Date of Submission
7-25-2024
Document Type
DiP
Degree
Doctor of Education
Department
Education
Keywords
Two-Eyed Seeing, Etuaptmumk, Indigenous leadership, Residential School system, TribalCrit, critical friend
Abstract
Indigenous student success has been a long-standing challenge for schools in Manitoba, as in other areas of Canada. This Dissertation-in-Practice examines the central question of how a high school that employs the same programming for all students has been effective with non-Indigenous students but has struggled to engage and assist Indigenous students. Albeit from different perspectives, Indigenous caregivers, their children, and the staff who support those students, agree that change is necessary. Research is clear that student voice is a necessary component of school success. It also points to the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing, the desire of Indigenous caregivers to see academic and cultural competencies included in their children’s programming. Thus, building caregiver advocacy skills is another factor for success although when juxtaposed against the inter-generational trauma caused by Canada’s Residential School system it becomes apparent that these actions may be much easier said than done. At the same time, the need for schools to listen far more, ask themselves questions, understand how ‘nothing for us, without us’ applies, and operate with an ethic of hospitality to create spaces for Indigenous students to succeed is important. To reach these goals, a change plan co-authored by all participant groups is needed. The work of this paper has been intended to extend thinking for school and system leaders on how schools can become more engaging and welcoming places for Indigenous students to succeed within, open to communicating with students and caregivers. To satisfy this end goal would be to inch closer to fulfilling the Calls to Action set forth by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada as well as the United Nations Declaration of Rights for Indigenous Peoples.
Recommended Citation
Davies, W. B. (2024). Wyi Wah! Mamaskacikiwey Itota: An Integration of Indigenous Culture and Academics at a Manitoba High School. The Dissertation in Practice at Western University, 442. Retrieved from https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/oip/442