Indigenous Knowledge

“Indigenous Knowledge has always existed”

(Battiste, 2002, p. 4)

As educators and community members embark on their journey to including Indigenous Ways of Knowing, many come to wonder, what is Indigenous Knowledge? Indigenous Epistemology? and Pedagogy? And, how can I start including it in the classroom?

Indigenous Knowledge

Indigenous knowledge can be explained as the accumulated wisdom, experiences, and cognizant practices developed over time by Indigenous people. Knowledge encompasses a variety of important aspects, such as relationships, culture, paradigms, customs, values and learning (Little Bear, 2009). Indigenous knowledge has a wholistic worldview, and is grounded on a phenomenon that everything is interconnected with each other (Frieson, 2000). It incorporates a wide variety of knowledge, systems, relationships, elements and more. There is no one discipline to explain the world around us. For example, chemistry, math, psychology, etc. all have a particular way, or discipline to explain, describe, interpret, and give meaning. Indigenous knowledge also encompasses a spiritual element as well. There is an interconnectedness of us all to the physical things around us and there is a belief that spirit exists within them too (Alberta Education, 2005). This approach teaches people that the decisions we make for ourselves have an impact in the world around us. And that we must consider that what we do may impact others. This teaching style can help children with the following:

Our actions impact others
Develop a sense of responsibility and awareness of those around us
Develop the value of community and working together.
Build a sense connection to the classroom, people, and community
Help with building a sense of individual identity and differences with each other, but also that we are still connected.
Helping others is important.

Indigenous culture has a very important role in knowledge as it is a collective agreement between community members that helps determine beliefs, customs, values and sanctions (Little Bear, 2009). Please note that while some Indnigenous communities may be similar to another rnation, for example the Cree people, it is important to remember that communities can vary from each other, and it is always important to ask first, rather than assume people are alike.

Indigneous Paradigms is underlying cognitive map that guides assumptions, values, and practices that outline Indigenous worldviews (Getty, 2010). Some of these assumptions include that everything has energy and spirit, and this is taught in Indigenous teachings. Furthermore, the importance of Mother Earth and our connection to her is also important and once again many teachings are on land-based teachings. Land-based teachings are ecological in nature, connection, well-being, the relationship, healing, and learning from place, and self-sustainment, and more (Little bear, 2009).

Cultural values can be described as a set of beliefs, practices and principals that help guide people (Psychology, 2020). As mentioned previously, Indigneous cultures and communities are unique among themselves so it would be hard to define exactly what Indigenous values would be. However, many Indigenous nations use the teachings found on this website, under ‘Teachings’.

Indigenous Epistemology & Pedagogy

Now that Indigenous Knowledge has been defined, Indigenous epistemology and pedagogy related to education can now be explored. Indigenous epistemology is Indigenous knowledge (that has been described above) that is included in education and as Marie Bittiste describes it further, it is founded on “theories, philosophies, histories, ceremonies and stories” (Battiste, 2002, p. 18). Furthermore, many Indigenous epistemology is interconnected on dimensions of emotional, spiritual, mental and physical knowledge (Open Text, BC, 2020).

Indigenous Pedagogy can be as described as the delivery of Indigenous Knowledge and is especially important to include a variety of sources and teaching methods (Little Bear, 2009):

Educators - Include a variety of educators that include community members, Elders, role models, parents, Knowledge Keepers, Youth Mentors and Youth themselves.
Experiential Learning - is a hands on approach to learning that includes students being active in their learning. For example, students can learn when they are included in daily life activities such as cooking, beading, berry picking, hunting, etc. (Jang, 2018)
Land based teachings - Indigenous knowledge is tied to land in various ways: where medicines are gathered, transfer of knowledge, where stories are told, ceremonies are held and to landscapes and landforms (Battiste, 2002, p. 13). It would be helpful to begin your journey on land-based teachings with either a Elder or Knowledge Keeper.
Language - Is about learning and teaching Indigenous languages throughout the curriculum. Indigneous languages hold so much meaning and can be further described in the Language subsection of this website.
Indigenous Storytelling - serves as a tool for teaching theory, proving moral direction, and a way to transmit culture and traditions (Brayboy, 2006). Please note, there are stories that can only be told certain times of the year and it is important to speak with an Indigneous mentor or community member to find out what they are. Some great stories to start with are: Story of Turtle Island or Sky Women, please see treaties in this section.

Additional methods of Indigenous teaching

- Acknowledging local Indigenous territories, cultures & languages.

- Creating partnerships with local Indigenous communities and organizations.

-Incorporate and include Indigenous values (see teachings in this website).

- Sharing/Talking circles.

- Reflection & Journals.

- Offering a wide variety of books and resources by Indigenous authors and writers

- Incorporating print material or posters of Indigenous teachings in the classroom walls, such as the seven sacred grandfather teachings.

- Go on Field trips to Indigenous places, please see the ‘Field trips’ subsection of this website.

- Provide workshops related to Indigenous education, knowledge or ways of life.

- Allowing students to do class presentations or story / drama performances.

The list provided here is not limited to them, there are a wide variety of tools, resources and people that can help with your journey!

Helpful resources / articles

Naturalizing Indigenous Knowledge: Synthesis Paper

by Dr. Leroy Little Bear

Old Ways are the New Way Forward

by Chaw-win-is & Jean-Paul Restoule

Supporting Aboriginal Student Success: Self-Esteem and Identity, A Living Teachings Approach

by Dr. Pamala Rose Toulouse.