Last night, I watched the second episode of CBC’s new miniseries 8th Fire. If you’re not already watching, I highly recommend you check it out — past episodes can be found online here.

8th Fire is an edgy, provocative look at Aboriginal/non-Aboriginal relations in Canada. Its subtitle: “Aboriginal Peoples, Canada & the Way Forward” establishes the show’s purpose — to better understand each other and work together to improve relations in the future.

What sets 8th Fire apart is the positive and proactive approach it takes to addressing the issues. Host Wab Kinew was up front with the audience from the start. He said it’s not about making non-Aboriginal people feel guilty; it’s about both sides learning about each other and taking ownership of the future together.

What I like about 8th Fire is that it does a great job of weaving history and present time together. Too often, Aboriginal history is contained to the pre-Confederation era, with little consideration of what happened after, or how history influences the present. 8th Fire portrays Aboriginal/non-Aboriginal relations as a continuous path, which is informed by the past, but whose course can easily be changed by working together in the present.

Overall, 8th Fire suggests that relations are improving and that there is great hope for future generations. Our students are receiving better education about Aboriginal history and the tools they need to be better citizens to each other. Project of Heart, which was created by award-winning teacher Sylvia Smith and featured on last night’s episode, is a great example of this.

However, I don’t think it’s enough to educate only our children. Adults, many of whom have had little exposure to Aboriginal history, also need to be educated. Our parents, employers, and leaders also need to become better informed and understanding of Aboriginal issues, so they can set good examples for our children and break the cycle we’ve formed.

8th Fire featured a few programs aimed at doing just this. Last night, we followed John Lagimodiere, owner of ACS Aboriginal Consulting Services. He was delivering a program to a mix of non-Aboriginal participants, to educate them on Aboriginal history and issues. We watched as he dealt with stereotypes and misconceptions (“I do pay taxes,” Wab Kinew assured us) and started to change the attitudes of even the gruffest and most reluctant of the participants.

There are still a lot of problems we need to fix, but I think community and educational programs like John Lagimodiere’s will be crucial to rebuilding relationships with Aboriginal people.

The four-part 8th Fire airs on CBC on Thursdays at 9pm. You can also go online to find more stories, videos, interactive features and lots of conversation (teachers: there is a lot of great material for the classroom)!