Jo Chrona
Jo Chrona is an educator, traveller, philosopher, spouse, and Two-Spirited woman. She is of Ts’msyen (member of Kitsumkalum First Nation) and European heritage, and seeks to continually challenge herself. She is learning how to live fully in life, and forever struggling to live it on her own terms. As a creative, she paints for fun, bakes for others, and writes to breathe.
Jo is passionate about creating systemic change to build a truly inclusive, strength-based education experience for all learners. With over 20 years’ experience teaching in both K–12 and post-secondary systems, Jo also holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology. She has been involved in curriculum development and resource writing, professional learning through inquiry networks, and Indigenous education. She has helped transform British Columbia’s K–12 system in a variety of roles, including working with a First Nations-led education advocacy organization, and as an advisor to the BC Ministry of Education.
Jo continues to provide professional learning workshops on Indigenous education and anti-racism. She is currently located in the traditional territories of the lək̓wəŋən peoples, in the area also now known as Victoria, BC.
Books (1)
Synopsis:
Extend your learning to explore how racism and bias are embedded in education systems, as well as our own perspectives—and how to create equitable education for all learners.
How can Indigenous knowledge systems inform our teaching practices and enhance education? How do we create an education system that embodies an anti-racist approach and equity for all learners?
This powerful and engaging resource is for non-Indigenous educators who want to learn more, are new to these conversations, or want to deepen their learning.
Some educators may come to this work with some trepidation. You may feel that you are not equipped to engage in Indigenous education, reconciliation, or anti-racism work. You may be anxious about perpetuating misconceptions or stereotypes, making mistakes, or giving offence. In these chapters, I invite you to take a walk and have a conversation with a good mind and a good heart.
With over two decades in Indigenous education, author Jo Chrona encourages readers to acknowledge and challenge assumptions, reflect on their own experiences, and envision a more equitable education system for all. Each chapter includes:
- reflection questions to help process the ideas in each chapter
suggestions for taking action in both personal and professional spheres of influence - recommended resources to read, watch, or listen to for further learning
- personal reflections and anecdotes from the author on her own learning journey
- voices of non-Indigenous educators who share their learning and model how to move into, and sit, in places of unknowing and discomfort, so we can examine our own biases and engage in this work in a good way
Grounded in the First Peoples Principles of Learning, this comprehensive guide builds on Chrona’s own experiences in British Columbia’s education system to explore how to shape anti-racist and equitable education systems for all.
Perfect for reading on your own or with your professional learning community!
Educator Information
Table of Contents
1 Where Do We Begin? Setting Up Our Space in A Good Way
- Situating Ourselves
- An Invitation
- Some Structural Guidance as You Read
- Discomfort: Moving Through the Fear of Making Mistakes
- Taking Responsibility
2 Indigenous Education Is Not Multicultural Education
- Defining Indigenous Education
- Culturally Responsive Education and Beyond
3 Yes, You Have a Role: Reconciliation Through Education
- Our Collective Responsibility
- This Is Not “Just History”; This Is Now
- Colonization Past and Present
- Reconciliation Through Education
- A Vision of a System
4 So, Let’s Talk About the R Word
- Begin With Honesty
- Becoming Anti-Racist in Canada
- Investigating Our Own Biases and Assumptions
- How We Define Racism Matters
- Relational Racism
- Systemic Racism
- Learning and Growing
5 An Indigenous-Informed Pedagogy: The First Peoples Principles of Learning
- Moving From “Learning About” to “Learning From”
- How Were the FPPL Identified?
- What Is Important to Know About the FPPL?
- A Closer Look at Each Principle
- Current Contexts
6 Authentic Indigenous Resources
- Voice and Representation
- Authentic Resource Evaluation Criteria
- Collaborative Development of Local First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Resources
7 A Story of One System: Indigenous Education in British Columbia
- On a Learning Journey
- The Power of Indigenous Advocacy and United Voice
- Government Commitments and Obligations
- Bumpy Paths
8 Now What?
- Next Steps
- Final Thoughts: Working in Relation
References
Additional Information
232 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
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