Presented By: Charlene Sibley
For: ADED 4F32, Brock University
Aboriginal Pedagogy and the Medicine Wheel
Welcome to the Aboriginal way of knowing, learning and connecting with all of creation. Aboriginal society perceives the process of learning, as a way of knowing, accomplished through the use of all the senses, the mind, the body, the spirit and the emotions. Prior to colonization, education existed in a non-formal manner and revolved around all cultural practices, including language, oral teachings, prayer, music, dance, spiritual and social ceremonies, rites of passage, housing, even clothing, adornment, art, tools, and object creation. Relationship was with Creator, and the belief that all things are connected. Although, attempts at education of Aboriginal people happened many moons ago, this culture of people are still struggling to find their voice, to fully embrace their lost culture, and to diminish stereotypes and labels that were attached with the fall out of inter-generational effects.
The belief within this Culture is that all aspects of self are interconnected and dependent upon the other to achieve balance and well-being. This holistic approach sees self at the core and comprised of all four dimensions throughout all processes in life. How we function in society, how we craft our relationships with others, how we engage in a meaningful learning process can all be viewed from this holistic standpoint. Embracing Aboriginal philosophies within the learning environment adds value to the learner’s journey and adds new experiential methods and tools for the adult educator.
Welcome to the Aboriginal way of knowing, learning and connecting with all of creation. Aboriginal society perceives the process of learning, as a way of knowing, accomplished through the use of all the senses, the mind, the body, the spirit and the emotions. Prior to colonization, education existed in a non-formal manner and revolved around all cultural practices, including language, oral teachings, prayer, music, dance, spiritual and social ceremonies, rites of passage, housing, even clothing, adornment, art, tools, and object creation. Relationship was with Creator, and the belief that all things are connected. Although, attempts at education of Aboriginal people happened many moons ago, this culture of people are still struggling to find their voice, to fully embrace their lost culture, and to diminish stereotypes and labels that were attached with the fall out of inter-generational effects.
The belief within this Culture is that all aspects of self are interconnected and dependent upon the other to achieve balance and well-being. This holistic approach sees self at the core and comprised of all four dimensions throughout all processes in life. How we function in society, how we craft our relationships with others, how we engage in a meaningful learning process can all be viewed from this holistic standpoint. Embracing Aboriginal philosophies within the learning environment adds value to the learner’s journey and adds new experiential methods and tools for the adult educator.