Integrating indigenous knowledge in education is like adding deep roots to a young tree. While textbooks provide branches of new ideas, indigenous wisdom anchors students in the soil of their own culture, giving a sense of belonging as they grow.
To integrate Pacific culture, language, and indigenous knowledge into mainstream primary education, educators and leaders from across the sub region gathered at the Indigenous Math and Science Subregional workshop organised by the Institute of Education (IoE) at The University of the South Pacific in August. Supported by the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) this workshop focused on creating culturally enriched educational materials for Year 1 to Year 8.
Attendees represented various Pacific countries, contributing insights into embedding indigenous perspectives in education systems. IoE presented materials, including numeracy and science posters and comic book, that incorporated indigenous knowledge to enrich students’ educational experiences.
Dion Bernand, an IoE associate from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Department of Education, shared her key takeaways from the workshop: “In the North Pacific, part of our challenge of envisioning mainstreaming indigenous knowledge and pedagogies into education systems is that we have not found in our usual partners the technical as well as spiritual leadership and capacity to do it, whereas at this small gathering I realized our Southern Pacific brothers and sisters have been doing it and continue to do so”.
“I truly believe that when you embark on this journey (mainstreaming IK) and it is done with trusted guides, the journey is far richer.
“There is trust and a familiarity that binds,” she said.
Ms Bernard also shared FSM’s plans to work with PacREF to develop a science curriculum that aligns with indigenous perspectives.
Reflecting on the workshop, FSM Department of Education’s Education Specialist Cliff James emphasised the importance of indigenous knowledge in educational resources, highlighting its role in nurturing students’ connections to their heritage.
This workshop is a step closer towards weaving Pacific culture into mainstream education, empowering future generations with a curriculum deeply rooted in their cultural identity.
For more details, please contact Communication Officer, Shreya Kumar on shreya.kumar@usp.ac.fj
