The impact of a system wide integration of Indigenous Knowledge on students, staff and community

Paap, Beth The history of the American public school system has used a curriculum and educational approach that lacks a diversity of cultural epistemologies and pedagogy. Of note is a profound lack of Indigenous Knowledge subjects taught. This research explored what impact a system wide integration of Indigenous Knowledge had on students, staff and community. The literature review consisted of three strands; a historical look at American public school beginnings, secondly, curriculum development and design and lastly a review of the literature on the culturally responsive educational movement with particular attention to the education of Native American students. As a qualitative case study the Indigenous Research Paradigm framework was employed with field observations and interviews as methods of data collection. The Indigenous Knowledge subject studied was one season of iskigamizigan (Ojibwe sugarbush). The sample group participants shared stories that learning about and participating in iskigamizigan was impactful. Impact was reflected in; heightened cultural connections, cultural identity, intergenerational connections and a broader worldview. This research helps to legitimize Indigenous Knowledge subjects as scholarly and offers valuable cultural connections to students, staff and community. This research supports the revitalization of public school education in ways that honor the worldview of the diversity of students. It also reminds the reader that public schools should be community schools, welcoming community members to help create a robust and meaningful community of teachers and learners.

Grantor dc:publisher

Alverno College

Year dc:date

2023

Author dc:creator

• Paap, Beth

• Indigenous peoples--Education
• Indigenous peoples--North America
• Indigenous peoples--Study and teaching
• Culturally relevant pedagogy

Statement dc:rights

• These materials may be used by individuals and libraries for personal use, research, teaching (including distribution to classes), or for any fair use as defined by U.S. Copyright Law.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://alverno.omeka.net/items/show/889

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:alverno.omeka.net:889