Edinizing, Naadizewin, Minomaadiziwin, Miinawaa Kendaasewin: Establishing an Urban Great Lakes Indigenous Curriculum

Abstract

Abstract:While much research addresses issues related to rural Indigenous communities, this article discusses an Indigenous youth-centered program serving an urban Great Lakes community. In collaboration with the local school district and county health department, the author collected data to frame a curriculum that responds to the specific needs of urban Indigenous youth in the Great Lakes region. The resulting program aims to bring together multiple generations to address high local dropout rates, health disparities, and the disconnect between the community and school. Dividing the curriculum into four areas — community/edinizing, culture/naadizewin, health/minomaadiziwin, and academics/kendaasewin) — allows the program to reflect an urban Great Lakes Indigenous experience. In addition to describing the need for each curricular component, this article provides examples of how each component is enacted through a summer program serving children 5-15 years of age.