The underlying framework for academic discourse about Native education has been the acculturation model, involving the dialectic of two cultures juxtaposed in an asymmetrical relationship. First Nations discourse seeks to elucidate the unifying context to which those in discourse belong. Together, these discourses provide multidimensional views of…

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…

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.…

Aboriginal literacy encompasses oral tradition, culture, language, identity, and world view in addition to the written word, and is a process of lifelong learning, much of which occurs beyond school walls. When defining Native literacy, one must move away from measuring Aboriginal students by Euro-Western definitions and move toward a balanced,…

Explores traditional Yupik means of gaining knowledge through a blending of pragmatic, inductive, and spiritual methods. Proposes teaching mathematics and science to Native youth in a synergistic manner by capitalizing on Native knowledge, skills, and spiritual relationship to nature, then relating these to the Western perspective. Contains 14…

Discusses Adler's holistic approach to the individual in the socio-cultural context as a means to better understand the Indian behavioral learning style and the implications of such a style for classroom practice. Lists general characteristics of Indian student learning styles and teaching strategies that may be effective. (JHZ)

Thirteen Kaska Elders took a leading role in a University of British Columbia Kaska language course held in three locations in Kaska territory in the Yukon. The elders conducted a variety of cultural activities, and entire families participated, creating an environment in which the language was constantly spoken and relevant to the activities.…

Revitalization of the Nishinaabeg language started in 1998 with the development of language materials. A committee on Nishinaabemwin orthography advised on the development of the text and writing system. Teaching methods follow the four parts of Medicine Wheel teachings: spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental. An interactive hockey game and a…

Aboriginal literacy programs in Canada are using literacy as a means of reclaiming Aboriginal languages and a positive cultural identity. The Rainbow/Holistic Approach to Aboriginal literacy uses seven ways of knowing, each corresponding to a color. The approach recognizes that spirit, heart, mind, and body equally contribute to a life of balance,…

Literacy is discussed in the broadest sense. From an Aboriginal perspective, literacy is about sustaining a world view and culture, resymbolizing and reinterpreting past experience while honoring traditional values, living these values, and visioning a future in which an Aboriginal way of being will continue to thrive. Meaningful Aboriginal…

A teacher at a northern Ontario adult Native literacy program describes how she cultivates student motivation. The teacher-student relationship is the most influential factor for motivating students. By focusing on cultural awareness, cultural teaching practices, and a sense of community, teachers can help students be successful. Program…

More than just the development of reading and writing skills, Aboriginal literacy is a wholistic concept, with spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional aspects, involving relationships between self, community, nation, and creation. Models are presented for incorporating traditional Aboriginal knowledge and methodologies into Aboriginal learning…

An adult literacy program at M'Chigeeng First Nation (Manitoulin Island, Ontario) helps learners become aware of themselves, their skills, family dynamics, and community involvement. The holistic approach uses the Seven Grandfathers' teachings of the Ojibway to develop mind, body, spirit, and emotions. The program is defining self-management and…

Presented in a poetic format, the challenges of revitalizing traditional Indigenous healing and teaching strategies in an Aboriginal counseling program within a Eurocentric university are highlighted from a Native perspective. Contradictions that have arisen in bringing tradition into a modern university context provide lessons from which to…