Nurturing Culture In the Classroom for Success of Indigenous and Pacific Islander Students

Poverty, substance abuse, and high incarceration rates are rampant among Native American/First Nation populations; these problems appear in many colonized cultures. However, some areas, such as Hawaii, seem to have overcome those issues with a respectful embrace of the indigenous culture and practices of the indigenous population of the area. As demonstrated in literary works from other related cultures, specifically the Maori and Native Americans, having representation and an understanding of one’s culture lowers the incarceration rates and lays a foundation for indigenous peoples to rise out of poverty. This presentation will equip teachers with tools and resources for raising awareness of indigenous students and cultures and implementing inclusive and diverse practices in the classroom