TOOLKIT FOR
HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENTS
Social awareness:
Demonstrate interactions with others that show respect for, openness to and appreciation of diversity.
You can demonstrate your social awareness through:
- Demonstrating acceptance of and respect for diverse ways of thinking and being
- Showing understanding of, and empathy for, others
- Understanding and valuing Indigenous traditions and knowledge, including the belief in the interconnectedness of everything
- Understanding, valuing and taking pride in the contributions of diverse cultural, ethnic and linguistic groups, including your own, to Canada
- Understanding how culture, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, language, national origin, race, ethnicity and religion affect personal identity and influence lives and opportunities
- Recognizing that privilege, prejudice and oppression are widespread and damaging
- Promoting and demonstrating fairness, social justice, human rights, equity and respect for all
Samantha has empathy for others, particularly for anyone who seems to have been treated unfairly. Recently, she has learned about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and she has approached the principal to see how their school can get involved.
Sam knows that not everyone thinks like she does – she’s read hurtful posts online and has witnessed bullying. Although there are many Indigenous families living near the school, there has been very little interaction among community members. Sam has already built some bridges – since she was very young, she has invited friends home who have come from backgrounds different from hers and, in turn, their families have treated her as if she was one of their own. She has attended Powwows with her friends and has started learning the Mi’gmaq language. Sam believes that it’s through personal relationships like these that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action can be achieved.
