Best Practice #10: Culture

A quality adult literacy and basic education program appreciates and respects the diverse cultures of the learners and incorporates them into the program.

Many learners in the program are Aboriginal. The program recognizes the importance of valuing learners’ cultures and of giving voice to learners’ own cultural knowledge and perspectives.

Two men fishing on the shore of a lakeIntegrating on-the-land activities into the program reflects the commitment to incorporating learners’ cultures. During on-theland trips, learners take part in traditional activities such as the feeding the fire ceremony and sharing their stories.

Learners are encouraged to use their own language in class with their classmates—to clarify instructions for example. They are also encouraged to share their cultural knowledge with each other. Some learners bring crafts to class, such as sewing, to do during their lunch hour. Cultural events are held, where learners teach each other traditional skills, such as beading or games.

The program has also accessed funding from Heritage Canada to allow learners to participate in events on National Aboriginal Day on June 21st. This year, they displayed old photographs from Native Women’s Association events and asked people to identify who was in them. They offered bannock, tea and coffee to all their visitors. Crafts were sold and other information was available. Learners participated in every aspect of the event.