Based on Heather McGregor’s article and audiocast this week – I have been researching which provinces in Canada have some kind of mandatory first nations curriculum – but more importantly – how is the content taught? Like the article about the curriculum changes suggests in Nunavut, is the content and curriculum taught based on traditional indigenous pedagogical values?

The values are focused on listening to elders,

The document offers a source of Inuit Elder knowledge and an application of that knowledge to the context of schooling, including: a vision for the purpose of education based on an Inuit story; explanation of the Inuit beliefs that provide a foundation for Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, including referring directly to the laws of relationships, cycle of seasons, cycle of life, and circle of belonging already described in Inuuqatigiit; the philosophy of a learning continuum and stages within the continuum, described in traditional Inuit terms of individual life-long learning and development; cross-curricular competencies based on principles of IQ ; and Inuit educational philosophies regarding inclusive education, language instruction, assessment and pedagogies

The strands in Nunavut curriculum policy are based on:

•Nunavusiutit

: heritage, culture, history, geography, environmental science,

civics, economics, current events, world news.

•Iqqaqqaukkaringniq

: math, innovation, problem-solving, technology, practical arts.

•Aulajaaqtut

: wellness, safety, society, survival, volunteerism.

•Uqausiliriniq

communication, creative and artistic expression, critical thinking.

(McGregor, 2012, p.13)

I have started with BC (no mandatory  credit course) . This is the link to  an article about  the attempt to promote a mandatory course on First Nations http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Education+group+asks+mandatory+aboriginal+studies+course+schools/7819205/story.html

I also found this information about the legislation of a First Nations Education Act http://www.fnesc.ca/national-legislation

Alberta has no mandatory course.

The general focus on learning about indigenous cultural content – and not  on pedagogy. More work to be done!

Verena 🙂

References:

McGregor, H. E. (2012b). Curriculum change in Nunavut: towards Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. McGill Journal of Education, 47(3), 285-302 .