The Kinship Worldview

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors introduce some Indigenous worldview precepts as a way to define and bring forth spirituality in education. Then the authors use a fictional story about two young children who find a mysterious letter from Indigenous spirits that seems to be responding to their recent complaints about their schooling. It emphasizes the importance of constantly recognizing and respecting the many reciprocal relationships in one's life, including those other than human ones. The authors show how Indigenous worldview precepts are a foundation for interconnectedness, experiential learning, playfulness, and responsible relationships that emphasize place and non-human life. The authors propose that such a spiritual orientation is generally lacking in schools that operate primarily from dominant worldview perspectives, and recommend that, while the worldview precepts can and should be brought into mainstream schools, a “no-school” approach has a better chance of bringing spirituality into education.