Miýikosiwin: transformative pedagogy in Indigenous education

Pedagogical approaches need to be ever evolving to meet the challenges of global diversity. Teaching to the strengths of students is necessary and it addresses commonly held deficit models and discourses. Cultural teachings like the concept of miýikosiwin, or giftedness, in the Cree language, can be applied to promote success in life and learning. This concept brings in an Indigenous perspective which supports understanding of transformative pedagogy and epistemological processes. It is proposed that this is a valuable approach taken from a spiritual understanding of self which can foster self-esteem and self-concept. The notion of giftedness is an inclusive process as it can be applied in different contexts. It is held that it is from our inner resources that we can meet challenging situations and be successful. Our intent is to contribute to decolonizing and indigenizing teaching practice. We proffer Indigenous conceptual knowledge and processes as integral to transformative pedagogy.