THE IMPORTANCE OF INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES IN THE CLASSROOM, AND IN  THE COMMUNITY

 

 

An educational environment or community program that includes Indigenous Ways of Knowing serves to help both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children, educators and the community about the rich and diverse cultures across this country.  As well as, offering many strong benefits of knowledge, perspectives, teachings, and a  way of life that can benefit all. 

 

The inclusion of Indigenous perspectives can help with the following: 

 

• Help create a positive self-identity for students who are Indigenous in the classroom*. Dr. Toulouse (2006) explores this topic and states the growing amount of research asserts that self-esteem of Indigenous children are closely tied to their academic success. When children see themselves, such as the physical, emotional/mental, intellectual and spiritual realms (see Medicine Wheel Teachings under Additional resources) in their classroom this can help in contributing to a greater sense of pride, and positively affect their academic studies. Furthermore, it helps Indigenous students come to understand that their culture is just as important and valuable as others, and develops a sense of appreciation (Morcome, 2014). 

  • The following will cite the research Dr. Toulouse (2006) who identifies about the factors that contribute to academic success of our Indigenous students: 

    • Educators who have high expectations and care for Indigenous students. 

    • The classroom environments honours Indigenous students, culture, language and incorporates epistemology and pedagogy

    • Incorporate teaching practices that reflect Indigenous learning styles. 

    • Schools build strong partnerships with the Indigneous community.

• Help non-Indigenous children develop a positive understanding and respect for Indigenous histories, cultures, lifestyles and for the Indigenous children around them. (Kanu, 2011)

• Balance the perspectives taught in the classroom so that both Indigenous and western knowledge systems are acknowledged, and perhaps that Indigenous history and knowledge can be reframed.

 

While some educators find varying numbers of Indigenous students in their classroom, school or program it is still important to learn and teach about Indigenous Ways of Knowing for the reasons outline above.

 

Please note, many Indigenous children do not self identify as being Indigenous for a variety of reasons.

• They do not see themselves in the curriculum and as a result could be an oversight of self identifying to their teacher, students and or school.

• They may lack the self-confidence to self-identity

• They are focusing on fitting in at their school.

• Indigenous students may have previously experienced racism at a prior school so they may choose to keep their Indigenous identity to themselves so they can hope to be treated equally, and  do not experience racism or stereotypes (McGill Journal, 2019).