Education: A Dene Perspective

Teacher Resource Manual

A. What is Dene Kede?

• Cultural Learning Expectations

• Dene Language Expectations

• Thematic Units

• General Expectations

      Return to Part 1: Orientation to Dene Kede

1. Cultural Learning Expectations

The Dene Kede Curriculum consists of a set of learning expectations which are intended to help Dene students in the process of becoming capable Dene (see figure 1 and refer to page 22 "Dne Zhee"). The learning expectations are broadly categorized into four areas and relate to the students' relationships with:

• the spiritual world
• the land
• other people
• themselves

The expectations outlined in these terms are what make this curriculum uniquely Dene. When these relationships become the focus of education within a classroom, the classroom takes on a Dene perspective or world view. This is what is meant by Dene culture in this curriculum.

2. Dene Language Expectations

Dene language competence, either in the first language or as a second language, is expected to be taught in the context of teaching or developing these relationships. Language expectations for both first and second language are therefore included as a part of this curriculum.

3. Thematic Units

The curriculum consists of approximately forty thematic unit outlines. These particular topics were chosen by the elders and developers as being most important to the Dene. Each topic is developed in terms of expectations in each of the four relationships. For example, with the topic of "Fish":

• Spiritual: these expectations help students in understanding or connecting with the spiritual understandings that the Dene have with respect to fish;
• Land: these expectations help students develop the skills and knowledge that the Dene have with respect to the physical aspects of fish and fishing;
• Other People: these expectations help students understand how the Dene relate to each other, as determined by activities associated with fish or fishing;
• Self: these expectations help students reflect on the significance of the spirituality, knowledge and skills of the Dene with respect to fish and fishing, and become more self-aware as Dene.

Dene Kede

General Expectations

In order to survive and to live life to its fullest, Dene students must develop respectful relationships with the Land, the Spiritual World, other people and themselves. These relationships are best developed with the aid of the Dene Elders and their voice which is the Dene Language.