This article examines how educators can create a sense of belonging in their school and classroom communities by infusing Indigenous perspectives. A literature review was conducted by examining various peer-reviewed sources. It was found that students who feel a sense of belonging are more likely to be more motivated at school, take risks, and…

Many First Nations people in Canada struggle in the acquisition of the skills associated with western literacy, that is, with the skills necessary to communicate through reading, writing, and numeracy in either English or French. Rooted in the history of colonial education, this problem continues to have a negative impact on the lives of…

Educational outcomes for Indigenous students in Manitoba are poor. In response, educational policy across Canada is evolving to incorporate Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit perspectives into curriculum to support positive change. Years into this effort, we can identify common barriers. Undoing generations of cultural suppression will be a slow process.…

This article addresses the issues faced by the young Aboriginal students in urban and rural settings, which hinder their achievement in mathematics and science. An effort is made to reveal the techniques and programs that address the under-representation of young Aboriginal students in these subjects at secondary and post-secondary levels.…

We are uniquely shaped by the ontology, axiology, methodology and epistemology to which we are exposed in life. The outdoor classroom provides many opportunities to use the land as text to observe surroundings informally, to learn experientially through various STEAM activities, and to create scenarios for project-based learning. In history,…

Students are guaranteed, by legislation, a math education that focuses on the process of mastery learning, and that incorporates an Indigenous worldview. The issue is that some teachers and principals are apprehensive or do not have the skill or knowledge to support mastery learning and Indigenous worldview in math. This article is not a…

Providing pathways to Indigenous student success in Canada has proven difficult for educators over the past decade. Many Indigenous voices have been heard since the Truth and Reconciliation has become headline news, but most Western educators do not yet have the knowledge and understanding to properly teach culturally accurate and appropriate…

Suicide rates indicate elevated mental and emotional instability among Canadian youth. Unfortunately, increased availability of resources and online supports to both students and staff, has not alleviated its deadly impact. Northern Manitoba, in particular, continues to be plagued by the onslaught of teen suicide threats, attempts, and deaths…

There will be many celebrations with the 150-year birthday that Canada will be celebrating this year. For First Nations Peoples, the celebration continues with the ability to take control of their own education. The Residential School legacy has left generational effects. Leaders across Canada are working together to infuse Aboriginal perspectives…

Canada is beginning to work toward reconciliation with Indigenous people. Serious mistakes have been made in the educational system which have led Canada to the current situation in which relationships with Indigenous people are in need of repair. This paper outlines the ways in which classroom teachers are integral to the reconciliation process…

Canada has legions of strong Indigenous voices, yet our educational system fails many of our Indigenous students. A comparison of Metis, First Nations and Inuit high school graduation rates to non-Indigenous students in Manitoba shows significant disparity. Reasons for leaving school are complex, and disengagement with education can generate…

Aboriginal perspectives are a very important topic in today's educational system. There is an urgent need for educators to infuse these perspectives in classrooms and school culture, ultimately benefitting communities. However, in doing so, there are several challenges, including how to infuse these perspectives respectfully while embracing the…

While often used with the most noble of intentions, Cultural Proficiency Frameworks (CPFs) do not sufficiently challenge underlying power-dynamics or address societal inequalities. Those of disadvantageous social standing, who are outside the perceived norm, benefit from CPFs, but not to an extent that changes their underlying status within…

The Canadian educational system is at a crossroads when it comes to embracing the future of Aboriginal people. Over the years, researchers have reported on the poor performance of Aboriginal students due to the effects of Eurocentric teaching pedagogies and culturally irrelevant curricula that do not reflect Aboriginal culture, language, values,…

Aboriginal people face the lowest standard of living of any group in Canada due to the lasting and far-reaching effects of colonization and failed education. Without improved educational outcomes, in the form of increased Aboriginal retention rates, this situation will not improve. In order to accomplish this goal, post-secondary institutions need…