Other Resources (Indigenous Ways of Knowing)

Indigenous Mathematizing

Indigenous languages are verb-based, whereas Western languages are noun-based. This fundamental difference in cultural worldviews is respected by the use of the term “mathematizing” (a verb). It is exemplified by activities in which counting, measuring, locating, designing, playing, or explaining quantitatively occur within an Indigenous culture. It is imperative that teachers understand Indigenous lesson plans must be considered holistically. That means that the Indigenous teachings and intentions that are part of the language and culture must be considered. Non-Indigenous teachers should consider consulting Indigenous advisors to ensure that the integrity of the content is not unintentionally lost or compromised.

Link		Description
Birch Bark Biting lesson¹ (Meyer, S. et. al)		The storyline goes from learners holding real birch bark and concrete birch bark artefacts, to learners learning birch bark biting and learning the ideal abstract concepts of right angles, complementary angles, and lines of symmetry. (6:38 minutes)
Dream Catcher lesson² (Meyer, S. et. al)		The storyline goes from willow trees to geometric shapes. Sharon Meyer introduces a Grade 6 class to making a dream catcher. Learners end up personally experiencing and then discussing two-eyed seeing. (6:10 minutes)
A Conversation³ (Meyer, S. et. al)		Sharon and Serena highlight key events and notable insights gained from Serena’s participation in the research project … Personal details animate: the importance of a culture immersion, how to plan an Indigenous culture-based lesson, learner engagement, and collaboration within the school and with others outside the school.(18:34 minutes)

¹Meyer, S. Aikenhead, G., Cardinal, K., Sylvestre, D., & View, T. (2019). Culture-Based School Mathematics for Reconciliation and Professional Development. McDowell Foundation. (pp. 112-113) (youTube Video. Retrieved 5 July 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUGEdUWs1cU&feature=youtu.be )

²Meyer, S. Aikenhead, G., Cardinal, K., Sylvestre, D., & View, T. (2019). Culture-Based School Mathematics for Reconciliation and Professional Development. McDowell Foundation. (YouTube Video. Retrieved 5 July 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28MGizBhEBc&feature=youtu.be )

³Meyer, S. Aikenhead, G., Cardinal, K., Sylvestre, D., & View, T. (2019). Culture-Based School Mathematics for Reconciliation and Professional Development. McDowell Foundation. (YouTube Video. Retrieved 5 July 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1rlphwI6RM&feature=youtu.be )