helps build awareness of Indigenous voices and reminds us why their stories need to be heard.
​​When asked what makes this course stand out, Ms. Luccock said that students are really learning about the painful history of residential schools and are starting to appreciate what Indigenous peoples have gone through. She finds the most interesting parts to be the art, music, and stories because they show the richness of Indigenous culture.
Right now, the class is watching the movie Beans, which tells the story of a young Mohawk girl growing up during the Oka Crisis. Ms. Luccock said it helps students see how history affects real people and how finding identity can be a powerful
journey. The class has also done research projects on topics like the Indian Act, truth and reconciliation, and the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Later in the year, they’ll study a novel called Moon of the Crusted Snow and explore Indigenous poetry and art.
Ms. Luccock shared that this course uses more oral and media learning compared to traditional English classes. There’s still writing, essays, and quizzes, but there’s also more discussion, film, and creative projects. She said
it’s a mix of traditional and project-based learning.
In the interview with Ms. Luccock, who teaches English 12 First Peoples, I learned that this course is about much more than just reading books. It’s about learning the stories, history, and culture of Indigenous peoples in Canada, and understanding the importance of truth and reconciliation.
Ms. Luccock explained that the key curriculum of this course focuses on Indigenous literature, art, music, and storytelling. Students explore their own identities at the start of the course, which connects to Indigenous teachings about how identity and culture are deeply tied to land and community. For example, students created identity collages to reflect on who they are, and then read a story about an Indigenous man who rediscovers his heritage and learns to take pride in it.​
Now that every student in BC must take an Indigenous-focused course to graduate, many are choosing English 12 First Peoples. Ms. Luccock said some students take it because they have to, but others take it because they genuinely want to understand Indigenous culture and history better.
Books about the First Peoples