How do we address these principles in art?

  • Begin by developing a personal interpretation of their meaning
  • Look for ways in which these principles can enhance the Big Ideas you are teaching
  • Watch for processes of discussing, sharing, and understanding that can be incorporated into your teaching
  • Share stories created by First Peoples authors and illustrators
  • Share First Peoples’ art works (especially from your local area)
  • Respect the right of First Nations to utilize their own symbols and heritage in their art works – do not have children copy First Peoples art, but rather, be inspired by the history, design, and ideas

*Information from EDCI 307A Powerpoint 5 on Brightspace – Kathleen Schmalz.

Personal response to First Peoples principles:

Consider the following questions when thinking about how you will incorporate the First Peoples Principles of Learning in your classroom:

  • How will you educate yourself so you feel able to share these principles?
  • How do these principles relate to the way you approach the world now?
  • Why is it important to discuss these principles with students as distinct concepts?
  • How can you start to incorporate First Peoples’ Principles into all your planning in an authentic way?

*Questions for EDCI 307A Powerpoint 5 on Brightspace – Kathleen Schmalz

Cultural Appreciation vs. Cultural Appropriation

It is important to distinguish these two terms to avoid cultural appropriation in the classroom.

  • Cultural Appropriation: When you take on the culturally respected aspects of an art form as if they were your own.
    • In schools, this has been present when teachers have their students copy First Peoples’ artwork.
  • To Culturally Appreciate, have students study the meaning, purpose, and design of First Peoples’ art to appreciate the meaning, purpose, and their beauty. Help students understand that over time, people have expressed their ideas differently, but what is common to all people is the desire to express through the arts. You can connect this to the Big Ideas in the curriculum and also the First Peoples’ Principles.
    • Have students create their own works using the Big Idea or First Peoples’ Principle. Including an inquiry component in a unit plan can help this process.

*Information from EDCI 307A Powerpoint 7 on Brightspace – Kathleen Schmalz.

http://www.fnesc.ca/first-peoples-principles-of-learning/