Abstracts
Abstract
This paper reports on a Talking Circle of six beginning Aboriginal teachers who discussed their roles as teachers. Participants criticized teacher education programs for not preparing them to teach in ways that are respectful of Aboriginal languages and culture. They discussed the importance of coming to know themselves and their culture. The paper concludes with suggestions for decolonizing teacher preparation so that Aboriginal teachers are enabled as protectors of Aboriginal culture and brokers with Euro-Canadian culture.
Résumé
Cet article fait le compte-rendu des révélations faites par six nouveaux enseignants d’origine autochtone au cours d’un cercle de discussion sur leur rôle d’enseignant. Les participants ont reproché aux programmes de formation des maîtres de ne pas les préparer à enseigner de manière respectueuse du langage et de la culture autochtones. Par ailleurs, ils ont souligné l’importance d’apprendre à se connaître et à explorer leur culture. En conclusion, les auteurs suggèrent des approches pour décoloniser la préparation des enseignants d’origine autochtone afin de leur permettre d’agir comme protecteurs de la culture autochtone et agents d’échange culturel avec la culture euro-canadienne.
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Appendices
Acknowledgement
This research is supported by a 2-year Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) grant from the Canadian government.
Notes biographiques
Julian Kitchen is an associate professor in the Faculty of Education of Brock University. His research interests include teacher education and Aboriginal education.
JULIAN KITCHEN est professeur associé à la Faculté des sciences de l’éducation de l’Université Brock. Ses intérêts de recherche ciblent la formation des futurs enseignants et l’éducation des autochtones.
Lorenzo Cherubini is an associate professor in the Faculty of Education of Brock University. The focus of his SSHRC-funded research is Aboriginal education and policy analysis.
LORENZO CHERUBINI est professeur associé à la Faculté des sciences de l’éducation de l’Université Brock. Ses recherches, subventionnées par le CRSH, explorent l’éducation des autochtones et l’analyse des politiques éducationnelles.
Lyn Trudeau is Ojibway, Eagle Clan. She is an M.Ed. student and Graphic Artist/Designer at Tecumseh Centre for Aboriginal Research and Education.
LYN TRUDEAU est originaire du clan ojibway Eagle. Elle poursuit ses études de maîtrise et travaille comme designer graphiste au Centre Tecumseh de recherche et d’éducation autochtones.
Janie Hodson is the Administrative Coordinator in the Tecumseh Centre for Aboriginal Research and Education. She has worked in healing and wellness in the Aboriginal community for over 15 years.
JANIE HODSON est la coordonnatrice à l’administration du Centre Tecumseh de recherche et d’éducation autochtones. Elle a oeuvré à la guérison et bien-être au sein des communautés autochtones pendant plus de 15 ans.
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