I owe a debt of gratitude to many people this week who have pointed me in a direction that will allow a better unfolding of the process during our First Nations Inquiry. Jana Scott Lindsay, Denise Montgomery, Cami Boyko, and the work of Neil Stephenson and Jane Krauss were instrumental in this.
It turns out that coming up with an essential question is the hardest part of developing an inquiry. I think I've finally got one.
We make judgements of inferiority/superiority and what type of knowledge has value. First Nations people hold a body of knowledge that is unique and valuable, but that hasn't always been valued.* How are the knowledge, skills, insights and worldview of First Nations people relevant today?
Launching an inquiry with a compelling event is key to triggering curiosity. We will begin with the ultimate devaluing of First Nations culture and knowledge: Residential Schools. In that decision to strip First Nations of their culture and identity, what was missed? We will then shift into our exploration of FN cultures to build a knowledge base and to develop deep appreciation of how FN perspectives could hold solutions to our problems today.
*Cami Boyko
The google doc that was posted previously documenting the development of the inquiry is currently being updated. It will be reposted soon. If you are looking for information on inquiry based learning, this is a great site: http://www.bie.org/
It turns out that coming up with an essential question is the hardest part of developing an inquiry. I think I've finally got one.
We make judgements of inferiority/superiority and what type of knowledge has value. First Nations people hold a body of knowledge that is unique and valuable, but that hasn't always been valued.* How are the knowledge, skills, insights and worldview of First Nations people relevant today?
Launching an inquiry with a compelling event is key to triggering curiosity. We will begin with the ultimate devaluing of First Nations culture and knowledge: Residential Schools. In that decision to strip First Nations of their culture and identity, what was missed? We will then shift into our exploration of FN cultures to build a knowledge base and to develop deep appreciation of how FN perspectives could hold solutions to our problems today.
*Cami Boyko
The google doc that was posted previously documenting the development of the inquiry is currently being updated. It will be reposted soon. If you are looking for information on inquiry based learning, this is a great site: http://www.bie.org/
Hi Heidi,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing. We are starting a First Nations Unit with our Grade 5/6 class. The essential question you developed is great. Can we use it? Also, do you have the book called "Shin-chi's Canoe? It's about two children and their experience in residential School. It's written by Nicola I. Campbell. Cheers, Louise