The Research Problem and Rationale for This Study
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HEARTS AROUND THE FIRE: FIRST NATIONS WOMEN TALK ABOUT PROTECTING AND PRESERVING FIRST NATIONS CULTURES IN SASKATCHEWAN PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEMS A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction University of Regina by Laura L.M. Whiteman Regina, Saskatchewan March 2009 © 2009: Laura L.M. 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While these forms may be included Bien que ces formulaires aient inclus dans in the document page count, their la pagination, il n'y aura aucun contenu removal does not represent any loss manquant. of content from the thesis. •+• Canada Abstract What wisdom and advice is found when First Nations women, as keepers of our traditions and cultures, come together to talk about preserving and protecting First Nations cultures in Saskatchewan public school systems? Using a narrative inquiry that emphasizes the oral traditions of First Nations cultures, I embarked on a research study with Judy Bear (Plains Cree) and Georgina Musqua (Saulteaux) to talk about public education in Saskatchewan. As we shared our personal narratives, we connected our present dialogue with the ancestors of our past, and simultaneously, we spoke with hopefulness for our future generations. The teaching of 'seven generations', shared with me by more than one Elder, tells us that our individual identities are much greater than simply being one person in the present. As First Nations people, we are never alone. "We live in a Spirit World" so walk with our ancestors, and all those yet to come (the future generations). My reflections following visits with Elders often settle on the feeling of comfort in learning about our cultures. The stereotypical views that have grown in society, which depict First Nations people as uncivilized and unable, are in contrast to the wholistic values that I hear Elders describe. These values still exist in our Elders today, to guide our lives and enable us to raise healthy, happy children who will contribute to thriving communities. This research provides an example of academic research that combines a Western methodology with First Nations oral tradition. To further reinforce First Nations oral traditions, I used a videography to produce my analysis and findings. The videography was developed into a DVD that connects to the written thesis, and provided an important tool that ensured the words, described by the women as 'sacred breath', remained with the speaker rather than removed and processed by me onto paper. The decision to work with women was determined through my reflection about the silence, or absence, of First Nations women's voices in the shaping of history. This reflection prompted my research to examine the roles of women in our traditional societies, which has not been widely documented. Much of our traditional knowledge about child-rearing and education remains in the oral traditions of our people. This thesis, and accompanying DVD, enables readers/viewers to see the values within traditional pedagogical practices as potential, indeed, critical components in creating wholistic public education systems that support all learners and affirm the identities of the First Nations children and young people in our schools. n UNIVERSITY OF REGINA FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES AND RESEARCH SUPERVISORY AND EXAMINING COMMITTEE Laura L.M. Whiteman, candidate for the degree of Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, has presented a thesis titled, Hearts Around the Fire: First Nations Women Talk About Protecting and Preserving First nations' Cultures in Saskatchewan Public Education Systems, in an oral examination held on Friday, January 23, 2009. The following committee members have found the thesis acceptable in form and content, and that the candidate demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject material. External Examiner: Dr. Carrie Bourassa, Department of Science First Nations University of Canada Supervisor: Dr. Linda M. Goulet, Department of Indigenous Education, First Nations University of Canada Committee Member: Dr. Warren Wessel, Faculty of Education Committee Member: Dr. Helen Christiansen, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Educaiton Chair of Defense: Dr. Lynn Wells, Faculty of Arts Acknowledgements The researcher extends gratitude to the Faculty of Graduate Studies Research, in particular Dr. Linda Goulet (First Nations University of Canada), Dr. Helen Christiansen, Dr. Warren Wessel, and Elder Ken Goodwill for their support and guidance. Acknowledgement is also given, along with tremendous gratitude, to the selection committees of the Queen Elizabeth II Scholarship and the J. Orrison Burgess Scholarship. The completion of my thesis was done in the hopes of honouring the privilege of receiving these prestigious awards. Acknowledgement goes to Shannon Avison, Director of the INCA Program at First Nations University of Canada, who coordinated technical support for the creation of the video. Thanks to Helder Carvyal and Trudy Stewart who did the videotaping and sound recording. The video was shot in a very serene and peaceful location - the Native Health Services counselling/healing room at the Pasqua Hospital - the staff were very kind and welcoming. I acknowledge, with gratitude, the women who worked with me on this research, Georgina Musqua and Judy Bear. These women represent the strength, beauty and resilience of our traditional grandmothers; they are an inspiration to me. There were many other traditional teachers who guided this work: Peter Nippi (Nakawe), Ken Goodwill (Dakota), Danny Musqua (Saulteaux), Willie Ermine (Woodland Cree), Barb Frazer (Northern Cree), Florence Carrier (Plains Cree), Wilma Kennedy (Nakoda) and, my husband, Lome Carrier (Plains Cree). iii Post-Defence Acknowledgement Thank you to the external examiner, Dr. Carrie Bourassa, and to Dr. Val Mulholland, whose support and advice were greatly appreciated. Dedication To Creator and the grandmothers and grandfathers who have guided me through this work. Mitakuye Oyasin\ To all First Nations children - past, present and future. May we all return to a place of knowing you as our treasured and sacred gifts. Help us to listen, and to learn from you. To my children, who are patient and kind, generous and funny! To my husband, Lome - to whom I am grateful for supporting my learning journey, and for sharing my life journey. To my employer, the Ministry of Education, and particularly my colleagues in the First Nations and Metis Education Branch, who provided me with the time and flexibility to complete this research. To my friend, Cheryl, for igniting the sparks of creativity! Finally, to my mothers, who inspire me to write and reflect. v Table of Contents Abstract i Acknowledgements iii Post-Defence Acknowledgement iv Dedication v List of Plates viii Chapter 1: Research through the Eyes of an Indigenous Researcher 1 Prologue: What is Different about this Thesis? 1 Reading and Viewing this Thesis and Accompanying DVD 1 Introduction 2 Reflections of Self in the Classroom: The Importance of Belonging 5 Honouring and Awakening the Learning Spirit 8 Acknowledging Those Who Were Here, and Those Yet to Come 11 Chapter 2: The Research Problem and Rationale for this Study 13 Now, More than Ever, We Must Act with Urgency for Future Generations 14 Demographic Data has Caused Us All to Think about our Future 16 Animating and Teaching through Natural Cycles: The Wheel of Life 18 The Significance of Land: The Spirit of Place 21 The Significance of Language: The Spirit of Breath 23 An Invitation to Share: Wisdom of the Old People in Public Education 26 Chapter 3: Visioning the Centre: The Purpose of this Research 31 Honouring the Oral Traditions of First Nations through Narrative Inquiry 32 The Research is Strengthened by Oral Traditions 38 The Research is