TakingITGlobal

"Indigenous Anime Art," which we chose as our first session, was a hit with the students. It immediately commanded their attention by introducing a blend of anime and art, even though it wasn't directly related to Inuit culture. Even so, the session offered valuable insights into artistic expression and creativity, which are things that resonate with students from all backgrounds. Additionally, the session provided us with a window into Coast Salish art forms, another Indigenous culture, which was incredibly enriching. Moving forward, as we book more sessions, we always try to keep student feedback, diverse topics, curriculum alignment, and community engagement in mind. For first- time teachers, selecting a session can be an exciting yet daunting task. Get to know your students' interests, and consider their cultural backgrounds, learning styles, and areas of curiosity. Start with topics that you're already familiar with or enthusiastic about. This will help you feel more comfortable facilitating discussions and guiding activities. Reach out to experienced colleagues for advice on selecting sessions that have been particularly engaging or effective in the past. When in doubt, I always reach out to our Connected North School Lead. Do not hesitate to explore a variety of topics. Although it's important to select sessions that align with your curriculum, also consider sessions that offer new and diverse perspectives that may not otherwise be covered in traditional classroom settings. C o n n e c t e d N o r t h i n O u r C l a s s r o o m Shankary Oppilamany - Connected North in Our Classroom 55

• Cover