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Education Mathematics ( EMTH ) 300 and 310 students benefitted from a presentation by Leading Thunderbird Lodge ’ s Vee Whitehorse , Kelly Polanski , and Jan Seer regarding the unique way they are connecting Saskatchewan curriculum learning objectives with Aboriginal content for Aboriginal youth who are recovering from addictions at Leading Thunderbird Lodge in Fort San , in the Qu ’ Appelle Valley . ( For more information see previous article at http :// www . uregina . ca / external / communications / feature-stories / current / fs-05222012 . html ). The creation story is foundational to

all learning and ways of knowing . They reconnect students with traditional Aboriginal cultures and values , all the while making multiple connections to the curriculum . Through conversations with Dr . Rick Seaman , Vee and Kelly have envisioned a horizontal curriculum , which they are developing into resources for non-Aboriginal teachers .

involves SUNTEP students designing several curriculumbased mathematics learning activities ( at Grade 3-4 and Grade 5-6 levels ) and introducing these activities to a number of elementary mathematics teachers through 1-day workshops . The second part of the project is a research study exploring teachers ’ perceptions of , and insights into , Aboriginal perspectives in the teaching and learning of mathematics . The study uses a narrative approach to explore teachers ’ successes , challenges , and insights into understanding and teaching mathematics curriculum through a distinctly Aboriginal content focus .

Two U of R faculty members are leading this initiative : Dr . Harley Weston ( Department of Mathematics and Statistics ) and Dr . Kathleen Nolan ( Faculty of Education ). Visit the Aboriginal Perspectives Website : http :// www . aboriginalperspectives . uregina . ca /