Working with Elders and Indigenous Knowledge Systems: A Reader and Guide for Places of Higher Learning

ISBN: 978-0-9811518-4-7
Price: $23.00
Binding: Paperback
Date: 2011
Rights: World
Pages: 112
Size: 6″ x 9″

Table of Contents

Preface
Forward
Dedication
Acknowledgements

1. Definitions of Indigenous Identity in Canada

2. Indigenous People and Indigenous Knowledge Systems

3. Indigenous Worldview

4. Who are Indigenous Elders

5. Approaching Elders and Accessing Indigenous Knowledge

6. Working with Elders in Places of Higher Learning

7. Coming to Understand Indigenous Ceremonies

References
Appendices
About the Author

Herman J. Michell, PhD

Herman J. Michell, PhD is a Member of the Barren Lands First Nation, and President & CEO of the Northern Teacher Education Program and Northern Professional Access College.

Interest in the decolonization and Indigenization of today’s social institutions has arisen with a growing awareness of he injustices of colonial forms of education and acknowledgement of the contemporary value of Indigenous knowledge systems. Dr. Michell’s book is an invaluable resource for educators and administrators seeking meaningful and respectful engagement with Elders and knowledge keepers in places of higher learning (and beyond). Through straightforward discussions of Indigenous identity, knowledge, worldview, and ceremony, Dr. Michell provides an outstanding introduction to the complexities of this transformative work. In the spirit of valuing diverse ways of knowing and being, Dr. Michell draws from his unique experience as a culturally grounded Nîhîthaw (Woodlands Cree) man and University Administrator to create important bridges between Indigenous and Euro-Western perspectives. As Cree Elder Rosalyn Ing states in the Forward, “There is ‘pimatisiwin’ (life) in this book.” Indeed, this text is a significant contribution to the collaborative endeavor of creating more equitable and sustainable ways of living for us all

Jeff Baker

Assistant Professor & Chair in Aboriginal Education
College of Education
University of Saskatchewan

Canadian universities are beginning to take up the challenge of Indigenization for the purposes of decolonizing higher education. Dr. Herman Michell offers university employees an insightful and practical introduction to some aspects of Indigenization. Working with Elders and Indigenous Knowledge Systems: A Reader and Guide for Places of Higher Learning provides the reader with an opportunity to de-mystify this work. This book is a gift for administrators and faculty alike who are taking those first tentative steps to decolonizing their thinking about our collective work in the academy. Kinanaskomom.

Shauneen Peet, PhD

Associate Professor (Aboriginal Education)
Executive Lead: Ingigenization
University of Regina

Herman Michell has had decades of experience working with Indigenous elders in community settings and at post secondary institutions. His publication is a valuable introduction and guide for educators, administrators and others wanting to understand the essentials of Indigenous knowledge and the protocols necessary for establishing proper relationships with elders and traditional knowledge keepers. Working with Elders and Indigenous Knowledge Systems provides practical advice on topics ranging from defining Indigenous identity, explaining Indigenous worldviews, incorporating elders in teaching environments, appropriate use of ceremonies such as smudging and sweat lodges, understanding medicine wheels, dreams and visions, healing, avoiding common pitfalls in incorporating Indigenous knowledge, and more.

A. Blair Stonechild, PhD

Professor of Indigenous Studies
First Nations University of Canada