Principles of Indigenous Education
#ReconciliACTIONatKPR
Did you know?
This hangs in every school in KPR.
It was created in 2018 with community partners.
It is a way we engage in Indigenous Education.
It is a lens.
It is a short statement.
It is for everyone at KPR.
In June 2022 and 2023, we invited KPR staff to participate in a survey about Indigenous Education at KPR:
In 2022, 52% of survey respondents shared they use the Principles of Indigenous Education as lens for their work.
In 2023, this increased to 63% of survey respondents sharing they use the Principles of Indigenous Education as a lens for their work.
Our goal is that 100% of KPR staff use the Principles of Indigenous Education as a lens for their work.
Do you want to review these at your staff meeting? Invite our team out to visit! We’d love to support you. Or you can lead this learning on your own with these materials.
Reflecting on the Principles of Indigenous Education
Principle #1:
We recognize that our learning gaps around Indigenous history, culture and perspectives are largely a result of a system that marginalized or ignored Indigenous people. Systemic changes are urgent and necessary to ensure that this does not continue.
Personal Reflection Questions
Let’s begin with the self. What do you recognize as your learning gaps around Indigenous history, culture and perspectives? Reflect on some key phrases: learning gaps, culture and perspective and systemic changes (see the chart below for more to consider).
What do these phrases mean to you?
How can these big ideas support social change?
Where do you see yourself in these phrases?
How often do you include or consider Indigenous perspectives in your work? How do the learning gaps you experienced in the past transfer to your work now?
What steps can you take to begin to close your own learning gaps first? What barriers do you notice? What systemic changes are needed?
What kind of time and attention will urgent systemic changes require from you?
What role will you play starting today and continuing over time to ensure that Indigenous people and perspectives are included and valued?
A good place to start to take action today is to engage in the Passport to Reconciliation.
Principle #2:
Given the gaps that exist in our own learning, some personal responsibility must be taken by everyone in the system to learn and unlearn.
Personal Reflection
What are some gaps that exist in your own learning when it comes to Indigenous education?
What do you need to unlearn?
What does shared responsibility and shared leadership look like in your school or department?
How can you contribute to broad-based collective action?
How do you demonstrate personal responsibility every day to learn and unlearn for the purpose of social change?
To help begin to close learning gaps, create a personal monthly reading and learning schedule using the resources recommended by the Indigenous Education Department.
Principle #3:
Indigenous education is for all students in all schools. Every KPRDSB employee plays a role in realizing this goal.
Personal Reflection
How do you learn about Indigenous Education?
To see the connection between your role and Indigenous Education more clearly, where can you go for help? (Hint: The Indigenous Education Department is a good place to start.)
What part can you play in the shift to shared leadership and shared ownership?
Consider the Holistic Approach to Indigenous Education. What do you need to do to prepare the soil?
Principle #4:
We walk alongside Indigenous communities in bringing this learning to our students. Authentic voice is important.
Personal Reflection
What do you know about the Indigenous communities connected to KPR?
How do you ensure that you are centering an authentic voice (even in your resources)?
What does it mean to walk alongside? How would you describe your current situation when it comes to bringing this learning to students?
Principle #5:
In making decisions about how Indigenous Education happens in our schools, we respect the principle of “Nothing about us without us”.
Personal Reflection
When considering your practice, how will you identify that Indigenous voices are missing?
Consider when to include Indigenous voices in your practice- how are you intentionally including authentic voices any time you engage in Indigenous Education in any way?
When developing a program, learning opportunity, policy or communication to the system, ask yourself how Indigenous voices have been included at every step of the process. If Indigenous voices haven’t been included, consider reflecting on why, to ensure better representation moving forward.
Principle #6:
Indigenous Education is more than learning about the history of the relationship between Indigenous people and settlers on this land. It values current Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing.
Personal Reflection
What do you know about the First Nation, Metis, and Inuit people who currently live in your territory?
How have you engaged in the Passport to Reconciliation as a way to learn more about current Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing?
Have you reflected on the role of Elders and Traditional Knowledge holders in the classroom?
What is your role in actively creating a sense of belonging for Indigenous students, families, and staff?
Principle #7:
Indigenous education acknowledges the primacy of relationship to the land and to each other, and recognizes that Indigenous languages are integral to these relationships.
Personal Reflection
What do you know about Land Acknowledgements? This professional development can support your learning.
What learning have you done about Indigenous Languages? How will you support Indigenous language learning in your practice? This link has a wealth of information for you.
Slide Deck Reflection with the KPR Principles of Indigenous Education for Staff
Use this worksheet below to refect on how you will bring these principles to life in your work. Page 1 is blank for your notes. Page 2 provides some examples.
