Preface
T
he following guidelines address issues of concern in the
documentation, representation and utilization of traditional
cultural knowledge as they relate to the role of various
participants, including Elders, authors, curriculum developers,
classroom teachers, publishers and researchers. Special
attention is given to the educational implications for the
integration of indigenous knowledge and practices in schools
throughout Alaska. The guidance offered in the following
pages is intended to encourage the incorporation of traditional
knowledge and teaching practices in schools by minimizing the
potential for misuse and misunderstanding in the process. It is
hoped that these guidelines will facilitate the coming together
of the many cultural traditions that coexist in Alaska in constructive, respectful and mutually beneficial ways.
Native educators from throughout the state contributed to
the development of these guidelines through a series of
workshops and meetings associated with the Alaska Rural
Systemic Initiative. Representatives of the Native educator
organizations listed on the cover participated in the meetings
and ratified the final document. The purpose of these guidelines is to offer assistance to educational personnel and others
who are seeking to incorporate the Alaska Standards for
Culturally-Responsive Schools in their work. Using these
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