Haudenosaunee Language and Culture Based Education

Abstract

This paper discusses the importance of learning Indigenous language and culture with a specific focus on the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The benefits of Haudenosaunee language and cultural revitalization include an increase in a sense of identity and purpose for Haudenosaunee students, thus resulting in academic success. The discussion suggests that language and culture immersion is the preferred method for achieving Haudenosaunee language and cultural revitalization. However, learning goes beyond an language and culture based educational establishment. There is also a need to implement consistent values of culture in order to establish positive feelings about language and culture revitalization. Aside from implementing traditional values within diverse learning environments, there is a need for cultural values to be consistently reinforced in the homes of the community. In order to achieve Haudenosaunee language and culture revitalization through immersion programs, it is important for Haudenosaunee families to honor and model positive parental responsibilities to their children by learning along side their children in the home, in school and other diverse learning environments.