Summary of Comments from COU Workshops by Police Cadets

In what ways, if any, do you think this workshop has influenced or changed your perspective about the legacy of Canadian Indian Residential Schools? 

I am much more understanding of the difficulties associated with Residential Schools

Hearing directly from those affected.

I though they (R S) were all close long before.

Assisted with better understanding of the effects of the Residential Schools on Aboriginals, not only those that went to the schools, but also the effects it had on their family.

Workshop was very informative. I like the physical exercises.

As a parent of 2 children I cannot imagine having them taken from me.

It provided me with more information that I didn’t know.

It has made me more aware.  Before I knew nothing.

Made me become more aware.

Acts as a good reminder of some of the struggles of our friends.

It helped me understand how the effects of the residential school made the Aboriginal people feel when it happened.

What do you think will you remember most about this workshop ... and why?                                                              

Sitting in circle and communicating. The shared experience with classmates who had never experienced it.

The speaker because she was so confident. The healing circle experience.

The first-hand opportunity to meet a former residential school student.

Smudge ceremony. The way it made me feel.

The ceremony, sitting in circle, calming way the speakers talked.

Change of pace to what our regular day looks like. Unique experience. It was really great!

A sense of Aboriginal culture. The capacity of Aboriginal people to heal + overcome obstacles. How working together can help everyone.

Will this training assist you as a Police Officer in future interactions with Aboriginal people?   If so, how?

Yes, I now have a better understanding. Yes.

Better understanding of culture and past problems.

It will. Being Aboriginal it helped me experience it.

Yes, understand why some Aboriginals may act that way they do, Won’t be too quick to judge.

Yes, gives more awareness to the underlying issues

Yes, understanding different cultures.

Perhaps it will help me relate and engage in conversation.

Yes, it will make me more understanding.

Yes, to be more understanding. Have more patience.

Yes, gave me a better understating of where they might come from.

Yes, greater awareness of peoples sensitivities, no matter from what religion/ ethnicities etc.

Yes, offers good facts + it was presented in an interesting way.

Yes, it has given me a better understanding of why aboriginal people may still be suffering + so I need to listen to them+ show empathy

The Circles of Understanding Workshop is an experiential workshop. How does this approach compare with on-line learning?  Which do you prefer?  Please explain?

Experiential is 100% better. Personal and interactive. Creates an experience not just a lecture or sermon.

It does not compare – online learning makes you feel disconnected from the subject.

In person you learn more and it sticks with you.

Hands-on because it brings you into the situation. Prefer in-person.

Both have advantages. This gives a good feel for the emotions. On-line learning is very fact-based.

I like this experience better. Way better.

I like hands-on learning – this way it was almost a team-building exercise.

On-line learning is boring – I don’t enjoy it.