Plain Talk 8: Cultural Competency

8.3. The Practice of Cultural Competency in First Nations Education

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The Practice of Cultural Competency in First Nations Education

Cultural competency is a mindset or way of viewing the world. For those who commit to culturally competent practices it represents a paradigmatic shift from viewing others as problematic to viewing how one works with people different from one’s self in a manner to ensure effective practices

Cultural competence values the role that culture plays in the development of a child in both a traditional and modern context.
Cultural competence values the role that culture plays in the development of a child in both a traditional and modern context.

Cultural competency in First Nations education means adopting and implementing a number of relevant practices and strategies.

“Today, there is another significant shift in how Aboriginal education is being approached. Each province and territory is seeking more authentic ways to engage with Aboriginal communities to ensure that Aboriginal worldview (customs, language, resources) is respectfully represented in schools.”

-Pamela Rose Toulouse

Effective cultural education practices involve opportunities for experiential land on-the-land learning. It dispels the notion that learning must happen in the classroom.
Effective cultural education practices involve opportunities for experiential land on-the-land learning. It dispels the notion that learning must happen in the classroom.
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