Critical Pedagogy in a Māori-Medium Setting

Abstract

Authentic self-determination for indigenous peoples within secondary schools means making legitimate and meaningful ‘space’ for an indigenous worldview which is reflected throughout the curriculum. A Māori-medium setting in a mainstream school provides the perfect background for this as it inherently challenges the status quo that perpetuates the language and culture of the subjugating dominant culture. It is argued here that through a collaborative approach that emphasizes critical pedagogy, indigenous learners can be given the opportunity to succeed on their own terms and through their own indigenous culture and language. The teachings of the critical pedagogues can be brought into a bilingual classroom to liberate the minds of our Māori students.