Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives in the Classroom

The Role of the Teacher
In any community, whether Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal, the teacher has an important role
in guiding student learning, skill acquisition, and achievement. In the context of Canada’s
new commitment to truth and reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples, however, the teacher
has an important additional role in contributing to truth, reconciliation, and healing. Where
schools are situated within or near Aboriginal communities, teachers have an important role
to play in contributing to the social wellbeing and cultural vitality of the community. As well,
teachers have an important role to play by educating all of society about the place of First
Peoples within the Canadian mosaic and the importance of redressing the historical damage
done to Aboriginal communities.
From a mental health perspective, [we need to] see how communities are
dealing with health issues and understand the healing process for each
individual community. I can’t fix the whole problem, but I can work with
my students and community to make a difference at a local level.
participant, Tsaxis
Teaching about Aboriginal peoples from a
non-Aboriginal view when you are ill-informed
is not beneficial. As teachers, we need to invest
in our own learning and understanding.
participant, Burnaby
The “Ally Bill of Responsibilities” is a good
starting place for new and practising
teachers to begin to implement Aboriginal
worldviews and perspectives.
participant, Tsaxis
It is important to ensure that consideration of
Aboriginal perspectives is a normal, everyday
practice and not just an occasional thing.
participant, Burnaby
40 Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives in the Classroom: Moving Forward