“Native education is its own distinct discipline and should be studied within its own terms of reference.”

Question

“Native education is its own distinct discipline and should be studied within its own terms of reference.” Analyze this statement, provide arguments for and against it, and from those arguments draw you own conclusion as to whether or not it is correct.

I need your input on this for a project that I am working on in school. Thanks!

Answer 1

As a Native woman I can testify that this statement is correct.
I've listed three arguments I can think of off the top of my head.
I hope it helps!

Argument 1:
-Native education doesn't fit the model of current academia-
Traditional Native education involves a lot of oral history, story telling. It is very verbal. It is not about taking notes and taking exams. It is also very hands on. Native education isn't about sitting in a classroom, it's about listening and going out there and learning. Because the learning and teaching styles vary so drastically between the two cultures it makes sense to separate them.

Argument 2
- Histories of oppression prevent truthful and safe learning in modern academia-
Because of the history of oppression against Native people current academia is not a safe learning environment. Current academia was built in the model of the oppressors and is taught by people with little to no knowledge on Native culture. It upholds oppression instead of fights against it. Native education needs to occur in an environment free of oppression and cultural ignorance.

Argument 3:
- Natives have a right to self-determination -
Native people have a right to determine for themselves how they will educate their youth. This education should not be forced upon them, they should be able to teach their history and culture the way they want and need to.
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