By: Wanda Cassidy and Davita Marsden

Journal: Values and Ethics in Educational Administration, 2009, 7(2), 1-8.

Abstract: This article discusses the school system’s inability to address the needs of the Aboriginal learner and proposes an educational model that embraces Aboriginal knowledge and principles. Aboriginal approaches to educational are holistic, integrated, inclusive, and community-oriented. The four dimensions of the medicine wheel are addressed: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual and there are strong links with Aboriginal culture and history. This article also discusses the ways in which this approach has been applied to a school in British Columbia and the successes this school has had with Aboriginal students.

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