This article describes one adult education class in which First Nations educational philosophies and practices were employed. It is a facilitator’s personal account of a 200-level, web-delivered Indigenous Studies course that examined methods and theory in recording Oral Traditions. First Nations worldviews and ways of teaching and learning are fundamentally different from Western education theories and pedagogies. Rather than viewing Aboriginal learners as deficient (as Western educational institutions often do), this course was developed under the premise that all students will learn and grow, given that an open, safe, supportive and challenging learning environment is provided. It is the Atisokanak, the Elders, and the First Nations protocols and ceremonies explored and employed in this class that made it the unique and rewarding experience it was for its facilitators and learners alike.

Reference:

Friedmann-Conrad, B. (2013). Education for Liberation: One Indigenous Classroom at a Time?. Journal of Integrated Studies, 4(1).

Kinàmàgawin: Aboriginal Issues in the Classroom is a documentary film that examines the difficulties experienced when discussing Aboriginal issues in post-secondary classrooms at Carleton University. Twenty-one Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students, instructors, faculty, and staff across various disciplines reflect upon their most memorable classroom moments when Indigenous issues were discussed. Oftentimes, those discussions became uncomfortable and upsetting, resulting in a classroom climate that was alienating.

Kinàmàgawin provides a space for the university community to voice their experiences and share their stories, and creates greater awareness of the challenges faced at the classroom level. Additionally, it is a useful teaching and training tool to engage universities in a dialogue that moves toward improving these situations. The film confirms the resilience and strength of the Indigenous community at Carleton, and showcases local Aboriginal talent with a soundtrack by A Tribe Called Red.

The trailer can be viewed below:

Kinamagawin Trailer

Another source of information that I’ve found enriching is the official website that talks about the aboriginal youth and technology. The site which is sponsored by the government of Canada is specifically made to deal with this issue: Aboriginal youth and science.

http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1312993954643/1312994422679

The site doesn’t really give a lot details about the issue itself but it does lead the reader to important separate links that provide essential information about the kind of programs aboriginal youth have received recently. I feel what the site is boosting here is the progress achieved in this respect from both sides: the designers and the learners. One of the given links that I really think useful in enhancing our understanding of the issue is the one about children:

http://www.actua.ca/

Here the programs offered for young learners are explained with some details. I think this source can be a good guide about the youth science programs

Hussain