Author Archives: robert clifton

POST #5 – CTF Survey on Teachers’ Perspectives on Aboriginal Education in Public Schools in Canada

In 2015, the Canadian Teacher’s Federation published a 35 page report on the survey results of the status of Aboriginal Education in Canada.

Some of the questions that were asked were:

  • Are you aware of any issues, content or perspectives being taught at your school that are related to Aboriginal
    people?
  • In your current teaching practice, do you incorporate any issues, content or perspectives that are related to Aboriginal people?
  • Indicate the extent to which you feel Aboriginal culture is represented in your school curriculum.
  • To what extent do you feel confident that you would have the knowledge base to implement curriculum expectations regarding Aboriginal content if you were required to do so?
  • Have you participated in any professional development activities to develop/enhance your knowledge and/or
    skills pertaining to First Nation, Métis, or Inuit history, cultural perspectives or contemporary issues?
  • Over the last 5 years, have you ever witnessed what you consider to be an example of racism against an
    Aboriginal person in your class or school?

You can download a PDF copy of the survey to dive into more detail below:

https://www.ctf-fce.ca/Research-Library/CTF-Survey-Teachers-Perspectives-on-Aboriginal-Education-Summary-Report-web.pdf

POST #4 – 10 Ways To Be An Ally To Indigenous People

This article is from a local magazine and it focuses on ten ways settlers can be better allies for Indigenous people.  The first five recommendations include:

  • IDENTIFY THE TERRITORY YOU’RE IN & LEARN A GREETING IN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE
  • LISTEN TO INDIGENOUS VOICES
  • SELF IDENTIFY
  • DON’T SUPPORT THE ERASURE OF HISTORY OR PROBLEMATIC REPRESENTATIONS OF THE PAST
  • REASSESS YOUR ENTITLEMENT TO THE LAND YOU LIVE ON – WITHOUT GETTING DEFENSIVE

Please read the article to find out last five suggestions.

http://looselipsmag.com/features/10-ways-to-be-an-ally-to-indigenous-people/

POST #3 – This Is Why Most Teachers Need Indigenous Coaches

A great article that focuses on the movement in which education is the key element in the call to action to support reconciliation.  By incorporating Indigenous content and perspectives into classroom learning there is an expectation for investment in renewed relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators.

The article discusses how non-Indigenous teachers can move forward and go about this work in the best way.

https://theconversation.com/this-is-why-most-teachers-need-indigenous-coaches-82875

POST #2 – Stories From Here

This blog features the experience of several schools in SD #8 Kootenay Lake.  The team is comprised of  teachers, administration, a speech and language pathologist, and an Indigenization Coordinator. Here you see their reflections and experiences while working on the Digital Storytelling Project, and what their journey included to bring this project into the classroom.  The project focused on the following components:

  • Local focus: We will learn stories from a local Aboriginal Storyteller about the land in which our school district resides (Kootenay Lake).  We will also use technology to connect with storytellers who are not able to come to our school (Skype, Google Talk, etc).
  •  Traditional Teachings/Engagement of Land: Our students will learn the elements of traditional storytelling, learn about the traditional uses of the area and resources, and then create their own stories about the land, with the support of a local writer and Elders.
  • Power of Story/Language and Culture: Finally, the youth will tell their stories, in conjunction with our Aboriginal storyteller, to other students in our school and district (perhaps at the annual Aboriginal Youth Leadership Conference). Students will use technology to record and present their stories.

https://sd8learns.sd8.bc.ca/storiesfromhere/

POST #1 – Storytelling Resource Guide

This resource guide is from SD #8 Kootenay Lake and was written as part of a grant from SET-BC.  The purpose was for students to learn more about traditional Aboriginal storytelling teachings, to use technology as
tools to use their voices and share their own stories, and to build important language skills.  Included is a
description of the the project including who can be involved, explores Aboriginal storytelling and outlines evaluation processes.

http://setbc.org/Download/Public/First_Peoples_Principles_of_Learning/SD8_SETBC_Storytelling_Resource_Guide_May2018.pdf

POST #5 – Elder Protocol Handbook – SD #8 Kootenay Lake

‘The purpose of this handbook is to help teaching staff increase their awareness and
understanding of cultural protocols when it comes to inviting and including Elders in their work.
With the new curriculum, the implementation of the recommendations and Calls to Action
from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and an increased understanding of
the importance of Traditional Knowledge, it is essential that we include Elders on this journey.
With good intentions and respectful practice, this work will take us far. The protocols outlined
in this handbook are to be observed as best practices for including Elders.
Although this guide was primarily developed with Elders in mind, many of these practices can
be considered with inviting other community members and guests, Traditional Knowledge
Keepers, to your school.’

https://cpb-ca-c1.wpmucdn.com/sd8learns.sd8.bc.ca/dist/0/659/files/2016/09/SD8-Elder-Protocol-Handbook-Updated-Oct-23-2017-2cg4fa2.pdf

POST #4 – Beyond Words: Creating Racism-Free Schools for Aboriginal Learners

This is another wonderful resource published in 2002 by the BCTF.  Particularly useful are the case-studies that can be used to facilitate deep discussions around racism.  It also describes how classrooms and schools can ensure they are inclusive of all students by exploring such topics as: how to identify bias and stereotypes in learning resources, how to teach controversial issues, resources for school improvement, etc.

https://bctf.ca/uploadedFiles/Public/AboriginalEducation/BeyondWords(1).pdf

POST#1 Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives In The Classroom

This document is written by the Ministry Of Education – Aboriginal Education department with the intent to move forward to deconstruct and decolonize education in BC.  Themes that are covered include:

Characteristics of Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives
Connectedness and Relationship
Awareness of History
Local Focus
Engagement with the Land, Nature, the Outdoors
Emphasis on Identity
Community Involvement: Process and Protocols
The Power of Story
Traditional Teaching
Language and Culture
Experiential Learning
Attributes of Responsive Schooling
The Role of the Teacher

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/aboriginal-education/awp_moving_forward.pdf