In assisting schools in their efforts at integrating Indigenous knowledge into their own organizational culture and curriculum development, a discussion on the following themes may prove helpful when considering the possibilities of Indigenous education in your specific context.
The key themes include:
1) The critical role of a dedicated and supportive principal that is either from the local Indigenous community or closely allied with it and who understands that Indigenous education is grounded in the nurturing of long-term, respectful and trusting relationships with local Elders, Knowledge Holders, and community members who work in the school and who nurture community partnerships and family involvement.
2) The importance of operating the school in a culturally appropriate and affirming way that is guided by local Elders, Knowledge holders, and community members such that students are able to clearly see the valuing of Indigenous teachers, knowledge, and cultural practices in their day to day surroundings. This is essential to supporting the cultural identity and spirit of Indigenous students while counteracting long-standing negative stereotypes.
Culturally supportive representation can take many forms including: the community based design of the building, a privileging of Indigenous art and symbolism in all areas of the school, the prominence of Indigenous languages in signage and in overall school communications, and the prominence of ceremonial spaces and medicine gardens within the school and on the grounds.
3) There is an overall feeling that a visitor gets when they enter the front doors at St David. In keeping with the local Anishnaabe cultural practices, the teachers and staff are friendly and helpful and laughter can often be heard in the hallways and an overall feeling of playfulness is apparent.
4) That students feel safe, respected, and loved is central to Indigenous education at St David and understood as the basis of student attendance, learning outcomes, and their overall ability to succeed.
5) As an elementary school dedicated to Indigenous education, the provincial curriculum taught at St David is adapted to local Anishnaabe education philosophies and practices. Grounded within the ethic of respect for the whole person (mind, body, and spirit), teaching at St David is student driven, inquiry based, and encompassing of outdoor experiential education opportunities.
In response to the learning needs and interests of the students, Elders, Knowledge Holders and teachers help the students along their learning paths both in the classroom, out in the school grounds, and on school trips to a diversity of natural environments.
