Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives in the Classroom

Traditional Teaching
Implications for Educational Practice
‣ ¾ Recognize the traditional teachings of First Nations students. In particular, Aboriginal
students who are disengaged may benefit from learning traditional teachings.
‣ ¾ The involvement of Elders, either in school or via mentorship-type arrangements will likely
be needed to pursue traditional teaching. Look to the school’s Aboriginal support worker(s),
Aboriginal district principal, and/or trusted local contacts for guidance and help with this.
How do we engage and inspire Aboriginal
learners? Reflect local Aboriginal ways of
being, including expectations of respect,
behaviour, generosity, and how we live
together respectfully.
participant, Tsaxis
Make the Seven Teachings a Principle of Learning
(Respect, Trust, Love, Honour, Humility,
Bravery, Truth). They are also sometimes referred
to as the Seven Grandfathers. Focussing on the
“Seven Teachings” helps students self-correct
their behaviour much faster.
participant, Williams Lake
Traditional Aboriginal learning
includes the spiritual aspects of
life as part of education.
participant, Williams Lake
Aboriginal perspectives start with protocol and end with
protocol. Even just a little bit of awareness and observance
goes a long way. Traditional values as reflected in the
seven teachings are gifts that are given to us. We need to
encourage students and build on strengths …send students
off to reflect on their behaviour and how others feel — how
they are impacted by our words and actions.
participant, Williams Lake
32 Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives in the Classroom: Moving Forward