Themes of the Spiral Curriculum Chart

Native people have a set of values or beliefs which they feel their community should know and pass down to the next generation. Each Indigenous group in Alaska has their own set of values. Resources are identified with the following themes commonly found with each Indigenous group. Many resources fall into two or more themes; and depending on how the resources are incorporated into the learning place will determine other theme applications. Culturally-based curriculum resources are identified with the following themes to help validate Native ways of knowing, not to diminish its integrity.

Family includes past, present, and future immediate and extended family. Individuals are responsible for knowing their role in the family and to show the children their roles. It is also important to know where one has come from by looking at his/her family tree. To honor Ancestors shows respect and pride for oneself and one's culture.

It is important to know learn one's own Native language. Nuances within a language are essential to capture the full meaning of what is being communicated. Language is an important part of defining culture. Communicating traditional Native knowledge to the younger generation is essential in maintaining the culture.

Cultural wisdom goes beyond dancing, food, attire, or other artistic displays. These are an important part of our culture, but there is more knowledge deep within the culture. Native people traditionally learn holistically. Spirituality is important to understanding a culture's values. Tribe/Community
(Responsibility/Unity)

We all have a responsibility to our tribe and community. Working together produces more effectively than alone. When you have a project, big or small, community involvement builds a stronger community. You can accomplish anything when you work together.

Health and wellness is important in any community. Children need to grow up in a healthy environment. Their environment includes self, family, and community. When you have a sober mind, you have a sober spirit.

Elders are the key resource to any culture. They know more about who we are and where we come from. Their knowledge spans many generations. In order to preserve a culture, we need to listen closely to what they have to say. Their knowledge needs to be passed on to the children.

What does honesty, humility, and humor have to do with Outdoor Survival? To survive in a harsh environment is not learned easily. It must be learned correctly by an experienced teacher. It requires these traits to understand your environment.

Subsistence is an important part of life. You need to share what you acquire with those who are unable to provide for themselves and to the community. We need to care for others who cannot for they are part of our lives.

Alaska Native Land Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) is interpreted in many ways. Essentially, it shows how people cooperate with each other to reach some sort of settement.

Native people for thousands of years used technology to survive. Using resources off the land and learning new methods show adaptability. Hard work and perservence is important for any type of learning. Energy/Ecology
(Respect for Nature)

Nature can provide people with all the necessities. There must be respect for the ecology for it to give to the people. Everything is connected. If something happens to harm nature, it will adversely affect all things.

Respect for others and peace is important to understanding your own culture. Recognizing differences and similarities builds bridges between cultures. Respect goes both ways.