Aboriginal Values

We can all learn a lot from the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. The First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples have rich, cultural traditions based on defined principles. Well, at least that’s my understanding. I don’t know very much about their histories, but the more I learn about their cultures and mythologies, the more I want to learn, and the more I think we can learn from them.

Aboriginal Values So, for the next 7 school days, you will all be divided into 7 groups. There are 28 students in our class, so that’s…. ???? Right. 4 students per group. Choose your own groups. Each day, your group will embody a different value of the Aboriginal peoples. You will also identify, and share learning experiences with the class that relate to your value.

Aboriginal Values As a minimum: one group, each day, will present the principles of their value, and share their findings at the end of the class. Each day you will be given some time at the beginning of class to learn about your group’s ‘Value’, or Ojibwe ‘Good Life Teaching’, before we resume work on our projects.

Aboriginal Values For example… On Monday, Group 1 may embody the value of ‘RESPECT’. In Ojibwe terms, ‘Respect’ means “knowing that we are sacred and have a place in this world”. Group 1 will act with respect, and identify and discuss situations that arise in our class that exemplify the Aboriginal value of ‘Respect’. They can address the situations when they arise, or present their findings at the end of class.

Aboriginal Values According to a paper by Dr. Pamela Rose Toulouse (Laurentian University), Aboriginal students tend to learn better under certain circumstances. Just like ‘Kinesthetic Learners’ learn best through physical activity, and ‘Visual Learners’ through images and techniques, Aboriginal learners tend to learn best through self-esteem. “A connection between the physical, emotional-mental, intellectual and spiritual realms – is paramount.”

Aboriginal Values Through this exercise, I hope that we may learn new ways to learn, and respect the wisdom of the Aboriginal teachings.

Aboriginal Values THREE KEYS TO SUCCESS 1) Wisdom Is Sharing 2) Celebrate our classmates achievements, cultures and learning styles 3) Keep the class environment holistic, with lots of group talk and humour!

Aboriginal Values GROUP 1GROUP 2GROUP 3GROUP 4GROUP 5GROUP 6GROUP 7 MONDAYRESPECTTRUTHHONESTYHUMILITYWISDOMBRAVERYLOVE TUESDAYLOVERESPECTTRUTHHONESTYHUMILITYWISDOMBRAVERY WEDNESDAYBRAVERYLOVERESPECTTRUTHHONESTYHUMILITYWISDOM THURSDAYWISDOMBRAVERYLOVERESPECTTRUTHHONESTYHUMILITY FRIDAYHUMILITYWISDOMBRAVERYLOVERESPECTTRUTHHONESTY MONDAYHONESTYHUMILITYWISDOMBRAVERYLOVERESPECT TUESDAYTRUTHHONESTYHUMILITYWISDOMBRAVERYLOVERESPECT How we’re going to do this:

Aboriginal Values Each day, I, the teacher, will try to demonstrate all of the values. The following slides show how I, and sometimes you, will demonstrate the Ojibwe ‘Good Life Teachings’

Aboriginal Values RESPECT ‘knowing that we are sacred and that we have a place in this world’ we need to foster and support each other We, the teacher and students, will demonstrate respect by having high expectations of each others potential, honouring our different cultures, languages and world views. We will treat each other with respect. We will care about each other, and have the highest regard for our learning.

Aboriginal Values LOVE I (the teacher) believe that you (the student) will succeed and I am committed to your learning. I will encourage holistic education I will use visual organizers and hands-on manipulatives I will support reflective learning with time to complete tasks and answer questions We will work in groups or pairs for day-to-day activities

Aboriginal Values BRAVERY I, the teacher, will provide opportunities to highlight and celebrate Aboriginal Nations. We will create partnerships and establish relationships with Aboriginal community members We will bring in Aboriginal people to share their knowledge (not every day).

Aboriginal Values WISDOM We are lifelong learners! We will share what we know We will celebrate individual achievements We will engage each other at a physical, emotional- mental, intellectual and spiritual level The teacher will use a variety of teaching methods with a particular emphasis on holism, visual organizers, kinesthetic opportunities and reflection.

Aboriginal Values HUMILITY Reach out to others for assistance We will ask experts key questions The teacher knows little about Aboriginal culture, so the teacher will: Work with Aboriginal organizations to collect resources Always include Aboriginal peoples in any process regarding Aboriginal children

Aboriginal Values HONESTY: “Be and Get Real” (Ojibwe) We will all be responsible and accountable for everything we do and say Being honest with each other demonstrates respect We will not exclude, but we will include all the people that need to be part of a conversation

Aboriginal Values TRUTH Examining the reality and lived experiences of a situation (Ojibwe) We will try to come to terms with ‘how things really are’ and develop plans for change As learners, we will ask ourselves ‘How are we performing?’

Aboriginal Values “Kawin nin jagwenimossi, kawin gaie nin wi anijitansi” (I am not discouraged and I will not give up)