This paper privileges the voices of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Holders. Since time immemorial, Indigenous Elders, whether in a Canadian or global context, have been at the core of teaching and learning and have had the responsibility of transferring knowledge. However, their role in the transmission of culture has been undermined by the…

In this dissertation I examine Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and Western science, critically analyzing the underlying values of each, and exploring ways in which both systems can be utilized side by side. In general, Western science has arguably become the worldview utilized in dealing with the many complex multi-level issues of today.…

This dissertation is both an autobiographical and collaborative exploration of the complexities experienced by Indigenous women in their academic journey. But more than that, the entire study was conducted in ways that are in accordance with Traditional Indigenous worldview, Indigenous Storytelling/Oral Tradition and the role of women in…

This article is a collection of stories crafted in the tradition of indigenous research. At the start of each section, the author asks, "Who am I?" From the stories he chooses to share, the answer is obvious--Kimo is Kimo. His stories are Kimo, his world view is Kimo, the language he speaks is Kimo. Within each story, the author connects…

For American indigenous peoples, oral tradition maintains each group's cultural identity and world view; documents history; and links the group's past, present, and future. Storytelling has been a major mode of passing moral values and teachings to children, as well as passing sacred and specialized knowledge to new specialists but is now…

Native American education did not begin with European-style schools; it began at home with traditional storytelling. Traditional stories aimed to share wisdom, not to force it. Children can only understand certain things when they are mature enough to do so. Each time a story was told, the listener could learn new morals and life instructions.…

A member of the Oglala Lakota describes his traditional childhood; his boarding school education; and his career in the army, university, and tribal council during the American Indian Movement. In his 40s, he became aware of the spirits and changed his life. He tells the Lakota creation story and laws and advises future generations to carry the…

Dr. Terry Tafoya relates his experiences as a student and a therapist and integrates traditional Native American stories to illustrate the importance of balancing Western knowledge with traditional culture and values. Stresses the importance of approaching the acquisition of knowledge from different perspectives when developing graduate programs…

Native Americans have oral traditions that are distinct from the European literacy consciousness, having different modes of discourse, different kinds of metaphorical thinking, and different conceptions of teaching as storytelling. Storytelling is important in children's education, but to be effective and respectful of Native culture, school…

A Native American literature professor's account of college students' cross-cultural field experience on two Indian reservations near the Grand Canyon shows how the experience enhanced student understanding of the Native American belief in the people and land as one, storytelling and a sense of the sacred, and the history and impact of…