Global review of indigenous education: Issues of identity, culture, and language

Abstract

Introducing a topic as broad and important as indigenous education is difficult to do in a series of volumes, let alone in a single book. The focus of our book and this chapter is to highlight the interconnectedness of indigenous peoples in families, communities, nation states, and worldwide. We begin by defining foundational key terms (indigenous, indigeneity, and indigenous education) to provide readers with the standpoint from which we ground the focus of this book. We also introduce three issues of paramount importance to indigenous education-language, culture, and identity. The chapter also examines indigenous education literature from a global perspective as well as from six major geographic regions. Next, we introduce the 21 additional chapters in this book. Finally, a clarion-like call to action is made to indigenous leaders, policy makers, and educators everywhere to underscore the need that indigenous peoples have for representation, equality, and the ability to preserve their languages, cultures, and identities.