The traditional education system was highly developed and effective. A child was thought of as a gift from the Creator to be nurtured and cared for by everyone in the community. Elders were the transmitters of knowledge and wisdom in the lifelong process of learning.

Two major educational techniques included

• storytelling
• observation and practice

Through the telling of stories, children quickly learned appropriate cultural behaviours like silence and independence. They learned such values as humility and respect. They also learned the history of their people and the connection they shared with the land.

Children were also encouraged to watch and then model behaviours of their Elders and parents. By observing, children learned accepted behaviours as well as physical skills that helped them survive, develop crafts, and so on.

Although the European education system and residential schools nearly wiped out this idea of education, the renewed strength of Aboriginal cultures shows that these educational values are still being practised today. In order to create an environment that will help stimulate learning, it is important that practitioners and volunteers understand the perceptions adult Aboriginal learners bring to a learning situation.

Also important to understand are the differences that still exist between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures. Please see the handouts in this unit for two charts covering differences in the use of language and differences in world view and learning in general.

Activity A

Aboriginal cultures

Removing Aboriginal children from their families and placing them in residential schools during the 1800s and 1900s, where they were not allowed to speak their first language or practise cultural traditions, undermined Aboriginal culture for generations. Many adults living off-reserve or away from Metis settlements today do not know their cultural traditions. Some are reconnecting with their heritage and others are not. Hence, tutors would not want to assume, but rather explore, in what ways each Aboriginal learner relates to his culture.