In the Classroom : First Nations Literature

In my classroom in Holy Cross I have experienced a problem that as English teachers I imagine many of us will experience. The unit was on First Nations literature and the students had just finished reading a short story I can't remember what the name was but in the story it talked about one of the characters having a Potlatch. For those of you who might not know what a Potlatch is it is an First Nations ceremony in which the person who holds the ceremony usually a leader or a higher ranking family member holds a feast and gives away gifts. When the students were told this concept there was alot of discussion and most of the comments were along the lines of "That is ridiculous" or "I would never throw a party." These students didn't realize that First Nations culture is based around gift giving and one of the major ways to gain respect in Aboriginal communities is to share what you have with those that have less than you. After the students were told they still seemed to think the idea a little bit ridiculous but began to create more of a reasoning on why First Nations people would throw a Potlatch. This relates back to the day in class when we discussed how you have to look at books from different perspectives. These students were looking at the story from a Eurocentric perspective instead of a First Nations. I believe as English teachers we need to challenge the students preconcieved notions that the mainstream perspective is not the only perspective. As Educators we are going to have to break down these walls and make these students aware of the different perspectives around them and help them realize that everyone is coming from a different background and that just because something is considered mainstream such as the Eurocentric views of the world that does not make it the only way to view the world or even the best way. To end as future Educators we have to work to become more accepting of other cultures and widen are knowledge base so we will be able to then help are students widen their knowledge base. If you believe in what you are teaching its going to help your students believe in it.