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A Culturally Relevant Education

The following are recommendations for teachers who teach second-language speakers:

·        provide a multicultural education for all children

·        become familiar with, and appreciate the ways of, our community

·        identify and emphasize positive Dene values

·        become knowledgeable of the six Dene seasons

·        develop the child’s self-concept

·        adapt instruction to the child’s learning style

·        inspire high but fair expectations

·        involve the parents, elders and community people

·        promote cooperation, self-reliance and group decision making

·        instill pride and respect for self, others and school property

·        show respect for the elders and our leadership.

Listed below are 11 learning styles that take into account ways that Native Americans learn:

·        recognize, encourage and use alternate ways of learning

·        learn about the child’s early training

·        use family techniques of teaching such as modeling

·        let children learn from their peers

·        lower the stress of oververbalization by slowing down speech when necessary

·        teach listening skills

·        advance holistic intuitive learning

·        emphasize application of the information in students’ daily lives

·        promote active learning strategies – observe learning ways of the students

·        teach through the arts, dance, music, and local art

Student Achievement

To inspire higher achievement by students:

·        let students help each other succeed; never stop them from conversing in Dene

·        be an enthusiastic motivator

·        accept humor and make school fun

·        learn to use effective positive reinforcement

·        provide a challenging curriculum

·        ask higher level questions, develop their thinking skills

·        use evaluation to improve learning

·        emphasize strengths, not weaknesses to avoid creating animosity with the students

·        recognize student potential

·        teach self-motivation

·        help students to visualize dreams, to learn set goals, and to follow through with a plan

·        challenge the students

·        reinforce effort by honoring achievement

·        teach through stories and legends.

Culture Camp Orientation

Every year before school starts, a culture camp is held for teachers.  Participating in a day camp by the lake serves two purposes.  The culture camp:

1.      helps teachers establish relationships among themselves, the elders and community people

2.      gives teachers an opportunity to be introduced to Dene culture and language and community members in a relaxing and a fun environment. 

Camping Equipment

The following are some suggested camping supplies.

·        a sleeping bag (optional - only if staying overnight)

·        foam to sleep on (an air mattress)

·        raincoat, rubber boots

·        a warm jacket (it cools off at night)

·        cup, plate, utensils (your own)

·        a sharp knife

·        personal toiletries

·        bug repellent

·        camera (optional)

·        a cooler filled with junk food

·        fishing rod, tackle and an anglers license (or else the fish cops will get you).

If you are worried about not having the right equipment, don’t be.  Teachers are assigned to a family who will look after them.  The families will provide you with necessities you do not have.  They take great measure to ensure you are well fed and warm at all times.  All the main meals are provided; a good sample of traditional Dene food is always available.  The activities are designed for a casual fun experience:

·        beading

·        making dry fish and dry meat

·        fishing

·        berry picking

·        bear wrestling

·        guided walks such as a nature walk to collect traditional medicinal remedies

·        story telling

·        sing alongs

·        lots of visiting

·        water skiing and crib card games

·        abundant information on the Dene language and culture.

Dene people are easily offended especially when traditional delicacies they offer are rejected.

Teacher Orientation

History of the Dene

·        theory – the Bering Strait

·        influence of the fur trade and missionaries

·        Usam Island – Moose Island – Wollaston Lake settlements

·        storytelling – history told by elders in small groups

·        group work

What is culture?

·        definitions of culture:  material, nonmaterial, cultural heritage and functioning culture

·        comparing cultures – Dene and yours (European/Western)

·        video – “Our Story”

·        group work

Dene language

·        Roman Orthography demonstration by Rosalie Tsannie Jr.

·        syllabic demonstration by Mary Ann Kkailther

·        common words or phrases

·        group work

Dene customs

·        local delicacies

·        community events

·        local protocol

·        seasonal events (six seasons)

·        group work

·        hand-game demonstration

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