book chapter

Privileged knowledge versus public education: tensions at Acwsalcta, the Nuxalk Nation 'Place of Learning'

Switchbacks : art, ownership, and Nuxalk national identity, by Jennifer Kramer • Vancouver • Published In 2006 • Pages: 66-86

By: Kramer, Jennifer.

Abstract

In this article the author analyzes ...'the dilemmas created by alternative educational methodologies, which stem from the multiple perspectives and opinions of various Nuxalk administrators, parents, elders and cultural staff as seen through the lens of a 1997 play potlatch. [n]Acwsalcta[/n] is a place of hope as well as a place plagued by problems. The direction in which it should move is not clear. [n]Awsalcta[/n] cultural teachers must decide between such seemingly opposite educational strategies as using oral or written teaching methods, using or refusing to use Western technology, and emphasizing individual, familial, or national ownership of cultural knowledge. While making decisions over the dissemination of this knowledge, the teachers of culture are at risk of being accused of hoarding it'. Kramer believes that contemporary Nuxalk cultural identity is produced in each of these negotiated stances, all of which involve both secrecy and sharing (pp. 66-67).

HRAF PubDate

2010

Region

North America

Sub Region

Northwest Coast and California

Document Type

book chapter

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle; 2010

Field Date

1990s

Coverage Date

1920-1999

Coverage Place

First Nation Reserve, Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada

Notes

Jennifer Kramer

for bibliographical references see document 10: Kramer

LCCN

2006445100

LCSH

Bella Coola Indians