Session 3
1. Session 3
1.2. Inquiry 1
Session 3: Understanding Aboriginal Children and Their Families
Inquiry 1: Important Considerations
Our Father is the Sky!
Our Mother is the Earth!
Our Life is our song!
May our Songs Create joy!
May our Children always Smile.
Two Feathers (http://www.stumbleupon.com/s/#19asq7/www.spiritalk.net)
Just as the prior session was intended to improve your understandings of cultural diversity and how every person is unique, the teachings in this session are intended to improve your awareness and sensitivities when working with Aboriginal children and families.
It is important to note that these teachings are not expected to provide you with an in-depth understanding of Aboriginal peoples and cultures. Cultural awareness workshops offered in co-operation with Elders and other recognized resource people are available throughout Alberta, and are often offered by community organizations and friendship centres. If you are interested, conduct an Internet search to find out what resources exist in your community.
Many Aboriginal people approach life in a “holistic” way. This means that they consider themselves and everything else to be part of a greater purpose. Some people who are not of Aboriginal ancestry also believe this.
Checking My Understanding
Glossary of Terms
The intention in providing these working definitions is not to make distinctions that separate or label people. The intention is to clarify, educate, and create a sense of belonging and commonality for all participants.
Directions
Complete the “Glossary of Terms” drag-and-drop activity by dragging each definition to the appropriate term. As you make correct matches, additional information will appear. It is important that you read this additional information because it will be referred to in this session, and may even be on the Session Quiz.
Talking Circles
Talking circles are based on the sacred tradition of sharing circles. People leading a traditional sharing circle will have a blessing from an Elder to do this, and they will use special prayers and sacred objects in the ceremony.
The purposes of the less formal talking circle, sometimes used as part of day care or school instruction, is to create a safe environment where children can share their point of view with others. In a talking circle, all participants are equal and each belongs. Participants in a talking circle learn to listen to and respect the views of others. The intention is to open hearts to understand and connect with one other.
To see an example of a talking circle being used in a class, do an Internet search using the search term “Anne Tenning + talking circles videos.” Select one of the videos from the search results to hear a First Nations perspective of the importance of talking circles and storytelling.
Consider the following guidelines for talking circles:
- Participants sit in a circle. The circle symbolizes completeness.
- Ground rules are reviewed with participants. Consider the following sample rules:
– Each person’s contribution is equally important.
– State what you feel or believe by starting with “I” statements; e.g., “I feel . . . ”
– All comments are addressed directly to the question or issue, not to comments another person has made.
– Both negative and positive comments about what anyone else has to say should be avoided.
- An everyday object such as a rock or pencil is sometimes used as a talking object.
- When the talking object is placed in someone’s hands, it is that person’s turn to share his or her thoughts, without interruption. When that person has finished speaking, she or he passes the talking object to the next person in a clockwise direction.
- Whoever is holding the object has the right to speak and others have the responsibility to listen.
- Listeners listen in a nonjudgemental way to what the speaker is saying.
- Silence is an acceptable way for listeners to respond to what the speaker has said. When a person who does not want to talk receives the talking object, she or he says “I pass” and gives the talking object to the person to the left.
Speakers should feel free to express themselves in any way that is comfortable; by sharing a story, a personal experience, using examples or metaphors, and so on.
“Guidelines for Talking Circles,” Our Words, Our Ways: Teaching First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learners (2005). Aboriginal Services Branch, Alberta Education. Appendix 5, 163