Module 8: Community-based Learning
Fundamentals of Community-based Learning
Defining the principle of community-based learning
Community-based learning is project-based learning with Indigenous community partners supporting and collaborating on a project that is mutually beneficial. It is based on respectful, reciprocal, and mutually beneficial partnerships between instructors, students, and Indigenous Peoples and community.
Indigenous Traditional Knowledges and cultural practices are placed at the centre of the project.
Learner notes
Fundamental knowledge of community-based learning
- Acknowledge the effects of the past.
- Appreciate that community-based learning is an essential aspect of Indigenous culture.
- Practice land-based learning.
- Know your Indigenous community.
Priorities
Priorities for one Indigenous community may not be the same for another. This course is meant to be a starting point in your reconciliation pathway. It is best practice to connect early and often with the Nation to support mutually beneficial outcomes and community-based learning.
Learner notes
Seven Generations Principle
When developing a safe space for community collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, we need to be aware of Indigenous Peoples’ belief in the Seven Generations Principle.
The Seven Generations Principle is based on the belief of Indigenous Peoples that decisions should be guided by the seven generations before us and made with the well-being of the seven generations to follow us in mind.
Effects of the past
The focus from the beginning of imposed, colonial-based structures in Canada has centred on assimilation and/or segregation of Indigenous Peoples from their communities and worldviews. Therefore, Indigenous community-based learning is a way to honour reconciliation.
It also means centring Indigenous Traditional Knowledges is at the heart of projects with individuals and communities to support digital projects.
Importance of community
Community-based learning is an essential aspect of most Indigenous cultures since they are predominantly communal in structure. Through community-based learning, you can support Indigenous communities in preserving their unique cultures and ways of life for the next generations.
Land-based learning
It is important to understand that the land is a teacher to many Indigenous cultures. Recognizing Indigenous land-based education as it relates to language, stories, place names, kinship, future generations, and more is an important aspect of Indigenous digital literacy.
“Regionality [i.e., land] ties into language and the geography of stories.”
Learner notes
Many Indigenous cultures’ ways of knowing and being stem from their traditional territory’s topography.
Quote source and recommended reading: Land as teacher: understanding Indigenous land-based education
Indigenous community
It is essential to recognize that Indigenous communities have different cultural beliefs and ways of knowing. When working with Indigenous communities, foster open-mindedness that puts the Indigenous community at the heart of your project.
When undertaking initiatives that involve collecting data from communities, ensure that Indigenous Traditional Knowledges and cultural practices are not only acknowledged but also respected at all stages. The community will maintain complete ownership of the data and authority.
Learner notes
Attributions
- The section under the heading “Indigenous community” is adapted from the article “Digital Pedagogy Toolbox: Generative AI in Teaching and Learning – The Least You Need to Know” by Gwen Nguyen, BCcampus, which is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 licence. The section of the article with the heading “8. Community-based Learning” contains the content that was adapted for this resource.