Tag Archives: Indigenize Curriculum Design

Indigenizing curriculum is a verb, not a noun. M3P4

As a non-Indigenous teacher, this was a great interview to watch, to hear her speak about what indigenizing curriculum should mean, how it’s a verb, not a noun.  How it’s a way to BE learning, as opposed to a specific thing to learn. I think this is a great, but challenging thing to hear for teachers who aren’t necessarily comfortable using Indigenous ways or content in their classes.  Being told that there isn’t just a list to go through, but a way of thinking and approaching things can be scary, but it is also freeing, the idea that you can start anywhere and that you don’t have to be “right” or “correct” about everything.  After all, how could I, as a non-Indigenous person, be an expert on a different culture without years of immersing myself into that culture.  But Dr. Archibald calls us to take small steps to learn along side the kids, and show them that it’s ok to ask questions and not have the answers right away.

 

M1. P3.

The First Peoples Principles of Learning are deeply engrained in the curriculum for me. This particular site is a blog created by Jo Chrona di waayu. Kitsumkalum di wil’waatgu. Ganhada di pdeegu. She has over 20 years of experience in K-12 and post-secondary systems in BC and among many other degrees, she holds a Masters of Education Technology too. Her blog has invaluable knowledge of the FPPL, authentic resources, professional development, and experiences. Of note, which is a crucial part of our discussions lately, is the last paragraph on her Home page:

A final note – while the words are mine (except for the Principles themselves, and where referenced otherwise) the ideas shared on this site are built upon the knowledge gained from a vast number of Indigenous peoples including Elders, knowledge-keepers, formal and informal teachers, scholars, and story-tellers (oral and written) from whom I have learned during the journey of my life. This work is for them and for the learners yet to come.

You can visit and explore the blog HERE

– Sasha Passaglia