Indigenous Principles of Learning

 Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors.  Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place).  Learning involves recognizing the consequences of one’s actions. Indigenous Principles of Learning

Learning involves generational roles and responsibilities. Learning recognizes the role of Indigenous knowledge. Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story. Learning involves patience and time. Learning requires exploration of one’s identity. Learning involves recognizing that some knowledge is sacred and only shared with permission and/or in certain situations.

Moral Imperative

Collective Ownership

Aboriginal Larger Community Aboriginal Ownership

Collective Ownership Building Relationships Building Understanding Inquiring

Reflective Practice Aboriginal Worldview Indigenous Pedagogy

Voice Aboriginal World View Indigenous Pedagogy

Aboriginal Worldview Indigenous Pedagogy Jerry Whitehead Aboriginal worldview communicates that values and beliefs are taught within the framework of how we relate to Earth.

Identity Aboriginal students who have the most success in mainstream education are those who are strongest in their Aboriginal identities. Conversely, those students who indicate a discomfort with or lack of rootedness in their Aboriginal identity leave school and struggle academically. Shortcomings and Successes: Understanding and addressing the complex challenge of Aboriginal education Ability to walk in TWO worlds

Relationship

Aboriginal Understandings Learning Progression Moving Toward the WaterBoarding the CanoeRaising your PaddleJourney Toward Deeper Understanding AwarenessDevelopingAcquiringAction/ Advocacy implies a sense of ‘need to know’ implies a willingness to address one’s own understandings and beliefs implies a demonstration of knowledge and respect implies a demonstration of knowledge, respect and a commitment to advocacy Knowledge of Aboriginal Peoples and History on local, regional and national levels Demonstrates awareness of  Local Aboriginal peoples and territories  Aboriginal languages and cultures  Indigenous Knowledge  Canadian history as it pertains to Aboriginal people Beginning to explore the topics of  Local Aboriginal peoples and territories  Aboriginal languages and cultures  Indigenous Knowledge  History and the impact of colonization  The present day impact of the Indian Act  The contributions of Aboriginal people to contemporary society Demonstrates knowledge of  Local Aboriginal peoples and territories  Aboriginal languages and cultures  Indigenous Knowledge  History and the impact of colonization  The present day impact of the Indian Act  The contributions of Aboriginal people to contemporary society  Recognizes the influence of the dominant culture, while striving to foster the Aboriginal Worldview  Demonstrates and practices a knowledge and respect for Indigenous Pedgogy Beliefs and Attitudes towards Aboriginal Peoples  Recognizes that knowledge may need to be enhanced  Aware that issues exist around Aboriginal peoples  Demonstrates a willingness to enhance one’s knowledge and understanding  May bring an informed perspective to current issues  Demonstrates a responsibility to enhance one’s knowledge and understanding  Possesses an intention to bring an informed and critical perspective to current issues and acts upon those intentions  Demonstrates respect for Aboriginal people  Provides leadership to enhance others’ knowledge and understanding  Seeks out opportunities to act on the injustices toward Aboriginal people

Raising your Paddle Acquiring implies a demonstration of knowledge and respect  Demonstrates a responsibility to enhance one’s knowledge and understanding  Possesses an intention to bring an informed and critical perspective to current issues and acts upon those intentions  Demonstrates respect for Aboriginal people Demonstrates knowledge of  Local Aboriginal peoples and territories  Aboriginal languages and cultures  Indigenous Knowledge  History and the impact of colonization  The impact of the Indian Act on present day Aboriginal people  The contributions of Aboriginal people to contemporary society Raising your Paddle

Improving… educational outcomes will require more than anything else patience and the willingness to risk being wrong, learning from failure and trying again; it will require a great deal of observation listening, and critical thought In essence, reforming Aboriginal Education for Aboriginal students requires those in charge of education to become students again themselves. In essence, reforming Aboriginal Education for Aboriginal students requires those in charge of education to become students again themselves.

A Separate Reality Norval Morrisseau,1984