The meeting opened with a Dené prayer by Alec Campbell, which he had
translated into English. Mr. Campbell had been asked to serve as an elder for
the meeting because of the community's respect for his knowledge, experience
and wisdom. He
mentioned that he did not see himself as an elder.
A fax from Lester Gardiner and a telephone call from Earl Stobbe explained why they were unable to attend this meeting, due to last minute unavoidable complications.
Elder Alec Campbell talked to the meeting about two pressing needs for Aboriginal
students: learning their Native language and developing a sense of discipline
(respect for elders and their teachings). Discussion ensued. Some of the salient
points are
summarized here:
a. An activity can bring students into contact with nature and can nurture a bonding among students through being a part of nature together. In such an activity, students tend to behave in respectful ways, even those who do not usually do so.
b. Children's 'play' activities with nature (but not with Western technology, e.g. video games) develop a relationship between a child and nature.
c. Behaving in respectful ways comes from having self-respect. Negativity of certain students can come from internalized anger. A relationship with nature can improve self-respect. We need to teach about nature to connect students with nature so a relationship with nature can be strengthened, and negativity can be muted.
d. Language maintenance is working in some communities. This helps students feel good about who they are. The Local Advisory People will help us produce units that value Aboriginal culture. It was agreed to title each unit with the community's Aboriginal language, and to use the local language as much as feasible and use it consistently throughout the unit.
1. Drafts of the units were presented, some typed out. Helpful and extensive discussions ensued over what resources to tap. The units are currently named as follows:
a. Kistigan (Cree), Wild Rice Gloria
b. Kikawînaw Askî Okicayiheikana (Cree), T't'ú Nih Honëshe Benakánëlni (Dené), Nature's Hidden Gifts Morris
c. Nittâwiciganak (Cree), Plants in My Community Lester
d. Asâmak (Michif), Snowshoes David
e. tts' usi Thëlai (Dené), Wanihikew (Cree), Trapping Keith
f. Tth'ën (Dené), Acâhkosak (Cree), The Night Sky Shaun
g. Kipimâcihowininaw ôta Kitaskînahk (Cree), Survival in Our Land Earl
2. Polaris telescopes (and the Stars and Planets book) were handed out, one
for each school. One was assembled by the group to familiarize themselves with
the directions for assembly and use. Glen suggested how to use the "Star Find"
software
that accompanied the telescope. The evening was cloudy so no night viewing was
possible.
3. It was announced that the CCSTU group had been awarded a grant of $10,000.00 from the Dr. Stirling McDowell Fund to support teacher meetings and attendance at STF sponsored conferences.
4. Recyclable cameras were handed out (2 per teacher) and their various uses
were discussed; for instance: for students (or teachers) to take pictures to
use in the final version of the unit, and for students to take pictures as a
learning/assessment activity
in any unit.
5. Glen is putting together a "power point" presentation that describes the CCSTU project. The first draft was viewed and suggestions for changes were made. The next version will be viewed at the CAPES meeting in La Ronge, June 10. The presentation will be enhanced as the project develops. Each teacher will eventually get a copy to use at community or professional meetings.
6. The general format of a unit was discussed. As editor of the series of units, Glen will endeavor to follow the following format: overview, table of contexts, purpose outline background information acknowledgments, lessons, appendices.
7. The next meeting was discussed.
August 20-21, Lakeview Hotel, Waskesiu.
a. Discussion of the units. Hard copies of most units will be sent to people prior to the meeting. Choose 3 or 4 for modifying with the LAP in the fall.
b. Discussion about cross-cultural teaching, led by Dr. June George, University of the West Indies.
c. Nature walk (with cameras) guided by certain teachers.
d. Discuss organizing Local Advisory People.
e. Review the letters of invitation and of thanks to the LAP, composed by Glen.
f. Clarify copyright issues. What can we use? and How do we apply to CanCopy?
g. View and critique the power point presentation.
h. Clarify production ideas with Saskatchewan Education people (if possible).