Big Idea: How can instructional leaders effectively incorporate Indigenous curriculum and planning into our work?
As instructional leaders, it is crucial that we incorporate Indigenous curriculum and planning into our work to ensure that our students are receiving an education that reflects their cultural background and values. By doing so, we can provide a more inclusive and holistic education for our Indigenous learners. John P. Miller’s (2007) states “the principles are organized around connected learning: community earth, inner, body-mind, subject, intuition, and inquiry”.
When planning the concepts the Know, the Do and Be (KDB) we must first understand what it means to have an Indigenous perspective. This perspective is rooted in a deep respect for the land, an understanding of the interconnectedness of all things, and a recognition of the importance of community and family. With this in mind, we can begin to create a curriculum that reflects these values and beliefs. The main objective of the curriculum speaks to the Be: The aim of the student to become an educated, accountable and engaged member of the community.
One way to incorporate Indigenous curriculum and planning is through the use of land-based education. Land-based education involves learning from and on the land, and it provides an opportunity for students to connect with their culture and traditions. As instructional leaders, we can work with Elders and knowledge keepers to develop land-based programs that are tailored to the needs and interests of our students.
Another way to incorporate Indigenous curriculum and planning is through the use of Indigenous language and literature. By incorporating Indigenous languages into the curriculum, we can help to preserve and promote the use of these languages. Additionally, by incorporating Indigenous literature, we can provide students with a greater understanding of Indigenous culture and history. As instructional leaders we need to have a deeper understanding of how ideas relate to each other and we need to extend our understanding so that students can understand concepts in a more coherent way.
When planning a curriculum, it is also important to consider the diverse needs and experiences of Indigenous learners. This means taking into account their unique cultural backgrounds and the intergenerational trauma that many Indigenous people have experienced. As instructional leaders, we must create a safe and inclusive environment that allows for the sharing of stories and experiences.
Incorporating Indigenous curriculum and planning into our work also requires ongoing professional development. This may involve attending workshops, conferences, or other training sessions that focus on Indigenous education. Additionally, it may involve seeking out mentorship from Elders and knowledge keepers in our communities.
It is also important to work collaboratively with our colleagues to ensure that Indigenous curriculum and planning is being incorporated across all subject areas. This requires a commitment to ongoing communication and collaboration with all members of the education team.
Ultimately, the incorporation of Indigenous curriculum and planning is essential for ensuring that our Indigenous learners receive an education that reflects their cultural background and values. As instructional leaders, it is our responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and promotes cultural understanding. By doing so, we can provide our students with a more holistic education that prepares them for success in all aspects of their lives.
Blog #2 Instructional Strategies May 17, 2023
As an educator, I rely on a wide range of research to inform and support my instructional practices. One key study that influences my teaching approach is "How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School" by the National Research Council. This comprehensive report explores the cognitive and socio-cultural aspects of learning and provides valuable insights into effective teaching strategies. Additionally, I started to review the ACSD https://www.ascd.org/ this is an organization focused on helping educators to advance their learning to meet the needs of all students.
Research in education and related fields has influenced the current methods of delivering learning. These approaches focus more on the learner's needs, incorporating research from child development,…
Good Morning Donna;
I found your post influential on both the WHY and HOW to incorporate Indigenous learning and perspectives into school curriculum. As a teacher and temporary leader, I feel school divisions and Alberta Ed have done a decent job emphasizng WHAT aspects of Indigenous learning should be incorporated in schools and WHY, but they failed to successfully prepare teachers and schools with the HOW. As we know, teachers have so much to do on a daily basis that when something new is added on, they often procrastinate on learning the new stuff and settle for their strengths and where they feel comfortable. Authentic incorporation of how to support Indigenous learning in schools can also be a sensitivity concern…
Donna, I really liked reading your post and totally agree that Indigenous curriculum and ways of knowing are so important for the success of our Indigenous students. I've noticed that some of our Indigenous students feel much more connected to school (and thus, invested in their education) when they SEE Elders at the school, teaching cultural lessons or participating in school events. Our school recently hosted a Powwow and "cultural night" and SO many of our Indigenous families (multiple generations) were at the school and participating, along side our staff and admin team. Creating a connection with our Indigenous students means creating a connection with their parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins - people who may have had a very…
Hi Donna, I enjoyed reading your blog and agree that schools must do a better job in incorporating indigenous curriculum and planning into schools. Speaking from personal experience our students in MESC seem to come alive and love land -based learning activities. Just before our Easter break our entire school went ice fishing and students were shown how to catch fish and cook them over a fire. Whenever our students can be outside and learn from the land it is definitely a wonderful experience. Speaking of the Indigenous curriculum since MESC schools are funded federally we have been developing our own curriculum to work along side the Alberta curriculum to better serve our students. Greg Koett