Perhaps it is not so much an issue of credentialing these people as respecting
and honoring their wisdom. Can we simply acknowledge their expertise, or does
it need to be validated by the offering of a 'mainstream' academic degree?
In the mid 70's I was a student in the Dept. of Native Studies at Trent
University in Peterborough, Ontario. Two native Elders were on staff as
instructors/professors. They delivered fully accredited courses in their areas
of expertise, language and culture. As far as I remember, they were not given
credentials in order to meet the needs of the academic world. They were full
members of the faculty and were highly respected as teachers. I think if you
get in touch with the Native Studies Dept. at Trent you will find that they
still have traditionalists on staff.
If anyone is interested in a model that involves the co-instruction of post-
secondary courses with credentialed teachers working with First Nations
expertise, I can pass on an example. I am involved as a co-instructor in the
delivery of a community-based culture course. This is the result of UNBC,
the University of Northern British Columbia working in partnership with the
Witsuwit'en Nation.
Since I have just crossed the line from being an observer to a participant in
this listserve, I would like to thank Gary for his efforts in maintaining this
communication link. I find it interesting and valuable as an educator.
Ross Hoffman
Smithers, B.C.
rhoffman@noradm.nwcc.bc.ca