An Aboriginal approach: what teachers need to know in public education

The purpose of this research is to provide an understanding of what British Columbia K-12 teachers require to successfully teach First Nations students, First Nations content and First Nations culture. This thesis brings awareness of the need to prepare teachers to teach with a holistic pedagogical practice in order to close the achievement gap (Auditor General’s Report pg. 3.2015) that presently exists between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students The data collected for the purpose of this thesis was provided through the following; review of the literature, interviews with successful graduates of the University of Northern British Columbia, Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program, and Northern British Columbia Aboriginal School District Principals. The data brings awareness to future teacher preparation to meet the needs of K-12 Aboriginal students that, if followed, will lead to more Aboriginal students meeting success and graduating from the K-12 school system. ...