AERC is one of the founding members of the Indigenous Knowledge in the School Science Curriculum Committee, actively involved in dialogue circles regarding the importance of Indigenous Science and the status of Indigenous Science within school curriculum in Saskatchewan.

Early in 2007, following a competition for projects related to Aboriginal Learning, a research project was awarded to the Committee by the Canadian Council on Learning. The research project is designed to address: What is a First Nations perspective [of learning Indigenous science from Place] for the purposes of curriculum development in Saskatchewan? What is a Métis perspective [of learning Indigenous science from Place] for the purposes of curriculum development in Saskatchewan? How can learning from Place help to create a foundation for a science curriculum that is contextualized to Place and to the people of the Place? How can these perspectives and learning from Place inform teachers of the processes and content needed in science curriculum? What supports or processes are needed for educators and systems to engage authentically in Indigenous science?

Building upon the evolving provincial curriculum, and past federal, provincial and Aboriginal research supporting the need for greater cultural content within school systems, this research project seeks to bring perspectives and worldview foundations for processing Indigenous science knowledge in Saskatchewan. This research will provide theoretical and practical solutions for educators in integrating Indigenous science knowledge within curriculum.

The Indigenous Knowledge in the School Science Curriculum Committee has evolved a relationship over the past two years as a community-based group of interested people representing First Nations University of Canada, University of Saskatchewan, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Gabriel Dumont Institute, Government of Saskatchewan – Ministry of Education, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and Saskatoon Public Schools. The Committee purpose is to foundationally place Indigenous knowledge and animate Indigenous science within science curriculum.

Download: Awasis Presentation May 1 2008.ppt

Download Report: Learning Indigenous Science from Place

Download Executive Summary