Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story

Indigenous languages, histories and cultures are almost entirely oral in nature. They are passed on orally, through story. European culture relies heavily on written documentation to pass these on. These are profoundly different ways of looking at teaching, and passing on cultural and linguistic teachings. Yet because of this, Indigenous cultures rely profoundly on oral traditions and storytelling.

In the Indigenous tradition, everyone has a story. Your story is not only the facts of your experience, but also the impact your experience has had on your life journey. Your experience and wisdom are your story. Your story involves your history, your experiences, the things you value, and your memories. Each individual story is woven into the story of your family, and each family’s story is woven into the story of the community. All of your ancestors’ stories are a part of yours. The collective story is the collective knowledge that makes up the story of your community. That story is what makes you who you are.

It sometimes needs to be explained to Non-Indigenous educators that you too have a story. To share your story with students is both an honour and a method of creating a relationship with learners. Be humble, be authentic, and be compassionate. Know that when you are given the honour of hearing the stories of those you serve, you need also to share your own as well. Embedded in these stories is your history, your culture and your language, and they are as much a part of you as theirs is for them.

We have tried to incorporate the idea of story into our practice. Using the wisdom and experience of learners is one of the most empowering things you can do with Indigenous learners. Giving them the opportunity to share their perspective, wisdom and experience of your community is not only a method of building skills; it may also provide them with an opportunity to heal.

  Reflections Worksheet: Storytelling as Part of your Practice

Strategies to Incorporate Story and Language into our Practice:

• Create relationships by encouraging clients to share their culture, language, and stories.
• Bring food.
• Take small steps. Create safety in the exploration of culture and traditions.
• Use the Medicine Wheel concept and journaling for goal setting.
• Expect to see them repeatedly. Take it slowly and respect the relationship.
• Create a connection between real life and learning.
• Use Sharing Circles.