During class on September 28th, we watched a TED Talk by Kevin Lamoureux about Truth and Reconciliation. In this TED Talk, Kevin discussed how reconciliation can be understood as a gift from Indigenous peoples to Canada. He explained how Indigenous children experienced some of the absolute worst treatment from Canada, yet Indigenous peoples have continued to offer a hand of friendship in return. This idea of extending friendship and creating opportunities for connection was demonstrated in our classroom through the work of Noelle Pepin, the creator of Beaded Tweets.

In our classroom, we discussed how Noelle Pepin developed Beaded Tweets as an opportunity to teach children coding while also encouraging them to bring intention into the work they do as individuals. Through participating in Beaded Tweets, we were taught to slow down and consider the feelings, thoughts, and intentions we bring to the process. We learned that what we put into our work is reflected in what the person receiving the finished product experiences. The first Beaded Tweet we create is meant to be given away as a gift. When I reflect on what Kevin Lamoureux discussed about reconciliation being a gift and an offering of friendship, I can see a connection between this activity and the idea of building relationships through generosity and care.

When we put intention into the work we do, that work becomes more purposeful. Beaded Tweets showed us that learning does not always have to be about completing a task or producing an outcome. It can also be about the process, the relationships we build, and the meaning we create through our actions. The act of giving away our first beadwork encourages us to think beyond ourselves and consider the person who will receive what we have created.

This experience also connects to Standard 9, which asks educators to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into teaching and learning. Rather than simply learning about Indigenous peoples, activities such as Beaded Tweets provide an opportunity to engage with Indigenous ways of knowing through relationship, intention, reciprocity, and giving. It reminds us that Indigenous knowledge can be integrated across different areas of learning, including technology and coding, while still maintaining its cultural meaning and purpose.

As a future educator, this experience made me think about how I can create learning opportunities that encourage students to slow down, be intentional, build relationships, and think about how their actions affect others. When we participate in activities such as Beaded Tweets and bring intention to the process, we are not only learning a skill; we are also learning about the importance of connection, reciprocity, and giving. These are ideas that can help create a classroom environment where students learn to understand themselves, others, and their responsibilities within a community.

My Beaded Tweet spells out the word “PEACE.” I think this word connects strongly to the ideas we discussed around Truth and Reconciliation. Creating something that represents peace made me think about what it means to build relationships and move forward together.