The Tree: A First Nations Lifelong Learning Model
by Paul Abraham:Learning can take many forms and we should be ready to incorporate ideas that strengthen the bonds that keep our community together. The First Nations Lifelong Learning Model serves as an excellent reminder of how we can incorporate key principles of learning from our diverse community.I was fortunate enough to take part in Peer Orientations this past fall. This orientation was designed to introduce and educate intermediate elementary and high school students on their role as Big Buddies before their first visit to Kindergarten and Grade 1 classes. Students are keenly aware of the role they play within the community. Despite this being their very first experience with the Reading Bear Society, many students realized the importance of being a mentor to younger students.The group discussion generated during my time spent with both the Grade 4 girls from York House School and the Grade 8 boys from St George's School spoke to some awareness of the impact they were about to make in a younger child's life. This impact is not temporary and it extends beyond the eight visits they will have throughout the course of the year. Many older students may leave at the end of the year thinking that their act of giving has reached its natural conclusion.If we are to carefully examine First Nations teaching however, we learn that giving works in cycles and is not fixed in time. The model used to describe learning in First Nations teaching is that of a tree with its roots anchored firmly in the ground. The early learner is the inner trunk of the tree nourished by numerous roots, one of which is the community. As the learner grows they are able to give back and support the many branches of society and in turn the community itself.This cycle is of equal importance to both younger and older students. Older students should recognize that their actions have started a cascade of events which will have benefits for years to come. The younger students in turn will use their experience to uplift themselves and give back to the community. This is already starting to take place as past kindergarten participants act as mentors in their schools.The growth of students and they community is added by endeavours such as those provided by the Reading Bear Society and we try our best to show students the amazing power they can wield. The orientations stress the importance of being good role models and the older students play a key role in planting the seed to ensure sustainable growth within the community for years to come.
