Online resource helps K-12 teachers bring Indigenous storytelling into the classroom

Calgary, AB – A University of Calgary online database will help teachers build the foundational knowledge and competencies they require for integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into K-12 classrooms. Initiated by Werklund School of Education’s Aubrey Hanson, PhD, associate professor, and Erin Spring, PhD, associate professor, the website Books to Build On: Indigenous Literatures for Learning was launched in April and provides details on more than 250 books, poems, songs, art collections and websites by Indigenous creators from Treaty 7 territory and across North America.

Lesson plans outlining how the resources can be applied in the classroom accompany many of the entries. Hanson and Spring believe that teachers who consult the repository will be assured of addressing both the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s education-related Calls to Action, as well as Alberta Education’s Teaching Quality Standard, which requires K-12 educators to support the learning of all students by using resources that reflect the diversity of Indigenous communities.

Invitation to diverse relationships

In addition to fulfilling these mandates, Hanson feels sharing stories helps build connections.

Stories are a powerful way into the relational learning of Indigenous education as they invite educators into relationships with diverse peoples and perspectives, as well as into increased understandings of their responsibilities.

-Aubrey Hanson, PhD, associate professor, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary

Having taught for many years before joining the Werklund School of Education, Hanson and Spring understand the challenges educators face, as well as the concerns they may have when it comes to properly providing inclusive learning experiences for their students.

Springboard for teachers

Teachers are often afraid of making mistakes or appropriating cultures or knowledge. This website will provide them with a springboard for engaging in this work in a meaningful way. We hope that engaging with this website will be a seed for future work in this area.

-Erin Spring, PhD, associate professor, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary

To ensure the content included in the database accurately reflects Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, the project team worked closely with Indigenous community members. Werklund School of Education alumni, faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students also collaborated on the initiative, with more than 40 current teachers advising on the lesson plans.

Wider curriculum review underway

The team is also leading a curriculum review of the Werklund School of Education’s undergraduate courses. The curriculum mapping will help prepare future teachers to Indigenize their classroom practice from day one.

While the primary audience for the database is teachers, it can benefit anyone interested in exploring Indigenous texts and expanding their understanding of Indigenous communities. Resources can be filtered by age recommendation, school subject, theme, format and keyword, so parents can easily find appropriate material to share with their children.

NOTE – Dr. Hanson is available for interviews Tuesday, September 7, Wednesday, September 8 and Friday, September 10.

Media inquiries

Clayton MacGillivray
Communications Coordinator
Werklund School of Education
clmacgil@ucalgary.ca

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is a global intellectual hub located in Canada’s most enterprising city. In our spirited, high-quality learning environment, students thrive in programs made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. Our strategy drives us to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, engaging the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.' For more information, visit ucalgary.ca/eyeshigh.

For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. Stay up to date with University of Calgary news headlines on Twitter @UCalgary. For details on faculties and how to reach experts go to our media center at ucalgary.ca/newsroom.