Decolonization, Indigenization, and First Peoples Principles of Learning

First Nations Education Steering Committee

The mandate of the FNESC, founded in 1992, is “to facilitate discussion about education matters affecting First Nations in BC by disseminating information and soliciting input from First Nations.  The primary goal is to promote and support the provision of quality education to First Nations learners in BC.”

Among the many resources on this site, you will find a list of recent publications, offered as free downloads.

First Peoples Principles of Learning

This poster describes a set of learning principles specific to First Peoples. The First Peoples Principles of Learning were articulated by Indigenous Elders, scholars and knowledge keepers to guide the development of the curriculum and teaching of the the English First Peoples course created by the BC Ministry of Education and First Nations Education Steering Committee in 2006/2007.

Jo-Anne Chrona maintains a blog with context and ways to explore these principles.

The Indigenous Mathematics K-12 Network

The Indigenous Mathematics Symposium began 10 years ago with 24 educators from across British Columbia meeting at the University of British Columbia. Since that first meeting, this network connects educators, community members, and administers across the province. The site contains many downloadable resources as well as a calendar of upcoming webinars.

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

The book explores Indigenous wisdom and Western approach to science, their differences, their similarities and how the two can work together. The author’s personal stories are powerful and enlightening as they weave together her own experience with Indigenous teachings and Western research.

Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King

The book is an examination of the representation and treatment of Indigenous peoples throughout history. Colonization and cultural appropriation are explored through personal stories, historical accounts and various pop culture references.

Dancing with a Ghost, Indigenous Healing, and Returning to the Teachings by Rupert Ross

The author draws on his experiences as a Crown prosecutor working with Indigenous communities to explore cultural approaches to justice, the meaning of reconciliation and the need for mutual respect and understanding.