David Perley

Ihkatuwin ‘Ciw Wolokehkitimok

(Guardian for Holistic Learning)

Phone:     (506) 273-5535

Fax:          (506) 273-5534

Email:      david.perley@neqotkuk.ca

““If my children are proud, if my children have identity, if my children know who they are and if they are proud to be who they are, they’ll be able to encounter anything in life. I think this is what education means.”  (First Nation Mother)

I believe that every child has a learning spirit which responds in a positive way to a culturally based learning environment. Elders and culturally grounded educators recognize that the learning spirit is nourished by our ancestral language, traditions, teachings, and ceremonies. This in turn leads to students developing a strong cultural foundation and tremendous pride in their Wolastoqey identity. Studies have shown that cultural pride and a positive self-esteem have a significant impact on academic outcomes and a sense of well-being.

Considering the impacts of culture on academic and social-well-being, it is imperative for the Tobique Education Department to develop and implement a culturally based education system for our students attending Mah-Sos, Andover Elementary, PAMS and Southern Victoria High schools. Culturally based education is defined as follows:

“Education which reflects, validates, and promotes the values, world views, and language of the community’s culture. Culturally based education is intended to honor all forms of knowledge, ways of knowing and world views equally. The goal of culturally based education is to support all students through affirmation of their culture. It builds a sense of pride and self-esteem, which is the best gift any teacher can give to his/her students.” (NWT Teacher Induction Program)

Guided by culturally based education principles, Mah-Sos school will become a healing place which nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of each student. It provides holistic, quality education with a focus on the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual development of our children. Consequently, our students will acquire literacy and numeracy skills in a learning environment where best practices are infused with Wolastoqey worldviews, traditions, teachings, language, and knowledge system.

If adopted by public schools, culturally based education will honour Wolastoqey language and culture. Teachers will be culturally competent and therefore adopt teaching strategies appropriate for Wolastoqi student’s learning styles. In addition, teachers will recognize the value of incorporating Wolastoqey content into all subject areas. Finally, teachers and administrators will establish relationships with parents by participating in cultural activities/events organized and delivered by Tobique First Nation.

Our ancestral Wolastqey term “Wolokehkitimok” could be interpreted as “culturally based education”. “Wolokehkitimok” is a place where holistic teachings are taught and practiced. These teachings include self-respect, respecting others, sharing, harmony, honesty, wisdom, kinship, humility, patience, truth, interdependence, and many more shared by our respected Elders. Instilling these values within our students builds a strong character rooted in Wolastoqey cultural foundation. Our Elders view these teachings as “Wolokehkitimkil” and embracing these teachings will guide the actions of each student as they interact with classmates, teachers, parents, community members and the natural environment.

It is an honour and privilege to have the sacred responsibility of developing an education system rooted in our cultural foundation in consultation with all stakeholders (Elders, parents, teachers, principals, administrators, Chief and Council). Culturally based education nourishes the learning spirit and helps our students to reach their full potential. Culturally based education encourages parents to be involved in the education of their children. Culturally based education establishes positive relationships among stakeholders as they work together to address the academic, social, and cultural needs of Tobique students. Finally, culturally based education places the child at the centre of the Circle of Learning.

I am also convinced that culturally based education will ultimately help Tobique to reach its goal of self-determination. Our graduates will be culturally grounded, and they will have the professional knowledge/skills and various trades required for a self-governing body. They will assist in developing and implementing culturally grounded programs, services and initiatives designed to improve the social, cultural, and economic conditions of Tobique First Nation. In essence, they will assume their roles as agents of revival for language, culture, and self-governing principles.

Psiw Ntulnapemok!

Note:   I have decided to adopt the title Ihkatuwin ‘Ciw Wolokehkitimok (Guardian for Holistic Learning) rather than Director of Education because the Wolastoqey concept accurately reflects my sacred responsibility in forging a culturally based education system in Tobique and the three public schools in Andover.