ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we explore the role of oral history for social and eco-justice-oriented education in terms of fostering inclusive pedagogical approaches that support a new paradigm for enacting the Ontario history/social studies curriculum. We include our approach to oral history in order to promote an actualization of healthy relationships between students and the natural world. We draw upon an Indigenous teaching of core principles that connect learners to social and eco-justice through what we term the “12-R’s.” The 12-R’s involve a deep exploration of language and story to uncover complex processes of reconciliation through relationships, respect, responsibility, reverence, resilience, reciprocity, restoration, resurgence, renewal, regeneration, revitalization, and remembrance. These core principles will help educators integrate oral history across the curriculum in positive ways.
