Six Tips for Supporting Indigenous Education in Your Classroom

Education shapes our understanding of the world and one another. It sets the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future. All students should see themselves in what they learn and feel that their culture and history are respected and valued. Yet, the current education system often fails to do this for Indigenous students. 

This post offers six practical ways educators can support Indigenous education and advocate for meaningful change across schools and communities. 

Tip 1: Learn About Indigenous History and Education

Supporting Indigenous education begins with understanding the histories that shape today’s realities. Learn about the experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, including the harm caused by residential schools and other assimilationist policies. 

By deepening your knowledge, you can recognize why system-level changes are necessary and speak about them with confidence. Share what you learn with colleagues, friends, and family. The more people who understand this history, the stronger the collective support for change becomes.

Tip 2: Build Relationships With Indigenous Communities

Advocacy must be grounded in relationships. Indigenous communities know what their children need, so educators should listen closely and ensure their voices inform any proposed changes.

Start by connecting with local Indigenous organizations, attending public community-run events, or reaching out to your local Friendship Centre. If you’re unsure where to start, our blog post, “Hosting Indigenous Guest Speakers and Events,” offers helpful starting points.

Become an ally. Stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities and support their efforts for improved education. This means listening to their stories, respecting their knowledge, and working together. Remember! Allies stand behind—not in front of—Indigenous Peoples.

Tip 3: Build a Culturally Inclusive Curriculum

A culturally inclusive classroom helps all learners feel valued and seen. When Indigenous perspectives, languages, histories, and worldviews are represented in everyday learning, students engage more deeply and develop a stronger sense of belonging. Educators can begin this process by incorporating Indigenous pedagogies and culturally relevant materials across subjects.

The Western education system and many provincial curricula often reinforce a single way of knowing. Review your provincial curriculum and examine how Indigenous Peoples and their histories are presented. For example, will students learn about Canada as a settler state, the history of residential schools, and other examples of systemic racism against Indigenous Peoples in Canada? If these topics are missing, consider how you can introduce them through meaningful conversations, contemporary resources, and Indigenous perspectives.

While these conversations can be challenging, recognizing how and when our current system reinforces inequality is an essential part of supporting Indigenous education. To learn more about why curricula are not neutral and how educators can begin to decolonize them, the Indigenous Guiding Principles for Curriculum Development Projects from the University of Calgary is a great place to start.

Tip 4: Advocate for Inclusive and Accurate Curriculum Change

Beyond classroom practice, educators can support Indigenous education by advocating for systemic change. You can voice your concerns when curriculum decisions may harm or exclude Indigenous students. Writing letters to school boards, attending school board meetings, or participating in curriculum consultations are meaningful ways to contribute to change.

You can also support programs that bring Elders and Knowledge Keepers into schools. Their stories and teachings enrich students’ understanding of Indigenous cultures and help shift curriculum development toward more accurate and inclusive representations.

Tip 5: Engage in Policy Advocacy for Indigenous Education

Policy advocacy is a powerful tool for long-term change. This work involves speaking with school leaders, trustees, and elected officials to highlight why Indigenous education matters and how policies can better reflect community needs. 

Change is possible. For example, the Toronto District School Board introduced a mandatory Indigenous literature course because of coordinated advocacy efforts.

Join advocacy groups, contribute to community initiatives, and help mobilize others to make a positive impact. Collective action strengthens messages and increases the likelihood of policy change. The more voices there are, the stronger the message will be. The First Nations Education Steering Committee is an excellent resource for BC-based educators who wish to undertake this work. 

Tip 6: Use Social Media and Other Digital Tools

Social media provides a vast platform to share information, amplify Indigenous voices, and connect with others who are committed to advancing Indigenous education. 

Use videos, stories, or infographics to raise awareness about issues affecting Indigenous students. Hashtags help expand your reach and connect your message to broader conversations. When more people engage, momentum for system-level change grows.

Conclusion

Supporting Indigenous education is essential for creating safe, inclusive, and meaningful learning spaces for all students. By learning about Indigenous histories, building relationships, advocating for inclusive curricula, engaging in policy work, and using digital tools, educators can help shape a more equitable future. Every action—no matter how small—contributes to long-lasting change.

Photo: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation walk in Montreal, Quebec (2025). Photo by Ryan O’Marra.