Here is another way of coding without the use of computers. Noelle Pepin came into our class and shared her master’s project called “Beaded Tweets.” Connecting the culture of beading with coding. Using 0’s and 1’s to create a message in beads. She shared that it can be used on a loom to create more detailed coding with smaller beads but in class we only had time to just use the bigger beads. We just used eight letter words, but it can be done to create sentences or even longer messages. Using 8 bead language, and ACII code. It can be adapted to unit ideas that you come across by integrating the local knowledge while following local protocols. Is what your teaching truthful? Is it something that can be shared? Are you the one that should be sharing it? and is what you’re sharing how it should be shared? Understanding these elements help it the lesson and teachings be authentic. When it’s authentic then the purpose of having Indigenous education is being met. It’s not meant to be done randomly or just because it needs to be done. When it comes to working with Indigenous culture in classrooms, use local knowledge and local protocols. Infuse meaning into the work or project. Noelle Pepin focused on the idea of setting a purpose. There should be a purpose. There should be a connection not just doing something to cross something off the list. Integrating Indigenous elements doesn’t have to look the same. This project is mixing digital and traditional, Nisga’a elders have said it’s like a “dance in both worlds”. Noelle connected to what the students use every day or see every day to beading that is part of many Indigenous cultures.
- Can be an exploration of one’s identity.
- Purpose/make a connection.
- Choose a message.
- Make a plan/design.
- Setup materials
- Beading
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