This section is full of timely and evidence-based practices to apply in your teaching.
In honor of November being Native American Heritage month, this week’s teaching tips focus on Indigenous Pedagogy. We also encourage you to listen to the Small Steps, Big Impact podcast conversation with Dr. Laura Pipe focusing on the importance of Indigenous pedagogy and the role of storytelling.
- Reflection. Marie Battiste reminds us of the Indigenous Learning Spirit that has been crushed by the colonizing powers. She encourages instructors to reflect deeply on our own pedagogy and advocates for practicing “Two Eyed Seeing: that is to normalize Indigenous knowledge in the curriculum so that both Indigenous and conventional perspectives and knowledges will be available,” which will enrich both the experience of Indigenous and other students in your class.
- Learning and Unlearning. Educating yourself as to Indigenous culture and trauma indigenous people have experienced caused by the white supremacy culture that has been imposed on them is the first important step. Tema Jon Okun a UNCG Graduate has written extensively on 16 characteristics of white supremacy, some of which are present in many cultural groups and worth educating oneself about and acknowledging those that may be present in your mind and teaching.
- Land Acknowledgement. Space is important in Indigenous culture. Acknowledging the theft of land from Indigenous tribes is another way to show respect. Consider acknowledging the original ownership of the land on which your establishment is built upon in your syllabus and other course materials. This native land map can show you who’s land you are occupying and this website gives you guidelines on how to craft your land acknowledgement. Such a statement shows your students you are aware of the injustices and indigenous people are not invisible in your classroom. The UNCG Sample Syllabus contains a sample land acknowledgement among other inclusive syllabus statements.