Developing culturally responsive teaching practices in first nations communities: Learning Anishnaabemowin and land-based teachings

Abstract

First Nations schools in northern Ontario have the dual responsibility of providing students with the skills and foundation to thrive in their community as well as in higher education outside of their community. This responsibility requires teachers to be capable of developing and implementing lessons that support academic excellence and cultural enrichment. The findings within this article are from a study that asked experienced First Nations and non-Native teachers how non-Native teachers can learn to develop culturally responsive lessons in remote First Nations schools. Within the findings, Anishnaabemowin (Native language) and land-based activities are explored as rich sources for non-Native teachers to learn to develop culturally responsive lessons. The article concludes with a discussion of the importance of linguistic and cultural learning through relationships with Elders, community members, and students.