Classroom Supports

The Weaving Ways resource is an introductory guide to support teachers in considering how Indigenous knowledge systems can support a rich experience for students in their classrooms.

With an invitation to teachers to be mindful of Indigenous ways of knowing within current practices, Weaving Ways guides teacher exploration of the histories, cultures, languages, contributions, perspectives, experiences and contemporary contexts of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples while engendering an environment of belonging for all.

Classroom Supports builds upon the ideas presented in the Weaving Ways introductory guide. Organized into four interrelated quadrants, or ways in which teachers can organize their thinking and approaches, Classroom Supports assists teachers in the design of meaningful teaching and learning opportunities that weave together Indigenous ways of knowing with their current pedagogical practices for the benefit of all students and our collective journey towards reconciliation.

The four quadrants that comprise Weaving Ways are interconnected and invite teachers to explore Indigenous knowledge systems. Effective education that includes Indigenous knowledge systems does not exclude or discredit other cultures, but ensures that both non-Indigenous students and Indigenous students alike are given the opportunity to see Indigenous perspectives, and the strengths and gifts of the First Peoples reflected in the schools they attend.

Cultures of Belonging fosters whole school approaches that invite teaching and learning, which includes Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and relating to promote a sense of belonging for all students.

Instructional Design supports educators in creating instructional designs that value Indigenous and other knowledge systems as powerful drivers of learning to promote cultural appreciation and advance reconciliation.

Pedagogy that embraces Indigenous ways of knowing is fostered by approaches to teaching and learning that include purposeful thinking about people, places and processes.

Sharing through Story encourages and builds deeper connections to learning outcomes for all students through the art of storytelling in all its varied forms.

Weaving Ways Video Series: Transforming Teacher Practice

Building on the ideas presented in the Weaving Ways Introductory Guide, this three part video series shares practical examples and insights from teachers as they share their journey to design meaningful teaching and learning opportunities that weave together Indigenous ways of knowing with their current pedagogical practices.

We encourage you to watch all three video exemplars to gather a variety of ideas that you can incorporate into your own classroom or school. The accompanying Weaving Indigenous Ways of Knowing in Classrooms and Schools Conversation Guide provides a context by which you might explore these videos for your own use, or it can be used to guide deeper conversations with a larger group of educators within a school community.