VALUING THE ABORIGINAL LEARNER

The most important aspect to teaching First Nations students and Aboriginal culture is:

To appreciate and value their heritage, their

culture and the history of all Aboriginal people.

The Seven GrandfathersThese are cross-cultural traditional teachings that are paramount in Native North American Indigenous societies. By incorporating these teachings in your lesson plans, you will go a long way in reaching Aboriginal students and creating awareness in Non-Aboriginal students.

Respect It is crucial that

Aboriginal students feel they have a place in our schools and that teachers have high expectations of their potential.

Their culture is respected

Assignment: Video or photo news

story on Akwesasne- history, politics, events

Love Commit to all learning

styles Group and pair work Assignments that display

Aboriginal culture Assignment- Pick an issue facing First

Nations (education, environment, residential schools) and create a powerpoint or photostory on it.

Or create a poster highlighting Aboriginal culture

Bravery This principle is very important

to First Nations culture. Highlight important figures in

Aboriginal history and the contributions they’ve made; for example, Frances Pegamagabow, Tecumseh and George Clutesi.

Assignment: Research and create a short

biography of a First Nations person who displayed courage and perserverance. Use Premier Pro or Photostory (or Power Point).

WisdomThe principle of making the right choices or decisions at the right time. Learn as much as you can about Aboriginal society- establish good a good relationship with the students and their parents. Look for opportunities to involve your class into First Nations society or issues.

Assignment:Audio/video interview of someone who lives in a First Nations community (Like Akwesasne)

Humility Seek assistance from Aboriginal

sources- Freedom school, Akwesasne Board of Education, Mohawk Council

Seek First Nations approval of curriculum resources

Invite Aboriginal Guest speakers to teach students about culture or issues

Remember you can always learn from someone else.

Assignment:Research guest speaker (Grand

Chief Mike Mitchell for example) and prepare interview questions

HonestyFIRST NATIONS EDUCATION

ASSIGNMENT: CREATE A VIDEO ON STAYING IN SCHOOL

92% of elementary and 96% of secondary schools have Aboriginal students.

Approximately 78,000 Aboriginal students in Ontario

Only 20% of secondary offer more than two aboriginal programs

82% of Aboriginal students attend publically funded schools

There is a 28-year educational gap between Aboriginal students and Canadian students

38% of the Aboriginal population has not completed secondary school

Truth Building self-esteem in

the Aboriginal learner must incorporate the:

Physical, Spiritual, Intellectual and Emotional well-being of

the child.

Educators need to develop measurable outcomes that lead to success.

Assignment: In groups research

Aboriginal-based issues and build a multimedia campaign highlighting the issue.

ANY QUESTIONS?Really, any?