Below are three tasks that can be done to introduce pupils to indigenous world views:
What are the differences between western and indigenous world views?
- Watch this animation on youtube and make notes in the table below (you may need to watch a few times). Discuss in class afterwards:
(This video is produced by First Peoples Worldwide (http://firstpeoples.org/), an indigenous-run non-profit organization that funds local projects in indigenous communities all over the world)
| WESTERN KNOWLEDGE | INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE |
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2. What is your own world view? Make notes on what is important for you (things you believe in, things that you think are important in society, ethical and moral values, etc.)
Now watch this video in which an Elder, Susie Jones, from the Walpole Island First Nations located in Ontario, Canada, describes characteristics of an Aboriginal worldview (3:59). Note down the points that she makes about the aboriginal (indigenous) world view:
After watching: Which points do you have in common with those presented by Susie Jones? Did she mention any points that you think it would be good to include in your own world view? Did you have any points that were very different from hers? If so, why do you think that is?
3. Watch the video on this website made by Cree Elders in Canada about the relationship between indigenous people and water, and what western science can learn from them. Which points are being made in the video? Do you agree with them? Why/ why not?
http://www.sacredrelationship.ca
Further work:
To explore your world view further and how it has been formed, try this activity, made by an Aboriginal researcher in Australia.
After watching the video about water, have a look at the conflict over water that has been going on in North Dakota, USA.
Teach Indigenous Knowledge 