Category Archives: Archive

Module 1 – The Global and the Local in Indigenous Knowledge

1. My first resource link is simply a link to a poster; however, I feel that the poster is so important as an educator attempting to integrate First Nations learning concepts into my own teaching, and in respecting the fact that all people and cultures learn in different ways. This link is for the First Peoples Principles of Learning poster. I have one in my classroom that my students and I refer to often.

http://www.fnesc.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PUB-LFP-POSTER-Principles-of-Learning-First-Peoples-poster-11×17.pdf

2. My second link is to the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) website. FNESC is a provincial-level committee that works to improve the quality of education and success for all First Nations learners in British Columbia. The FNESC website offers links to programs, a wide range of resources, post secondary education links (news, resources, and programs), and current as well as archived news articles related to First Nations education.

http://www.fnesc.ca/

3. My third link is to a collaborative and multi-group curriculum development project based on the traditions of the Witsuwit’en people of Northwestern British Columbia. This series of twenty-two short videos (the twenty-third video is a thank you to contributors and runs like the final “credits” portion of a movie) offer audiences the opportunity to view images from the 1920’s combined with recent images and interviews of the Witsuwit’en people, showing how traditions have been preserved and carried on today. This link appealed to me because of the readings in weeks one and two of ETEC 521 which discussed media representation of First Nations people and the preservation of traditions and culture.

http://lsc.sd54.bc.ca/index.php/video-files

4. My fourth link is to an article titled ” Children as citizens of First Nations: Linking Indigenous health to early childhood development” by Margo Greenwood (Paediatr Child Health. 2005 Nov; 10(9): 553-555). This article looks at early childhood programs for First Nations children, and the connection between health and well-being and preservation of culture and traditions. Greenwood discusses the diminished level of health for First Nations people across Canada and questions the values and ideologies imparted on First Nations youth through our typical early childhood development programs. Greenwood examines the fact that programs are generally based on a “school readiness goal” that is often not connected to the values and beliefs of Indigenous people. I found this article very interesting in terms of the links between educating First Nations children in culture, language and traditions, and the potential impacts on their overall health and well-being in the future.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2722642/

5. My fifth link is to a National Post article “Native education problems won’t be fixed through more funding, study says” (Clarke, K., August 2014). I have included this article not because I find it a valuable resource necessarily, but because I believe it calls to question how dominant society and media view “success” in terms of First Nations learners. The article cites a study done by the Fraser Institute and refers to the author of the report, Ravina Baines, as saying that “Closer ties to a provincial system or replication of the provincial structure could improve graduation rates on reserves.” Because of the readings for the first three weeks of this course, I question the article’s foundations, and I question the implication that the “problems” with First Nations education on reserves are basically that the education given is not one created by the dominant society. Is it fair to judge how “successful” a system is based only on the values and beliefs of the dominant culture? I feel the article paints a negative picture of schools on reservations and I suppose I question the approach that is taken in the article. I feel that this article could lead to valuable discussions about what “success” truly means and what it means that an institute study and media are promoting the view that reserve schools could potentially fix their “problems” by aligning themselves more closely to dominant societal educational values and beliefs. It feels like colonialism in a less overt form to me.

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/native-education-problems-wont-be-fixed-with-more-funding-study-says

5 Links to Articles – Exploring Indigeneity the Arts and Technology

https://cjee.lakeheadu.ca/article/view/871/533

This article explores art education and place-based education as a means of developing ecological literacy. It explores the integration of the real-world, community-centred learning of place-based education with art. It provides information about a model art and environmental educators to create experiences for students regarding self and community.

http://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/media-issues/diversity-media/aboriginal-people/aboriginal-expression-arts-media

This article explores aboriginal expression in the arts and media. It explores tv, film, theater, radio and music networks and the internet. It explores opposing viewpoints including the erosional of cultural foundations  and the empowerment in reappropriating various forms of artistic representation.

http://muskratmagazine.com/pass-the-feather-to-me-aboriginal-arts-collective/

This is the website of Muskrat magazine and the article “Pass the faether to Me” Aboriginal Arts Collective” promotes a classroom art exchange program between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth, teachers and artists. It promotes using visual culture to transcend logistic and financial barriers and is attempting to create co-operative and respectful interrelations for future generations. MUSKRAT is an on-line Indigenous arts, culture magazine that exhibits original works and critical commentary. It’s mandate is to use media arts, the Internet, and wireless technology to investigate and disseminate traditional knowledges in ways that inspire their reclamation.

http://www.cjc-online.ca/index.php/journal/article/view/1769/1889

This article from the Canadian Journal of Communication Explores the idea of  “Travelling Through Layers” and how  Inuit artists are beginning to appropriate new technologies. It discusses how the Inuit are mapping traditional concepts, values, and metaphors to make sense of contemporary realities and technologies.

http://www.native-art-in-canada.com/woodlandsschool.html

This article discusses the Woodlands School of Art and the impact Norval Morrisseau had on the changing the conversation in the universe about what it means to be native. Norval’s belief that the process of learning is essential to culture and so is the process of teaching culture was expressed through art. It discusses Ojibwa Culture and Art and how art can be used to bridge gaps within and between cultures.

 

Learning Resources For Teaching First Nations Art

We are currently participating in a school-wide inquiry at my school to increase First Nations cultural awareness through First Nations art, music and performing arts.  I am providing you with some website links that have helped us along the enriching process.

 

First People’s Art For Learningscreen-shot-2016-09-17-at-9-56-55-pm

The following website was a group project created in ETEC 511.  Our goal was to create a cross curricular resource for teachers that linked Canadian First Nations art and artefacts to the curriculum via a visual literacy framework.  Our goal is to continuously add to this resource, with the intention to add oral stories and personal accounts from elders.  Please share, make comments or ask questions about this resource.

 

 

Authentic Indigenousscreen-shot-2016-09-25-at-11-38-26-am

This website was created by the Aboriginal Tourism BC (AtBC) foundation who have established the Authentic Indigenous Arts Resurgence Campaign (The “ARC”).

Its initiative is: “aimed at promoting and supporting authentic Indigenous artworks in the retail and wholesale marketplace.”

Its goal is: to “undertake various activities designed to protect Indigenous control over Indigenous artwork and to ensure that its sale benefits Indigenous artists and communities economically.”

This website provides a comprehensive list of First Nations Artists in Canada where they are listed by first name in alphabetical order.  Each artist has their own page where viewers can read a short bio, view examples of their work, and search any links that may take them to projects or personal websites.  It also posts events, campaigns, and articles, and members can connect with each other through the blog, and social media.

 

CCCA Canadian Art Databasescreen-shot-2016-09-25-at-11-40-27-am

This informational website provides a database of Canadian artists, including First Nations, located across Canada.  Anyone can search for artists by name, location, subject/category, and advanced search options which include curriculum.  It is a place where Artists have the showcase their work, mention projects they are working on, and list events that are happening across Canada to promote their Art.

 

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centrescreen-shot-2016-09-25-at-12-36-17-pm

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre was founded to showcase the art, history and culture of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh (people of the Squamish villages) and the L̓il̓wat7úl (the people of the land) nations.  Visitors on the website can learn about the Nations’ past and present history, shop online for authentic artisan merchandise, as well as book tours.  During the visits, visitors are taken through a guided tour of the centre, and they also have the opportunity to sign up for interactive workshops which could involve an interpretive forest walk, holistic tour and indigenous tea ceremony, or participation in various indigenous crafting workshops.

 

Aboriginal Tourism BCscreen-shot-2016-09-25-at-12-56-20-pm

The page dedicated to Arts and Culture, on the Aboriginal Tourism BC website, takes the visitor on an exploration of the many art galleries, studios, museums, cultural sites and cultural centres that are located throughout BC.  Visitors to the website are also able to book special visits and tours.

5 interesting links on Indigenous Knowledge

I hope you find some of these links helpful and interesting.

This article which includes a video is about a school run by the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, a First Nations non-profit organization. The vision is to help indigenous students succeed while keeping their identities and sets of values. Students come from different reserves and they are set up in boarding homes. Each student is assigned a “prime worker”. As students cannot get education in their reserves, they leave their families to attend this school. The goal is to help them gain the skills and confidence to find employment on reserves and take pride of being part of the indigenous culture.

The information on this webpage is put together by the chiefs of Ontario.

“The Chiefs of Ontario is an advocacy forum and secretariat for collective decision-making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First Nations communities located in Ontario.”

The page gives a basic perspective of the indigenous peoples of Ontario’s views of their land, their rights and their culture.

This website is a multimedia teacher education program by launched by UNESCO and is a resourceful site where you can find explanations on indigenous approach to learning and a comparison with learning in western cultures.

Video called: Knowledge as a Key Site for Decolonization. In this video, Dr. Marie Battiste talks about the critique of the institutions that have created assimilation and forced integration; the fact that the western educational system has been forced on Indigenous peoples has eroded their knowledge system. She talks about the attempt to restore and regenerate the Indigenous knowledges to be able to pass them on to the next generations.

This document is prepared by Dr. Marie Battiste for the National Working Group on Education and the Minister of Indian Affairs. It does a comparative analysis of Eurocentric theory of knowledge and the Indigenous approach to learning. Its goal is to make policy-makers understand Indigenous knowledge and it makes recommendations on how to improve educational outcomes.

My Research Findings – 1

What is the purpose of aboriginal education and technology? As all of us are researching and find documentation to support any ideas or theories that we are bringing forward, it is quite difficult filtering based on our needs due to the broad nature of our topic.

 

The following link is in UBC library about Bretts’ dissertation regarding his recommendations of Cowichan education. Cowichan tribes has over 4,800 registered members as is one of the largest sing First Nation Band in British Columbia. From Bretts statistics, 16,000 young people drop out of highschool yearly in B.C. He is using a lot of various resources and statistics to help gain some understanding of what the need is for education among the Cowichan people in School District 79. I found it very interesting as it brings some recommendations for education and possible use of technology.

http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/docview/304669575?accountid=14656

1. Betts DP. Continuing education in the cowichan valley. [Order No. MQ49161]. Royal Roads University (Canada); 2000.

This article online discusses some of the problems that Natives face living on the reservation. The article discusses Mike McKenzie and essentially colonialism. Statistics are provided to supplement some of the major issues around reservations. It touches a little around the educational aspects and the presented (or rejected) solutions to bringing education in reservations. I’m sure many British Columbia teachers and educators could agree with some of the financial issues surrounding educational funding. It may not be a direct impact to technology or the influence technology has upon First nations, but it would bring a necessity to having a new form of cheaper education that could prove successful with limited resources.

http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/why-fixing-first-nations-education-remains-so-far-out-of-reach/

This article may have been found by my previous classmates, but I find it relevant to module 1. This article discusses in direct relation to media, aboriginals, and the possible impact it has.

https://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/canada/missing-where-are-first-nations-national-media

I like this very simple article because it is showing some other places and positive effects that educational technology is bringing among Indigeous people.

http://fortsevern.firstnation.ca/node/144

I really enjoyed this last page, as it brings forward a lot of module 1 readings. Either supporting or denying some of the ideas brought out from our week 1 and 2 readings.

http://apr.thompsonbooks.com/vols/APR_Vol_6Ch8.pdf

 

I hope these help people!

 

5 Helpful links-Indigenous Ways of Knowing

I hope you find some of these links useful as you take your journey.

Cyber-Traveler’s Reflections (Module 1)

http://www.native-art-in-canada.com/woodland-art-symbolism.html

The Meaning of the Woodland Art Symbolism. When Norval Morrisseau first began painting, his intention was to re-introduce the Anishnaabe world view into the contemporary consciousness. The Ojibwa culture had been all but obliterated by the imposition of external governance and the influence of Christian churches. Morrisseau painted the spiritual reality that had been the foundation of Ojibwa life for thousands of years. Raised by his shaman grandfather, Norval was familiar with the symbols used on the midewiwin birchbark scrolls.

http://archive.millelacsband.com/Page_culture.aspx?id=125

An elder of the Mille Lac Band of Ojibwe Reservation writes about the culture and traditions surrounding death and funerals.  He writes from his own experiences.

http://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/alanis-obomsawin-tells-the-legend-of-nanabozho

A radio story found in CBC digital archives.  “The Legend of Nanabohzo”  is the story of Nokomis, her daughter Winona, and Winona’s son Nanabozho. It’s one of thousands of legends Canada’s aboriginals have passed down the generations to tell stories about tribal ancestors and to teach children how to behave. Storyteller Alanis Obamsawin relates the Ojibwa legend for CBC Radio.

http://www.nosm.ca/communities/aboriginal_affairs/general.aspx?id=4102

On this website The Northern Ontario School of Medicine explains how the medical school engages and works with Indigenous Elders.  For NOSM Indigenous students, the presence and work of Elders can be a key factor which contributes to student success.

http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/plants-native-uses/

This article outlines the many uses of plants to the Indigenous Peoples. These include food, medicine, utility and spiritual.

Indigenous political and United Nations links

Political and United Nations and Government views
Aboriginal Multi-Media Society: http://www.ammsa.com/content/home
Association of Canadian Archivists (2007). Aboriginal Archives Guide: http://archivists.ca/sites/default/files/Attachments/Outreach_attachments/Aboriginal_Archives_English_WEB.pdf
“CASTS (Canadian Aboriginal Science & Technology Society) (conference summer 2003)
Dakar Framework for Action Education for All: Meeting our Collective Commitments cited in UNESCO 2007
Ewen, A. (1994). Voice of Indigenous peoples: Native people address the United Nations. San Te Fe, New Mexico: Clear Light Publishers. http://www.scottlondon.com/reviews/ewen.html
US Department of Education (HO29K70133) and Washington state University: Diverse Voices: Native Perspectives in Human Service Delivery”

Technology working for Indigenous Peoples

These came up during my researching and give insight into the ‘philosophy’ of traditional Indigenous teachings.
Coyote Goes Virtual – Jennifer Morrison (2003): PEM (predictive ecosystem modeling) and GIS (geographic information system)

The Draw-Talk-Write (DTW) process by Gluck and Fulcher University of Wollongong, Australia
2004

Fixico, D. (2003). The American Indian Mind in a Linear Word
The Indigenous Participation in Information Technology (IPIT) Project University of Technology, (UTS) Sydney Australia 2005.

Internet based Native American Astronomy course: Nancy Maryboy (Navaho) Northern Arizona University
World Indigenous Nations University (WINU) / World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium