Introducing

Self-Directed LearningEDUC 4262

Useful Links
An Indigenous an Elder into
Perspective
the
The focus of our self-directed
learning was incorporating
Classroom
indigenous perspectives into the
science curriculum. We focused on Integrating Indigenous
teaching practices that reflect a Perspectives into the science
respectful and holistic approach of
curriculum.
Indigenous culture. We also
focused on the process of bringing
an elder into the classroom to
provide students insight into the
perspectives of Indigenous
peoples. This brochure provides
educators with information that
will help them bring an elder into

By: Robert Pavletic and Devon Wintoneak

their classroom.

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 First Peoples Accessing an Elder
Principles of Learning
An Elder/Senator can be accessed by
1. Learning ultimately supports the well- contacting local Aboriginal community
being of the self, the family, the agencies such as:
community, the land, the spirits, and
the ancestors. o Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre
o Anishnawbe Mushkiki
2. Learning is holistic, reflexive, o Ontario Native Women's Association
reflective, experiential, and relational o Lakehead University
Teaching Practice (focused on connectedness, on o Negahneewin College
reciprocal relationships, and a sense of o Métis Nation of Ontario
Teaching activities that reflect a place). o Lakehead Public Schools' Aboriginal
respectful and holistic approach of Community Liaison & Partnership
Indigenous culture include: 3. Learning involves recognizing the
Officer
consequences of one’s actions.
o Aboriginal Education Resource
o Student centered Teacher
4. Learning involves generational roles
o Inquiry based and responsibilities.
o Based on experiential learning
o Awareness of self and others in 5. Learning recognizes the role of
equal measure indigenous knowledge.
o Recognize the value of group
6. Learning is embedded in memory,
processes
history, and story.
o Support a variety of learning
styles 7. Learning involves patience and time.

8. Learning requires exploration of one’s

Why Invite an Elder? identity.
Gifts
When approaching an elder or senator,
First Nations Elders and Métis 9. Learning involves recognizing that some practicing cultural protocol will be
Senators are integral to the revival, knowledge is sacred and only shared acknowledged and appreciated. It is
maintenance, and preservation of with permission and/or in certain
customary to offer a pouch of tobacco
situations.
Aboriginal cultures. Elder and Senator or a tobacco tie. It's important that
participation in support of curricular tobacco is given at the initial meeting
objectives develops the positive after the request is accepted, or prior to
identity of First Nations and Métis the session/event, not after. Offer the
tobacco tie from your left hand which
students and enhances self-esteem.
signifies giving from the heart, respect
All students may acquire a heightened
and commitment. The Elder/Senator
awareness and sensitivity that accepting your request will offer the
inevitably promotes anti-racist tobacco tie in prayer on his/her own.