Abstract
The ANCESTOR (AborigiNal Computer Education through Storytelling) program was developed to explore computer science as a career option through digital storytelling and address cultural literacy with Aboriginal youth in British Columbia, Canada. A team of educators from Camosun College collaborated with post-secondary students, secondary school educators, and First Nation communities to build and deliver a culturally responsive program. Indigenous knowledge, pedagogy and holistic learning practice guided the delivery of the program in First Nation communities, middle and secondary schools and First Nation operated secondary schools on the West Coast. The program success can be attributed to the Indigenous values and principles of reciprocity, relationship, ritual, respect, relevance, reverence, and repetition.
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Acknowledgements
The work with Aboriginal youth, schools and communities was supported by a PromoScience grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) awarded to Dr. Marla Weston. A BC Campus grant supported work with adult learners and the development of video tutorials. The BC Campus grant was awarded to both authors in partnership with Emily Carr University of Art & Design, Carnegie-Mellon University, the University of Hawai’i at Hilo and the WSÁNEĆ School Board.
We also want to acknowledge and thank all the capstone computer science students and fine arts graduates who have worked with us on this program to build relevant curriculum and assets. The elders, community educators and First Nation communities that have invited us into their learning spaces are much appreciated and this chapter is dedicated to their graciousness and willingness to contribute to this program.
We all support and serve Aboriginal students in their lifelong learning journeys.
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Biin, D., Weston, M. (2015). An Indigenous Learning Approach to Computer Science Education. In: Ge, X., Ifenthaler, D., Spector, J. (eds) Emerging Technologies for STEAM Education. Educational Communications and Technology: Issues and Innovations. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02573-5_6
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