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ERIC Number: EJ1357734
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1839-7387
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Wahkohtowin: Decolonizing Teacher Preparation for Rural, Urban and First Nations Schools
Wallin, Dawn C.; Scribe, Christopher
Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, v32 n2 p59-74 2022
This paper stories the creation of the Wahkohtowin teacher preparation model on Treaty 6 territory in Saskatchewan, Canada. The model was created out of an educational partnership that responded to the teachings of Nehiyaw (Cree) Indigenous Elders. We describe the theoretical framework of this Professional Development School (PDS) teacher preparation model that is designed to: decolonize teacher preparation in order to foster student learning and engagement; develop Nehiyaw teacher identity and proficiency; and support reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The foundational constructs of the Wahkohtowin model of teacher preparation include: relationality, ceremony, language, and child-centredness. The spirit of Wahkohtowin teacher preparation is premised on three intents. Firstly, teacher candidates are encouraged to be free to be themselves and share the gifts they bring to the school setting (tipéyimisowin). Secondly, they are encouraged to 'come home' to traditional teachings as they engage in cultural learning and identity formation (kiwewin). Thirdly, their pedagogical growth and development as teachers is fostered with the focus on relational pedagogies, inclusiveness, and community (mamáwi kiskinomasowin). We complete our paper by discussing the implementation of the Wahkohtowin model. We discuss the ways in which the model has had to shift to be responsive to: the unique relationships and contexts of different school systems; provincial budget cuts; the opportunity to expand the program into secondary schools; working with/through teacher turnover; the provision of language and cultural activities; land-based programming; professional development sessions; differing comfort levels and knowledge regarding Indigenous history and traditions; and the impact of COVID-19.
Society for the Provision of Education in Rural Australia. P.O. Box 659, Wembly, Western Australia 6913. Tel: +08-9285-0626; e-mail: admin@spera.asn.au; Web site: http://www.spera.asn.au/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A