Our school doesn’t have a lot of material or other resources that would help with aboriginal studies or even with much about aboriginal awareness. I suppose that is to be expected at a school that focuses on South Asian culture instead. I have given thought to how we could integrate that sort of learning within the purview of South Asian culture. I think it would go a long way to creating an atmosphere of inclusion and understanding of how colonialism affected each culture in different and similar ways.
I have recently been in a discussion with someone that much of the push for aboriginal studies could be seen as viewing education with a view to first people’s principles of learning, and that tends to make things a lot more reasonable, and more sense as well.
Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors.
Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place).
Learning involves recognizing the consequences of one’s actions.
Learning involves generational roles and responsibilities.
Learning recognizes the role of indigenous knowledge.
Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story.
Learning involves patience and time.
Learning requires exploration of one’s identity.
Learning involves recognizing that some knowledge is sacred and only
shared with permission and/or in certain situations.
