Educating Our Educators (March 2011) - Algoma District School Board

In Our Schools: Intentionally plan for opportunities where Aboriginal voices are present and Aboriginalperspectives are evidento invite Aboriginal elders, artists and storyteller and others from the Aboriginal communityinto your schools and classrooms.oinclude Aboriginal authors and literature in your library and resource areas (e.g. bulletinboards, websites)o acknowledge and validate the contributions of Aboriginal peoples in both the past and incontemporary society. Share that contributions of Aboriginal peoples go beyond theinclusion of toboggans and tepees and include the wealth of knowledge and successfulendeavours across a wide range of fields (e.g. environment, architecture, agriculture,government, medicine, art, music and theatre) Ensure that terms and terminology are used accurately and the language used is that whichempowers, validates and supports the inclusion of Aboriginal experiences, perspectives andhistories in respectful, accurate, authentic wayso use credible sources to refer to using terms in relation to Aboriginal peoples, use therecommended terminology when referring to Aboriginal peoples and refer to each nationby name rather than more generic overuse of Native/Aboriginal peoples as collective. Look for opportunities to broaden your knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal people andissues, ensure a balance of perspectives are presented in the school, acknowledge Aboriginalhistories in their own right and constantly examine and challenge your own biases andassumptionsooowhen possible participate in professional deleveopment that supports Aboriginalstudentsif you don’t know, ask or find outwhen an issue is in question or brought forward – look for the answersEducating Our Educators – Educating Our Aboriginal StudentsRevised March 20111672