Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives in the Classroom

Indigenous education has to be linked
to anti-racism and social justice.
participant, Burnaby
Allow students to go where they want
to go, help them move toward what
they view as valuable. At a young age,
point out what their strengths are.
participant, ?Aq’am
Make it obvious that eliminating
racism is a priority. This could include
something as simple as signs with
messages such as “Please, no racism.”
participant, West Kelowna
Musqueam Elder Larry Grant
A teacher’s expectations of
students are one of the most
powerful determinants of success
for those students. A teacher
who believes the students are
capable of excellence and can
achieve it if properly engaged
will work wonders. This means a
change of outlook and in beliefs
about education on the part of
the educator is needed. Limiting
beliefs and attitudes on the part
of educators need to be addressed,
discussed, overcome.
participant, Tsaxis
Conversation at school is often fear-based. We
fear and shame people into motivation (“Wait
until you go to high school, college…” “If you don’t
do this...” etc.”). Teachers need to put out the
opposite message more frequently. It would be a
great idea to work with teachers on messaging to
their students (“How do we shift this approach
to strength-based instead of fear-based?”).
The training would start with awareness and
then move to re-messaging. Awareness of why
we are doing what we do will reduce the deficit
approaches to schooling and the learners.
participant, West Kelowna
Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives in the Classroom: Moving Forward
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