ABORIGINAL CULTURE IN EDUCATION INTEGRATING ABORIGINAL CULTURE INTO THE CLASSROOM

Did You Know? …..."that there is a significant gap between the educational attainment of the Aboriginal population and that of the non-Aboriginal population". (2001 Census Data)

Census Data Indicates…..."that 42% of the Aboriginal population in Ontario, aged 15 years and over, have less than a high school diploma, and only 6 % have completed a university degree".

Support in Aboriginal Education… (2012) The Ministry provided $170 million in funding to improve academic achievement levels for Aboriginal students & increase awareness.

Schools can support Aboriginal student success by… Creating a classroom environment that honours the Aboriginal students’ culture Include teaching practices that reflect Aboriginal teaching styles Nurture the Aboriginal students’ self-esteem by caring and ensuring holistic teaching practices (2001 Census Data)

Strategies that can be used in the Classroom Incorporate CIRCLE TRADITIONS during class discussions to stimulate student participation AT THE SAME TIME LEARN ABOUT THE SIGNIFICANCE AND TRADITIONS OF THE CIRCLE IN ABORIGINAL CULTURE

STRATEGIES THAT CAN BE USED IN THE CLASSROOM Integrating literary texts such as Aboriginal stories and fables Participate in oral story telling traditions of the First Nations Use a “Talking Stick” to foster inclusion, promote respect and student voice

STRATEGIES THAT CAN BE USED IN THE CLASSROOM Learn and create Aboriginal Art Plan a trip to the FIRST NATION ART GARDEN at the Toronto Zoo Prepare and celebrate National Aboriginal Day (June 21) to honour Canada’s First Nation, Inuit and Metis people

Create an inclusive classroom to empower all students to make a difference VALUE THE ABORIGINAL LEARNER AND ENSURE THAT THE CLASSROOM IS INCLUSIVE OF ABORIGINAL CULTURE