Discusses the responsibility of this generation of Native Americans to learn the cultural teachings of the elders, to strengthen and preserve their culture through ceremonial observances and story telling, and to pass traditions to Native youth through independent culture-based education. Lists several books that transmit Native ancestral voices.…

Indigenous researchers must move beyond merely assuming an Indigenous perspective on non-Indigenous research paradigms. An Indigenous paradigm comes from the fundamental belief that knowledge is relational, is shared with all creation, and therefore can not be owned or discovered. Indigenous research methods should reflect these beliefs and the…

The Anishinabe language is alive, and Anishinabe world view is embedded in it. It is important to continue speaking the language because not doing so contributes to language loss and the undermining of the Anishinabe world view. Dictionaries can help in preserving Native languages, but they must be written by Natives from a Native perspective. The…

Indigenous researchers must go back to the foundation of Indigenous world views--the relationship to the land--and incorporate it into their research methods. Connections between Indigenous research methods and culture, ceremonies, intuition, and relationships are discussed. (SV)

Oftentimes racial/religious/colour/sex stereotypes are more cherished by teachers than getting to know a new pupil by observing carefully for individual strengths and weaknesses in language, academics, health, social skills and self-esteem. (ERB)

Identifies valued qualities and behaviors of Indian leaders through a literature review and unstructured interviews with three British Columbian tribal elders. Develops a model of Native leadership emphasizing connection to the people, wisdom, humility, personal integrity, service orientation, and the facilitator role. Contains 22 references. (SV)

Discusses self-esteem and child development within the context of the Indian perspective of the wholeness of life. Associates the four directions of the Medicine Wheel and common Indian symbols and interpretations of these directions with four social elements related to self-esteem: empowerment, uniqueness, attachment, and role models. (SV)

Examines the spiritual imperative of Native epistemology with the aim of restoring harmony and balance to education for all people. Focuses on the Sacred Circle, which speaks to all life's interconnectedness; Mother Earth, which speaks to man's sense of place and connection to the earth; and Elders, who connect people to their past and their…

Eighteen Plains Cree-speaking women, aged 15-93, were interviewed to determine the persistence of traditional beliefs as they affect the role of women. "The major implication is that the culture is alive." Available: Department of Educational Foundations, 5-109 Education North, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G5.…

Through a story of experiences at a library and two museums, a Cree university student demonstrates how such institutions fail to adequately respect and portray Native culture, despite good intentions. (TD)

Examines the incidence of frightening figures and unhappy endings in traditional and modern Inuit stories and identifies purpose for these elements. Monsters and unhappy endings apparently are tools to help children come to terms with Eskimo environment and values. Studies the conclusions and implications for Indian education. (TES)

Prophecies say that Aboriginal peoples of the Americas will educate and illuminate the world by sharing their Sacred Fire, the spiritual strength that has enabled their survival. Such a vision sustains Aboriginal literacy practitioners, who are developing a unique holistic foundation for the healing and nurturing of minds, bodies, and spirits.…

A contemporary ethnographic account of the social organization of the Okanagan of British Columbia, written by Peter Carstens, differs strikingly from three accounts published 1900-39 by Teit, Walters, and Ray. Ethnography is affected by personal bias and ideology, particularly when attempting to understand otherness. (Author/SV)

A member of the Canadian Aboriginal women's vocal ensemble Asani describes how the group's songs, words, and performances address and deconstruct Aboriginal stereotypes. These stereotypes include misconceptions of how Aboriginal people should look and dress, the status and accomplishments of Aboriginal women, the extent of their education and…

Shuswap elder "Sophie Roberts" (a pseudonym) recollects early childhood experiences, child-rearing practices, leaving home for boarding school, courtship, marriage, and family life. The interviewer, a white Anglo-Canadian, reflects on her role and responsibility in publishing Sophie's story. (SV)