Drawing on the learning tools designed at University of Northern British Columbia, Evans et al. (2002) explore ‘collaborative curriculum’ developed with and used for its rural Aboriginal Nations. This collaboration in curriculum development supports designing curriculum to meet ICT and educational needs, while including First Nation Elders throughout the process.Initial curriculum collaboration includes:
1) initiation of formal meetings with Elders to set direction and identify fundamental goals, 2) planning and establishing a central community committee to provide guidance and support ensuring consensus of the principle parties, including non-Native faculty, 3) developing a curriculum model in accordance to Aboriginal pedagogical philosophies, 4) implementation of the program, revision, and ongoing First Nation involvement, 5) program evaluation, recommendations for improvement, community assessment and survey 6) program expansion (p.14-16).
Although designing curriculum to meet the needs of a First Nations community appears to be a huge undertaking, it is paramount for success.
