The Cultural Toolbox: Traditional Ojibwe Living in the Modern World with Anton Treuer

Educator Connection

As Educators, it is important that we continually expand our knowledge and understanding around multiple ways of being.  This episode helps us build that muscle!  Whether you teach in an area that has a high Ojibwe or other Indigenous population, or not, today’s episode will help build your own culturally responsive toolbox.

Who is The Cultural Toolbox written for?

• Ojibwe people who are interested in reclaiming, relearning, or reconnecting with their own culture
• The rest of the world to get a sense about one way of being
• We need respect, hold space for and allow the thriving of many different ways of being

Gender Roles

• Men and women each own half the lodge
• Traditional gender division of labor that favors balance over equality
• Caution around romanticizing or denigrating any one culture

School practices

• Everything humans do is a cultural decision (i.e., the bell system or music in choir programs)
• Modern education is for the most part still colonized (i.e., English is prioritized)
• Majority of students in schools are students of color, only about 60% of Native students are finishing high school

Education goals worth pursuing

• Foster positive identity development no matter your identity
• Create spaces where students know they are valued, sacred, and important; not just for being “good at whiteness” or “properly colonized”
• Engaging in acts of kindness
• We all need healing

Dos and Don’ts for Non-Native

• Do be curious, ask questions, hold and open space for everyone to learn about themselves and one another
• Do read a variety of Native perspectives and voices
• Do participate in Indigenous led activities (i.e. pow-wows, Native art, etc.)
• Don’t buy/participate in “Native-inspired” (i.e. “Sweat-lodge experience for a fee”)

Terms and references from today’s episode:

• Historical trauma, Institutional trauma & contemporary trauma
• Genocide
• Residential Indian Boarding Schools in Minnesota
• Denied access to opportunities: One example Why Treaties Matter
• 85% of Chippawa land is a national forest and managed by United States government
• Land Back: one example here
• 26 different distinct gender identities
• Flagship Hawaii Language school

Find more educational resources by topic at https://www.mn.sourcewell.org/education/podcast

Learn more about upcoming trainings and events for educators at www.mn.sourcewell.org/education