Practices Against Culture that "Work" in Nunavut Schools: Problematizing two common practices

Authors

  • Paul Berger
  • Junita Ross Epp

Abstract

Practices exist in Nunavut schools that were reported by Qallunaat (non-Inuit) teachers in Berger’s (2001) study to “work,᾿ but that seem to be against historical Inuit culture. In this paper we discuss dangers in using such practices in schools that already erode Inuit culture, and also reasons to consider their use, then investigate strict discipline codes, and the use of praise and rewards. We recommend true Inuit control for good decisions about whether to adopt these practices.

Author Biographies

Paul Berger

PAUL BERGER taught grade seven for two years in the Qikiqtaaluk (formerly Baffin) region of Nunavut. He completed his Master’s of Education at Lakehead University, with research conducted in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, then taught as a Contract Lecturer for four years. His doctoral research will focus on Inuit visions for schooling in one community in Nunavut.

Junita Ross Epp

JUANITA ROSS EPP came to teacher education after 15 years as a classroom teacher at all levels in Canada, Yugoslavia, and Great Britain. She has been a professor at Lakehead University for 13 years and is currently Chair of Undergraduate Studies in Education. Her recent research is focused on alternative delivery methods for teacher education.

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Published

2006-11-11

How to Cite

Berger, P., & Epp, J. R. (2006). Practices Against Culture that "Work" in Nunavut Schools: Problematizing two common practices. McGill Journal of Education / Revue Des Sciences De l’éducation De McGill, 41(1). Retrieved from https://mje.mcgill.ca/article/view/507

Issue

Vol. 41 No. 1 (2006)

Section

Articles

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