Finding My Voice: A Conversation about Indigenous Adult Education

Katia Olsen; Carmen Rodríguez de France

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Chapter 6 Finding My Voice

A Conversation about Indigenous Adult Education

In: Adults in the Academy: Voices of Lifelong Learners

Authors:

Katia Olsen

Katia Olsen
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Carmen Rodríguez de France

Carmen Rodríguez de France
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 44–56

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004506428_006

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Abstract

The participation of Indigenous people at the Fifth International Conference on Adult Education held in Hamburg in 1997 concluded with the creation of two Articles that promote diversity and equality. Article 15 states that adult learning is expected: “to reflect cultural diversity and respect traditional and Indigenous peoples’ knowledge and systems of learning” while Article 18 declares that: “Indigenous peoples and nomadic peoples have the right of access to all levels and forms of education provided by the state…” (p. 5).

However, almost 23 years after the Conference, adults in Indigenous communities still experience barriers to fulfilling their aspirations; barriers that not only impact their access to education, but also their retention within education programs. According to Rubenson (2011), “Many adult learners have been away from formal schooling for many years and may have had negative experiences with school. [They] may be re-entering schooling with anxiety and low self-esteem” (p. 53). Given these circumstances, what are the responsibilities of educational institutions to mitigate these negative experiences, and promote community engagement and academic success in their stead? How can faculty and staff ensure that all students feel safe and engaged? What kinds of spaces are needed for students to share themselves, their knowledge, their challenges and their aspirations?

In this chapter, a young adult, Katia, who is a parent, a university student, and an active member of her Indigenous community, engages in conversation with Carmen (a faculty member at the university where Katia is studying), about the ways in which the local Adult Education Centre and the University work in partnership to create pathways that encourage learning, and support student aspirations. This conversation forms the basis of this chapter which we, Katia and Carmen, have co-authored.

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Adults in the Academy: Voices of Lifelong Learners

Series: Critical Issues in the Future of Learning and Teaching, Volume: 20

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004506428

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 23 Oct 2021

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- Education

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Chapter 6 Finding My Voice

A Conversation about Indigenous Adult Education

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Adults in the Academy: Voices of Lifelong Learners

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