Are You Providing an Education that Is Worth Caring About? Advice to Non-Native Teachers in Northern First Nations Communities

Abstract

This article explores the development of culturally relevant teaching practices of non-Native teachers in First Nations communities. The findings were gathered from a qualitative study that asked First Nations and non-Native educators what they believed non-Native teachers needed to know about cultivating student success for First Nations students. Based on participants’ personal stories, suggestions, and advice, this article encourages non-Native teachers to enrich their teaching practices through self-reflection, communication and community engagement, and the right kind of attitude. Participants suggest that these activities can help non-Native teachers create a learning environment that is meaningful to the students they teach.