Indigenous Education K-12

An inspired weaving of indigenous knowledge, plant science, and personal narrative from a distinguished professor of science and a Native American whose previous book, Gathering Moss, was awarded the John Burroughs Medal for outstanding nature writing. As a botanist and professor of plant ecology, Robin Wall Kimmerer has spent a career learning how to ask questions of nature using the tools of science. As a Potawatomi woman, she learned from elders, family, and history that the Potawatomi, as well as a majority of other cultures indigenous to this land, consider plants and animals to be our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowing together to reveal what it means to see humans as "the younger brothers of creation." As she explores these themes she circles toward a central argument: the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgement and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the world. Once we begin to listen for the languages of other beings, we can begin to understand the innumerable life-giving gifts the world provides us and learn to offer our thanks, our care, and our own gifts in return.

This expansive collection explores the complexities of decolonization and indigenization of post-secondary institutions. Seeking to advance critical scholarship on issues including the place of Indigenous epistemologies, knowledges, curriculum, and pedagogy, Decolonizing and Indigenizing Education in Canada aims to build space in the academy for Indigenous peoples and resistance and reconciliation. This 18-chapter collection is built around the two connecting themes of Indigenous epistemologies and decolonizing post secondary institutions. Aiming to advance and transform the Canadian academy, the authors of this volume discuss strategies for shifting power dynamics and Eurocentric perspectives within higher education. Written by academics from across Canada, the text reflects the critical importance of the discourse on truth and reconciliation in educational contexts and how these discourses are viewed in institutions across the country. This expansive resource is essential to students and scholars focusing on Indigenous knowledges, education and pedagogies, and curriculum studies. Features includes discussion questions and further reading lists and offers practical examples of how one can engage in decolonization work within the academy features Canadian authors in varying academic positions and provides content specific to the Canadian education system

In an educational milieu in which standards and accountability hold sway, schools can become places of stress, marginalization, and isolation instead of learning communities that nurture a sense of meaning and purpose. In Ensouling Our Schools, author Jennifer Katz weaves together methods of creating schools that engender mental, spiritual, and emotional health while developing intellectual thought and critical analysis. Kevin Lamoureux contributes his expertise regarding Indigenous approaches to mental and spiritual health that benefit all students and address the TRC Calls to Action.

"The co-editors of Indigenizing Education: Transformative Research, Theories, and Praxis bring various scholars, educators, youth, and community voices together in ways that reimagine and recenter a learning process that embodies Indigenous education rooted in critical Indigenous studies and pedagogies. By reimagining Indigenous education, we suggest that it be rooted in opportunities for a deep analysis of the systemic processes and forces of settler colonialism which maintain structures that defy and dismiss our right to engage an education that is critical, culturally sustaining, and centers Native nation-building. Thus, reimagining and recentering an education rooted in critical Indigenous studies and pedagogies becomes a process of activating a critical Indigenous consciousness that renews and sustains goals to activate agency, social change, and advocacy for Indigenous peoples.

In Indigenous Writes, Chelsea Vowel, legal scholar, teacher, and intellectual, opens an important dialogue about the wider social beliefs associated with the relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canada. In 31 essays, Chelsea explores the Indigenous experience from the time of contact to the present, through five categories--Terminology of Relationships; Culture and Identity; Myth-Busting; State Violence; and Land, Learning, Law, and Treaties.

Resurgence is an inspiring collection of contemporary Indigenous poetry, art, and narratives that guides K-12 educators in bridging existing curricula with Indigenous voices and pedagogies. In this first book in the Footbridge Series, we invite you to walk with us as we seek to: connect peoples and places link truth and reconciliation as ongoing processes symbolize the risk and urgency of this work for both Indigenous and settler educators engage tensions highlight the importance of balance, both of ideas and within ourselves Through critical engagement with each contributor's work, experienced educators Christine M'Lot and Katya Adamov Ferguson support readers in connecting with Indigenous narratives and perspectives, bringing Indigenous works into the classroom, and creating more equitable and sustainable teaching practices. In this resource, you will find: diverse Indigenous voices, perspectives, and art forms from a variety of nations and locations valuable concepts and methods that can be applied to the classroom and beyond practical action steps and resources for educators, parents, librarians, and administrators Use this book as a springboard for your own learning journey or as a lively prompt for dialogue within your professional learning community.

The groundbreaking and multiple award-winning national bestseller work about systemic racism, education, the failure of the policing and justice systems, and Indigenous rights by Tanya Talaga. Over the span of eleven years, seven Indigenous high school students died in Thunder Bay, Ontario. They were hundreds of kilometres away from their families, forced to leave home because there was no adequate high school on their reserves. Five were found dead in the rivers surrounding Lake Superior, below a sacred Indigenous site. Using a sweeping narrative focusing on the lives of the students, award-winning author Tanya Talaga delves into the history of this northern city that has come to manifest Canada's long struggle with human rights violations against Indigenous communities.

In this book, author Pamela Rose Toulouse provides current information, personal insights, authentic resources, interactive strategies and lesson plans that support Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners in the classroom. This book is for all teachers that are looking for ways to respectfully infuse residential school history, treaty education, Indigenous contributions, First Nations/Métis/Inuit perspectives and sacred circle teachings into their subjects and courses. The author presents a culturally relevant and holistic approach that facilitates relationship building and promotes ways to engage in reconciliation activities.

"How educators can respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Educators have a special role in furthering truth and reconciliation in education, but many struggle to understand exactly what that means and how to accomplish it. There is no step-by-step guide to getting it right. Educators can only meaningfully accomplish truth and reconciliation in education by seeking out truth and reconciliation through education: an ongoing process of amplifying Indigenous voices and experiences, allowing oneself to be changed by them, and being guided by this learning both personally and professionally. Springing from an Indigenous education master’s certificate program at the University of Calgary and written from an adult education perspective on transformative learning, this book invites educators, broadly defined, into a conversation about truth and reconciliation through education.

How can Indigenous knowledge systems inform our teaching practices and enhance education? How do we create an education system that embodies an anti-racist approach and equity for all learners? This powerful and engaging resource is for non-Indigenous educators who want to learn more, are new to these conversations, or want to deepen their learning. Some educators may come to this work with some trepidation. You may feel that you are not equipped to engage in Indigenous education, reconciliation, or anti-racism work. You may be anxious about perpetuating misconceptions or stereotypes, making mistakes, or giving offence. In these chapters, I invite you to take a walk and have a conversation with a good mind and a good heart. With over two decades in Indigenous education, author Jo Chrona encourages readers to acknowledge and challenge assumptions, reflect on their own experiences, and envision a more equitable education system for all. Each chapter includes reflection questions to help process the ideas in each chapter suggestions for taking action in both personal and professional spheres of influence recommended resources to read, watch, or listen to for further learning personal reflections and anecdotes from the author on her own learning journey voices of non-Indigenous educators who share their learning and model how to move into, and sit, in places of unknowing and discomfort, so we can examine our own biases and engage in this work in a good way   Grounded in the First Peoples Principles of Learning, this comprehensive guide builds on Chrona's own experiences in British Columbia's education system to explore how to shape anti-racist and equitable education systems for all. Perfect for reading on your own or with your professional learning community!

Land Acknowledgements often begin academic conferences, cultural events, government press gatherings, and even hockey games. They are supposed to be an act of Reconciliation between Indigenous people in Canada and non-Indigenous Canadians, but they have become so routine and formulaic that they have sometimes lost meaning. Seen more and more as empty words, some events have dropped Land Acknowledgements altogether. Métis artist and educator Suzanne Keeptwo wants to change that. She sees the Land Acknowledgement as an opportunity for Indigenous people in Canada to communicate their worldview to non-Indigenous Canadians--a message founded upon Age Old Wisdom about how to sustain the Land we all want to call home.

This document will assist teachers to address issues of equity and social justice in their classroom as well as assist their students in developing awareness and understanding of First Nation, Métis and Inuit issues. Thematic units include the Lands and People, Treaties, the Environment and Residential Schools--Publisher.
See especially The Three Sisters (primary lesson plan) and Water: Stories, Science, and Activism (Junior lesson plant)

Achieving Aboriginal Student Success presents goals and strategies needed to support Aboriginal learners in the classroom. This book is for all teachers of kindergarten to grade 8 who have Aboriginal students in their classrooms or who are looking for ways to infuse an Aboriginal worldview into their curriculum. Although the author’s primary focus is the needs of Aboriginal students, the ideas are best practices that can be applied in classroom-management techniques, assessment tools, suggestions for connecting to the Aboriginal community, and much more! The strategies and information in this resource are about building bridges between cultures that foster respect, appreciation, and understanding."--

"Achieving Indigenous Student Success presents goals and strategies needed to support Indigenous learners in the classroom. This book is for all teachers, grade 9 to grade 12, who have Indigenous students in their classrooms or who are looking for ways to infuse an Indigenous worldview into their curriculum. Although the author's primary focus is the needs of Indigenous students, the ideas are best practices that can be applied in classroom-management techniques, assessment tools, suggestions for connecting to the Indigenous community, and much more! The strategies and information in this resource are about building bridges between cultures that foster respect, appreciation, and understanding."-- Provided by publisher.

Culturally Relevant Aboriginal Education provides teacher candidates and in-service teachers with relevant information to help them integrate Aboriginal, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit content, customs, and traditions into the classroom, providing students with a broader perspective of Canada and its population. Teachers need to be creative, dynamic and sensitive when developing teaching approaches and programs on this topic, and the underlying purpose of this module is to extend the skills and knowledge of teachers in the teaching of Aboriginal children and the teaching about Aboriginal people.

"This document was created by teachers for teachers. It is intended to provide suggestions for how to incorporate First Nation, Mé́́tis and Inuit content into elementary classrooms in a way which builds in cognitive complexity from grade to grade and minimizes repetition. The document is meant to be a living document. As the curriculum changes and as our knowledge of how best to integrate First Nation, Métis and Inuit content and pedagogy develops, this document will evolve."--P. 4.

What Works? Research into Practice Research Monograph #11. A research-into-practice series produced by a partnership between The Literacy andNumeracy Secretariat and the Ontario Association of Deans of Education

"This resource will help classroom teachers and staff better serve the needs of their Aboriginal students. The process of development was one of consultation, information gathering, drafting, more consultation and re-drafting. The contributors to this resource include Aboriginal Elders, teachers and psychologists, as well as other members of Alberta's Aboriginal communities. Culturally-relevant approaches effectively serve the learning needs of Aboriginal students. Traditional and contemporary Aboriginal cultures offer a number of frameworks for understanding, guiding, learning from and teaching students. The relationship between student and teacher is the heart of Aboriginal education. The teacher's relationship with each student is based on observing and learning about the individual child and his or her unique learning needs in order to help the child grow holistically--spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. This resource offers information about Aboriginal cultures and perspectives, practical ideas, and sample strategies that will help teachers meet the needs and recognize the gifts of Aboriginal students. Many of the sample strategies are good for all students and are relevant for a range of educational settings and contexts. The guiding principles reflect understanding and respect of diversities of aboriginal cultures, languages and histories, respectful classroom atmosphere, collaborative relationships with families and communities and teacher recognition and continued assessment of the learning strengths and needs of each Aboriginal student

Resurgence is an inspiring collection of contemporary Indigenous poetry, art, and narratives that guides K-12 educators in bridging existing curricula with Indigenous voices and pedagogies. In this first book in the Footbridge Series, we invite you to walk with us as we seek to: connect peoples and places link truth and reconciliation as ongoing processes symbolize the risk and urgency of this work for both Indigenous and settler educators engage tensions highlight the importance of balance, both of ideas and within ourselves Through critical engagement with each contributor's work, experienced educators Christine M'Lot and Katya Adamov Ferguson support readers in connecting with Indigenous narratives and perspectives, bringing Indigenous works into the classroom, and creating more equitable and sustainable teaching practices. In this resource, you will find: diverse Indigenous voices, perspectives, and art forms from a variety of nations and locations valuable concepts and methods that can be applied to the classroom and beyond practical action steps and resources for educators, parents, librarians, and administrators Use this book as a springboard for your own learning journey or as a lively prompt for dialogue within your professional learning community.

Ojibwe speaking Anishinaabe, in the United States and Canada named and described the months of the year in a like manner, especially within the Great Lakes area. Some differences do occur generally within some tribes. The Menominee, Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Cree call and know the months by different names. The stories of each moon may also differ, but the themes and meaning of the stories remain, by and for the people. All stories quoted herein are my own personal versions flowing from my own memory, meditations, spiritual inspirations, and conservations with Anishinaabe Elders and relatives.

Ideally suited for classroom use or home reading, this illustrated history of Ojibwe culture focuses on the teachings of the Good Path, nine core values that are the fundamental basis of Ojibwe philosophy: Honor the CreatorHonor EldersHonor WomenHonor Our Elder Brothers (the plant and animal beings)Be PeacefulBe Kind to EveryoneBe Moderate in Our Thoughts, Words, and DeedsBe CourageousKeep Our PromisesKids of all cultures journey through time with the Ojibwe people as their guide to the Good Path and its universal lessons of courage, cooperation, and honor. Through traditional native tales, hear about Grandmother Moon, the mysterious Megis shell, and the souls of plants and animals. Through Ojibwe history, learn how trading posts, treaties, and warfare affected Native Americans. Through activities designed especially for kids, discover fun ways to follow the Good Path's timeless wisdom every day.

Aboriginal legends are pictures in word-form of Aboriginal life, showing life from their point of view. Legends deal with religion, the origins of things, and acts of bravery performed by stout-hearted warriors. They convey a vast range of cultural knowledge including folkways, values and beliefs. This collection includes legends meant to entertain, teach or pass on moral values. There are four books in this series of legends. In addition, there is a teacher's handbook to assist in the use of legends in the curriculum.

"...to provide students with an accurate account of Ojibway culture, history, and worldview based on the oral teachings. ....Topics covered include the four directions, the pipe, the Midewiwin and Sweat Lodge, the Seven Fires prophesy, and the Seven Grandfathers Teaching, values and beliefs, and the role of the Elders." (from Goodminds website)