V Simposium Internacional
Indigena: Cosmovision Ancestral e Interculturidad
Coquimbo 29-31, October 2014
International Indigenous Recognition of Prior Learning
(RPL) Collective
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What it is
Why it is important
Activities
Future Plans
Presented by: Paul Zakos, Chair, Steering Committee of the Collective
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RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning or RPL is a process that involves the identification,
documentation, assessment and recognition of learning acquired through both
formal and informal study. This may include work and life experiences, training,
independent study, volunteering, travel, hobbies, community, family and cultural
experiences. The recognition of prior learning can be used toward the
requirements of an academic or training program, occupational/professional
certification,
employment/labour
market
entry,
personal
and
cultural
development.
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INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
(RPL) COLLECTIVE
In 2009 in
Canada a steering committee comprises of representatives from Chile,
Ecuador, South Africa and Nunavut was formed to explore the development of an
International Indigenous Recognition of Prior Learning Collective. Members included
Jennifer Archer, Program Manager, Nunavut Arctic college; Maria Hueichaqueo and Pedro
Valenzuela, Directors of Tain Adkimn, Chile; Luis Maldonado, Director, School of
Indigenous Governance Quito, Ecuador; Diane Hill, Carlos Sebastian and Paul Zakos, First
Nations Technical Institute, Ontario; Nqabomzi Gawe, Vice Chancellor, Durban University
of Technology, South Africa and Kessie Moodley, Director, Workers’ College, South Africa.
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FOUNDING PRINCIPLES
Foundation for the work of the Collective is United Nations Declaration on Rights of
Indigenous Peoples, Articles 13 & 14.
MEMBERS OF STEERING COMMITTEE FOR COLLECTIVE
Pedro Valenzuela, Maria Hueichaqueo, Chile, Kessie Moodley, South Africa,
Jennifer Archer, Nunavut
Sharon Hobenshield, Janet Sinclair, Banakonda Kennedy Kish, Heather
Green, Glen Brouwer, Canada
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UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Article 13
Indigenous peoples have the right to revitalize, use, develop and
transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions,
philosophies, writing systems and literatures and to designate and
retain their own names for communities, places and persons… States
shall take effective measures to ensure that this right is protected.
Article 14
Indigenous peoples have the right to establish and control their
educational systems and institutions providing education in their own
languages, in a manner appropriate to their cultural methods of
teaching and learning… States shall in conjunction with Indigenous
peoples, take effective measures, in order for Indigenous individuals to
an education in their own culture and provided in their own language.
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2009 – 2014 Steering committee developed a vision and mission
statement of objectives for Collective.
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VISION
The International Indigenous RPL Collective recognizes values and gives vision (voice)
and legitimacy to Indigenous languages, cultures and ways of knowing. It is inclusive,
reflecting the needs, values and wishes of diverse peoples. It nurtures and
strengthens their desire to assume their rightful places as full partners in the societies
in which they live.
The Collective believes that culturally respectful approaches to learning enable
Indigenous peoples to make informed choices related to improving their quality of
life, standard of living and taking charge of their own destiny.
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MISSION
Working toward the creation of Indigenous controlled institutions of higher learning, the
Collective aims to influence key policy decisions related to education and learning
initiatives of governments and educational systems. It advocates for formal recognition of
Indigenous ways of knowing which support and respect traditional knowledge, strengthen
language, culture and self-determination. It works co-operatively with its members and
key stakeholders, from public and private sector, to create institutions and practices which
respect the validity and credibility of Indigenous knowledge, cultural teachings and
languages. Standards and methods of assessment are developed and articulated by
recognizing knowledge keepers from within the Collective.
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OBJECTIVES
The International Indigenous RPLC promotes culturally-based recognition of prior
learning and adult learning practices which:
1.
enhance, safeguard and validate Indigenous languages, cultures and ways of
knowing.
2.
identify community strengths, resources, needs.
3.
support collaborative approaches enabling collective consciousness-raising and
social action
4.
strengthen self-confidence, self-reliance and community capacity for selfdetermination.
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5.
promote Indigenous nations and groups as full partners in educational policy,
planning, delivery and evaluation.
6.
create international Indigenous benchmarks of best practice for RPL within
an integrated framework of culturally respectful adult learning principles,
practices.
7.
support co-operative approaches to culturally-based wholistic learning.
8.
disseminate best practices and discover new practices.
9.
host regular gatherings of members and other interested stakeholder groups,
organizations and individuals.
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STRENGTHS OF THE INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS RPL COLLECTIVE
The Collective promotes:
1. Respect for and reverence of all living things, as acknowledged by Indigenous
values, practices and ways of knowing.
2. Support and recognition needed to validate worldwide recognition of prior
learning based on the experiences of diverse indigenous communities.
3. Development of a wider base of skills, knowledge and learning options for
Indigenous people.
4. Strategies and resources to influence Indigenous education policy at a national
and international level, based on institutional experiences and successes of RPL.
5. Opportunities to link like-minded practitioners from around the world to give
encouragement and strength to all members of the Collective.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND ACTIONS
A. ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1. Creation of a website (http://www.theindigenouscollective.org)
• Introduce vision, mission, objectives of Collective
• Information about its work
• Reaching out to all Indigenous cultures
• Reducing barriers, increasing supports for culturally-based, respectful
educational programs
• 5th Annual International Symposium: Conocimiento Ancestral e
Interculturalidad, Coquimbo, 2014
2.
Developed draft institutional self-evaluation tool for use by educational
institutions, governments to ensure programs, courses are based on Indigenous
cultures and languages.
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B. ACTIONS
1. Future Activities
• Identify sources of funding to sustain and strengthen Collective.
2.
Membership
• Criteria, reach out to Indigenous individuals, groups, organizations who
support the vision, mission of Collective and invite their participation,
collaboration.
3. Establish an Annual Conference
• Record, celebrate and share successes.
• Renew commitment to Indigenous knowledge, recognition of prior
learning, adult learning, social justice and social change.
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CLOSING SUMMARY
Questions, Comments
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