Original People: Culture, Knowledge and Worldview

This course will look at the foundations of indigenous culture and knowledge, and the basic beliefs and concepts inherent in the North American indigenous world view. Students will examine how this world view is developed from the creation story, teachings, language, and through the way it is activated and maintained through ceremony, cultural practice and life ways. The course is designed to present the student with the primary foundations and fundamental concepts of indigenous philosophy and world view so that students can draw from the teachings, stories, language, cultural experiences and traditional practice the primary and central beliefs and concepts that inform indigenous thought, knowledge and experience, and be able to apply them to their way of seeing, relating, thinking and doing. Students will be expected to demonstrate their acquisition and understanding of indigenous culture and worldview through their writing and by its application toward awareness and comprehension of contemporary events as they relate to First Nations People.