“Indigenous scholars suggest that a process of decolonization must be enacted in order to activate the process of including Indigenous Knowledge into Western [current] schools structures so that the balance between knowledge systems can be achieved." Garcia & Shirley, 2012
Join us for this interactive and informative series! This 4-part series will focus on how to weave Indigenous Knowledge systems into our current teaching and learning practices. Each half day will build understanding of what Indigenous Knowledge systems were and continue to be, as well as create an awareness of traditional Indigenous pedagogical processes and how they could be respectfully incorporated into current teaching practices
Part 1
Creating a Culture of Belonging: Supporting Curriculum and Understanding Indigenous Learning Processes
During the morning of Day 1 will focus on creating educational environments that foster belonging. We will introduce educators to three Indigenous themes that research has identified as successfully supporting a sense of belonging in classrooms, or as whole-school approaches. Participants will unpack ideas of belonging and brainstorm ways to weave this teaching into what they are currently doing.
Part 2
Instructional Design: Supporting Curriculum and Understanding Indigenous Learning Processes
In the afternoon, educators will explore how Indigenous communities approach understanding in ways that are holistic, collaborative, and relational and consider how these approaches can enhance their current practices to support deep learning for students. Participants will be introduced to a variety of online resources with tools, examples, and templates to support their planning and thinking.
Part 3
Pedagogy: Supporting Curriculum and Understanding Indigenous Learning Processes
On the morning of day 2 we will focus on historical forms of teaching in Indigenous societies. The goal is to have educators become inspired to teach in alternate ways that benefit all learners. We will talk about the importance of people, places, and processes and discuss how we might weave these past teaching methods into current teaching practices.
Part 4
Sharing Through Story: Supporting Curriculum and Understanding Indigenous Learning Processes
During the afternoon we will investigate how stories connect us to family, friends, the land, and even ourselves. These teachings have the potential to benefit our schools and help to support the curriculum implementation process by seeing stories as an extension or a foundation to our curriculum. Learn how song, dance, landscapes and art can be woven into the ways you currently teach or tell stories.