By Jennifer M. Beaupré

Introduction

Today’s classroom is more diverse than ever. Students arrive at school with various cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds, and many educators find themselves alone in navigating the needs of these students. Teachers often develop plans, create strategies, and tailor individualized learning while facing time constraints, limited support, and even fewer resources. With no guidance or appropriate time given to support the success of these children and youth, educators often find themselves stressed and worried that they are failing their students.

However, by implementing the following practices, educators can begin building their capacity to create a culturally supportive classroom that equips themselves to empower students.

While specifically focusing on supporting Indigenous students, many of these methods and strategies can also apply to other individuals and situations. Drawing inspiration from the medicine wheel, an Indigenous framework that uses the four interconnected elements/directions of well-being, we’ll explore how each section can support Indigenous students’ cultural identities and overall wellness.

1. Foster Cultural Awareness in your Classroom (Physical / Black / West)

Building an understanding of Indigenous Peoples and their cultures begins with self-education. Learn about the history, traditions, and issues facing your local Indigenous communities and Nations. This knowledge will help you avoid stereotypes and misconceptions, creating a more inclusive learning space.

Practical tips for increasing cultural awareness:

• Learn By Reading – Read books and articles by Indigenous authors to learn the perspectives and issues that Indigenous Peoples may face. Read widely on Indigenous topics, from the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to works of fiction. From picture books to adult non-fiction, the collection of works by Indigenous authors is growing, and there is much to explore. Visiting local libraries or asking a teacher-librarian for specific titles are great starting points.
• Learn By Watching – Watch documentaries by Indigenous filmmakers to learn the perspectives and issues that Indigenous Peoples may face. Watch television shows featuring Indigenous voices or experiences, such as North of North, or programs found on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network in Canada, or through a VPN.
• Learn by Doing – Attend a powwow, check out an Indigenous makers’ market, see an Indigenous musician perform, or attend other open community events to immerse yourself and learn about your local Indigenous communities. Research which events allow the public to attend through contacting your local Nations or Indigenous community centres, such as a Friendship Center, Intertribal Center, or other Urban Indigenous community hubs.

An informed educator is a powerful leader in the classroom who is better able to honour students’ diverse experiences and perspectives. They encourage inclusive education and foster culturally informed learning spaces.

2. Build Culturally Relevant Curriculum (Mental / White / North)

A one-size-fits-all curriculum, such as a pan-Indigenous curriculum, is potentially harmful for Indigenous students and non-Indigenous students alike. Culturally supportive classrooms recognize students bring their own unique cultures, lived experiences, and ways of knowing into schools. For Indigenous students, this means educators should try their best to include learning materials that reflect their students’ worldviews.

Practical tips for culturally relevant curriculum:

• Include Indigenous-authored books – Educators can offer students the opportunity to learn about specific Indigenous communities by providing stories written by Indigenous authors of that community or Nation. This will offer authentic representation, and the cultural content may help bring more culturally relevant topics into the classroom through story. To confirm the author is Indigenous and/or has created the book in a good way, check the author information, or perform a quick search, to identify the author’s community ties, or determine whether they have engaged in meaningful, community-approved collaboration in creating the book.
• Incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems – Using ways of knowing such as storytelling, oral traditions, or land-based learning may be a more effective teaching method to benefit Indigenous students’ academic success. To do this, contact your teacher-librarian or media specialist to help find local, authentic-voice resources or reach out to your local Indigenous communities through associated social media accounts or their education departments, if applicable. 
• Invite Indigenous Elders and community leaders into classrooms – By offering an invitation to Elders, Knowledge Carriers, and other Indigenous community leaders, it will offer students the opportunity to gain knowledge about traditional practices, land stewardship, or cultural traditions. This not only benefits Indigenous students but also enriches non-Indigenous students’ understanding of Indigenous Peoples and their perspectives. When inviting Elders, Knowledge Carriers, and other community guests, ensure that honorariums or stipends are offered for their time and knowledge. These costs should be drawn from school budgets when planning for Indigenous community engagement.

When you weave Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum, you demonstrate to your students that all cultures hold equal value and deserve celebration.

3. Build Strong Relationships with Students and their Families (Emotional / Yellow / East)

Strong relationships are the foundation of culturally supportive classrooms. For Indigenous students and their families, building trust and rapport may take time; however, these relationships can improve academic and social-emotional success.

Practical tips for building relationships:

• Practice collective care – Creating a safe space for all students to share can help foster relationships and connections. Regular check-ins with students, or classroom community check-ins, provide students with the opportunity for greater belonging and a foundation of trust and care.
• Communicate regularly with families – With this practice, educators will begin to understand students’ priorities, relational connections, community events, and specific needs they may have that will help them feel supported in school. With stronger family relationships, educators may also find the opportunity to expand their cultural learning as well.
• Be sensitive to historical trauma – Some Indigenous students and their families may have experienced historical trauma regarding schools, authority figures, or other events due to colonization. Understanding this history is crucial for creating a safe and supportive environment. Information on this history and the experiences many Indigenous Peoples faced can be explored by researching historic events connected to your local community, as well as learning more about residential schools and other forms of colonial schooling, including boarding schools. 

When students feel that their school cares about them as individuals, they are more likely to succeed academically and socio-emotionally.

4. Utilize Culturally Responsive Classroom Management Strategies (Spiritual / Red / South)

A culturally supportive classroom is one that acknowledges and respects students’ emotional safety and relational environments. A culturally responsive classroom focuses on academic mastery and specific pedagogical practices. Together, these two concepts can create deep learning and holistic wellbeing for students.

Practical classroom management tips:

• Foster a sense of community – Allow opportunities for group work and collaborative learning activities. Working as a classroom community can create a more respectful and understanding classroom environment.
• Provide flexibility — When educators enable students to participate through alternative approaches, such as oral or visual means, that work better for them, students increase their likelihood of thriving in a traditional classroom environment. By modifying communication expectations, allowing students to access prior knowledge relevant to them such as cultural experiences, or by using flexible assignments, you can create a more appropriate pathway for their learning and development.
• Use positive reinforcement – Personalized strategies are key for behaviour challenges, but by focusing on student strengths and acknowledging positive behaviours students will feel more valued and important than they might have otherwise.

By respecting students’ different ways of being or ways of expressing themselves, they may feel more comfortable, respected, and confident in the classroom.

Conclusion

Creating a culturally responsive and supportive learning environment is not just about integrating Indigenous culture into the classroom; it’s about recognizing the uniqueness of each student and providing them with the methods and tools to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By implementing these strategies, educators can create a more inclusive and supportive educational experience for all students. Small steps can make a big difference in creating a space where all students feel valued and supported.

Resource Links

• National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
• National Urban Indian Family Coalition (NUIFC)
• Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN)

About the Author