Facilitated Conversations

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Focused Conversation Sample: Symbolism and Traditions

Total Time: Approx. 1 to 3 hours

Download this sample Word

Suitable for: Group Activity | Facilitator-led Activity

Focused conversation can be adapted for use with any Walking Together topic area. Word documents may be revised as needed.

Conversation Goal: For group members to gain an appreciation and understanding of the importance and values of symbolism and traditions in First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities and make a call to action to recognize, acknowledge and celebrate symbolism and traditions in their teaching practice.

Common Beginning Point

Handouts: Focused Conversation Participant Handout Word
Focused Conversation: Fact Sheet Word
Call to Action: Focused Conversation Word

Provide participants with handouts to use as they explore the content of the Symbolism and Tradition topic area.

Creating the Setting
Set up the focused conversation environment as described in the Fact Sheet and become familiar with the process.

Option A Option B
  1. Ask participants to view all sections of the Symbolism and Tradition topic area before the meeting.
  2. Provide participants with the Focused Conversation Participant Handout to guide their pre-meeting preparation.
  3. At the meeting show the whole group the Ellery Starlight video from the Respecting Wisdom section.
  4. Use the focused conversation questions below to discuss the interview.
  1. Guide the participants through all sections of the Symbolism and Tradition topic area during the meeting. Use the Focused Conversation Participant Handout as a ‘think about’ guide.
  2. Show the whole group the Ellery Starlight video from the Respecting Wisdom section.
  3. Use the focused conversation questions below to discuss the interview.
  4. Invite participants to view the remainder of the content in Symbolism and Traditions on their own.

Focused Conversation Questions: Beginning Together

Objective Questions

  • What did you see in the Beginning Together section?
  • Were there any Métis or First Nations peoples in your convocation class?
  • In what other situations might you see First Nation, Métis and Inuit symbols or traditions incorporated?

Focused Conversation Questions: Ellery Starlight Video in Respecting Wisdom

Objective Questions

  • What did you hear in the video?
  • Who were the individuals participating in the conversation?
  • What was the focus of the conversations between Ellery and the others?
  • What symbols or traditions did they mention?

Reflective Questions

  • How did you feel about the message portrayed in the video?
  • What did you think about the parallel drawn between Aboriginal braids and the story of Samson from the Bible?
  • What did you find most interesting?
  • What was the most moving or inspiring comment?

Interpretive Questions

  • What symbols or traditions do you and/or your students bring to the classroom?
  • How are these reflected in our classroom, schools and community? 
  • What other situations might warrant the focus on symbols or traditions?
  • How do we ensure our children, youth and families are able to share their cultural symbols and traditions in our schools?
  • Think of a child or youth who would benefit from being able to express the symbols or traditions of their culture.
  • What challenges and opportunities may exist in relation to incorporating cultural symbols or traditions in your classroom? In meetings with partner organizations or agencies?
  • How did your understanding of symbolism and traditions change as a result of this conversation?

Decisional Questions

  • What can we do to bring cultural symbols and traditions in our schools?
  • In what ways do our current practices demonstrate our appreciation of cultural symbols and traditions in our classrooms and communities?
  • What can you do to encourage sharing of symbols and traditions as an individual teacher/staff member? In the classroom? In the school? In the community?
  • What is our first step? Our next steps?
  • What will be our indicators of success? How will we know we have achieved success?

After your group conversation, encourage the group by doing the following:

  • Use the handout Call to Action: Focused Conversation to capture the group’s plans for future actions based on the discussion.
  • Monitor group members in working toward their goals as captured in the Call to Action Worksheet.

Follow up with team members to discuss and share the accomplishments in reaching the group’s goals.