Module 1 Weblog post (Richard Biel)

by Rich Biel

I have been researching how best to support my aboriginal students in my classroom.  Please find the enclosed  list of resources.

Chen, Ai Yen et al. (1999) Cultural Issues in the Design of Technology-Enhanced Learning Systems.  British Journal of Education. Vol 30 No 3 1999 217–230.

Towards Decolonizing the Pan-Canadian Science Framework
Glen S. Aikenhead
College of Education
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X1
Canada

Student Performance Data
and Research Tools to Ensure
Aboriginal Student Success
Heather Morin

Cross cultural science teaching:  Rekindling traditions for aboriginal students. Glen S. Aikenhead in Curriculum as Cultural Practice (2006)

Curriculum as Cultural Practice:  Post Colonial Imaginations.  Edited by Yatta Kanu (2006)

September 19, 2009   2 Comments

Module 2: weblog 5 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Aboriginal Themed Lesson Plans

This resource was created to provide instructional ideas in a ready-to-use lesson format (for Aboriginals) from Kindergarten to Grade 12 Social Studies.

Resources available:

Links to other sites:

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

Example of lesson

Diversity – Grade 11

Topic: Diversity/Human Rights / Social Studies

Knowledge Objectives:

Acculturation – Indigenous Peoples worldwide have had to face the cultural collapse that accompanies the loss of their land, their language, their social and political systems, and their knowledge

Racism – know that racism and prejudice are used to justify inhumane treatment of Indigenous Peoples by an exploitive mainstream society

Human dignity – Indigenous Peoples have never accepted the assault on their lands and culture passively. They have fought back in every area with the weapons available to them.

The central issue confronting Indigenous Peoples is the recognition of the inherent right to self-determination.

Address:

http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/aboriginal_res/

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 2: weblog 4 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Aboriginal Education Curriculum: Saskatchewan

  • Elementary Level / Middle Level / Secondary Level
    • Aboriginal Languages
    • Languages Arts for Aboriginal and Métis students: adapting the elementary curriculum  

Resources available:

Links to other sites:

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

The major goals of this curriculum are:

  • to promote student participation in varied learning situations and activities that will assist them in acquiring listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in an Indian or Michif language;
  • to develop an understanding and an appreciation of Indian and Métis cultures through language;
  • to develop students’ listening skills which will assist them in the learning of an Indian language in various social contexts and situations;
  • to encourage enjoyment of learning to converse and to write in an Indian or Michif language;
  • to cultivate positive personal and social growth through use of an Indian or Michif language.
  • to encourage students to continue to acquire fluency through independent study with Elders and other fluent speakers.

Address: http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/branches/curr/evergreen/indlang.shtml

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 2: weblog 3 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Native Education College

The Native Education College is BC’s largest private Aboriginal College. It NEC provides a culturally appropriate and supportive learning environment for Aboriginal learners.

Resources available:

  • Aboriginal Adult Basic Education (AABE) / BC Adult Graduation Diploma (Grade 12)
    • The program recognizes the unique history and culture of Aboriginal people.  Students focus on achieving their academic and employment goals while learning and sharing their cultural knowledge and skills. Courses are developed and taught from a First Nations’ cultural perspective.
  • Applied Business Technology Program:
    • provides essential computer, communication and business skills in the field of office administration. In addition to classroom knowledge, students gain first-hand experience in office environments, through industry support, work experience, guest speakers and field trips.
  • College Connections Program
    • prepares students who have completed their Grade 12 graduation requirements, or are in the process of completing, to succeed at a college level.  All courses emphasize study skill development and college level academic skills. Students choose College Connections because they want to increase their self-confidence and ensure they have the right academic foundations
  • Aboriginal Basic Early Childhood Education
    • ECE students explore child development, the role of the professional early childhood educator, create early education curricula, practices, and stimulating learning environments for young children.   

Links to other sites:

  • The site offers a variety of “partners” in education: companies and institutions that participate in the programs. For example:
    • Aboriginal Tourism BC
    • ACCESS: Building Futures Today

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

NEC offers a variety of programs and services to Aboriginal learners throughout the province who attend the Longhouse located in the Mount Pleasant area of Vancouver. NEC also works with Aboriginal organizations to deliver programs in other locations throughout British Columbia. NEC focuses on meeting the needs of Aboriginal adult students requiring developmental, vocational, and applied academic programs that provide access to employment or further post-secondary education.

Adress: http://www.necvancouver.org/

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 2: weblog 2 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Canadian Education Association: Aboriginal Peoples

An “Expected Outcome” of the United Nations Literacy Decade (2003-2012) is to increase the literacy levels in communities or groups that are excluded from the mainstream, namely indigenous groups, where literacy is “inextricably linked to cultural survival.”

Resources available:

In Canada, […] the achievement levels and graduation rates for Aboriginal students are significantly lower than those of non-Aboriginal students. The majority of Aboriginal youth do not complete high school; leave the school system without skills for employment; without adequate language and cultural knowledge of their own people; and feel that schooling experiences erode their identity and self-worth.

Links to other sites:

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

In the context of the struggle for cultural survival and self-determination faced by many indigenous groups, raising literacy levels in the dominant language of the larger community can be a tool for indigenous political action.

Address: http://www.cea-ace.ca/foo.cfm?subsection=lit&page=pol&subpage=lan&subsubpage=abo

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 2: weblog 1 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

First Nations Pedagogy

Indigenous communities around the world are creating programs of significant value to cultural preservation and indigenous empowerment.

Resources available:

  • First Nations pedagogy, curriculum, education, and ways of knowing and being
  • Curriculum development, Consultant and Writing services related to First Nations education and knowledge
  • Theory:
    • Related to the unique and sacred tenets of First Nations pedagogy, education and Way of Life
    • Curriculum:
      • Examples, principles and services related to the development of First Nations governed,
      • Developed and implemented curriculum from K-12
      • Post-secondary, and continuing life-long education

Links to other sites:

Many interesting articles:

  1. Indigenous knowledge and pedagogy in First Nations education
    1. Article by Battiste, M. (2002): extensive literature review with recommendations for the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
    2. Long term strategies for institutional change in universities and colleges: Facilitating native people negotiating a middle ground.
      1. Bobiwash, A. R. (1999). Center for World Indigenous Studies

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

This site offers insights about “the ways of knowing, learning, and teaching inherent to the traditional methods of informal and formal aboriginal education.”

Address: http://firstnationspedagogy.com/index.html

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 1: weblog 5 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Center for Indigenous Cultural Survival

Indigenous communities around the world are creating programs of significant value to cultural preservation and indigenous empowerment.

Resources available:

  • Links to projects around the world
    • Examples:
      • Amazon / rainforest conservation
      • USA / support for undergraduate and graduate studies for indigenous people
  • Newsletter

Links to other sites:

  1. Center for World Indigenous Studies
  2. Center for the Study of Women in Society (CSWS
  3. University of Oregon Native American Initiative

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

This site offers an opportunity for indigenous people to participate and strengthen their local communities. It enables the examination and understanding of various strategies and techniques that create a space for the survival of culture and life as understood by global Indigenous communities.

Address: http://cics.uoregon.edu/

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 1: weblog 4 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Assembly of First Nations (Canada)

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. The AFN represents all citizens regardless of age, gender or place of residence.

Resources available:

Links to other sites:

  • The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
  • Three Fires Confederacy Gathering
  • CMHC – First Nations Market Housing Fund
  • Provincial Territorial Organizations

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

This site offers information both in English and French about all first nation people in Canada.

Address: http://www.afn.ca/article.asp?id=3

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 1: weblog #3 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Indigenous node of the World Wide Web Virtual Library

Resources available:

This site is maintained in conjunction with the Australian National University’s Aboriginal Studies WWW Virtual Library, containing links to Australian Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander resources, and the Circumpolar WWW Virtual Library, containing links to Circumpolar Indigenous resources.

Links to other sites

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality

This site offers a wide choice of online libraries as well as many websites for a great number of aboriginal peoples around the world.

The media centre contains books, maps and various media productions about education; conferences; entertainment and current affairs.

Address: http://cwis.org/wwwvl/indig-vl.html

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 1: weblog #2 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Centre for World Indigenous Studies

The Center for World Indigenous Studies (CWIS) is a non-profit research and education organization dedicated to wider understanding and appreciation of the ideas and knowledge of indigenous peoples and the social, economic and political realities of indigenous nations.

Resources available:

  • World Journal
  • International Indigenous Peoples: Includes book reviews
  • Online blog: a daily journal published by the Center for World Indigenous Studies (CWIS) since June 1999
  • A Forum for Global Exchange reports news as well as facilitates active participation by Indigenous people, resolution of violent conflicts, development of international law, and exchange of knowledge and information.
  • The FGE News Page also hosts a large collection of Indigenous related web links.
  • Media Center
    • Indigenous video & audio media
    • Selection of books & maps

Links to other sites

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality

This site offers education programs; forums for global exchange; a bookstore and many other resources.

Address:

http://cwis.org/

September 19, 2009   No Comments

Module 1: weblog #1 (Chantal Drolet)

by Chantal Drolet

Open Anthropology: Internet Indigeneity & Anthropological Advocacy

Resources available:

Open Anthropology Video Collection 

On YouTube:

Also on YouTube:

Links to other sites:

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

This site offers an impressive bibliography, some with detailed abstracts, including:

  • Barnard, Alan. (2006). Kalahari revisionism, Vienna and the ‘Indigenous Peoples’ debate. Social Anthropology 14(1): 1-16.
  • Beteille, Andre. (1998). The idea of indigenous people. Current Anthropology 39(2) April: 187-191.
  • Biolsi, Thomas, and Larry J. Zimmerman, eds. (1997). Indians and anthropologists: Vine Deloria, Jr., and the critique of anthropology. Tucson: University of Arizona Press.

Furthermore, there is a wide variety of links to projects related to Indigenous issues and perspectives, such as:

Address:

http://openanthropology.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/internet-indigeneity-anthropological-advocacy-text-of-a-presentation-at-the-university-of-south-florida-march-19-2008/

September 19, 2009   No Comments

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation

by Sandra Netzel

logoThe National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) is a  privately funded organization, providing bursary and scholarship awards for post-secondary First Nations, Inuit and Métis students pursuing studies in the following fields: Post-Secondary Education, Fine Arts, Health Careers, and Oil & Gas Aboriginal Trades & Technology. Since its inception in 1985, this non-profit organization has rewarded more than 32 million dollars to more than 8400 students.

The foundation also awards achievement awards to celebrate and encourage excellence in the Aboriginal community. Also, connected to this foundation the following Industry in the Classroom programs:

Taking Pulse – aimed at increasing Aboriginal participation in the workforce

Blueprint for the Future – a series of career fairs

Television Broadcasting in the Classroom- introduces Aboriginal youth to careers in television broadcasting

Health Careers in the Classroom – introduces Aboriginal youth to careers in the health industry

NAAF logo [Online Image]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2009, from NAAF website.http://www.naaf.ca/

September 19, 2009   No Comments

First Nations seeking to cross digital divide.

by Sandra Netzel

Published in the online Georgia Straight,  First Nations seeking to cross digital divide, was written by Stephen Hui and published on July 16, 2009. The article discusses a variety of issues: internet connectivity, computers, and technical support, which have created a digital divide in BC for First Nations. The article outlines a variety of plans, councils, and programs which are listed below aimed to decrease the digital divide.

First Nations Technology Council strategic plan
Transformative Change Accord
All Nations Trust Company
Pathways to Technology

Other related stories linked to this article include:
Geek of the Week: First Peoples’ Language Map of British Columbia
Q&A: Grand Chief Edward John on First Nations’ Internet connectivity
Q&A: Indigenous blogger Dustin Rivers on using Internet technology

September 19, 2009   No Comments

First Nations Pedagogy

by Sandra Netzel

windsofchange2June Kaminski, the author of the First Nations Pedagogy, is Metis, from Anishinabe and European bloodlines. Born in Ontario, close to Ketegaunseebee Anishnabai, or Garden River First Nations lands,at the time of publishing or updating the website, she was/is a PhD candidate in Curriculum Studies and Technology Education at UBC. Along with information on the theory and curriculum of First Nations pedagogy, the “links” section contains a number of articles related to First Nations Pedagogy, Residential School Trauma, First Nations Educational Governance, First Nations Educational Planning, and First Nations Health/Life Planning.

First Nations Pedagogy  logo [Online Image]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2009, from First Nations Pedagogy website. http://firstnationspedagogy.com/index.html

September 19, 2009   No Comments