ABSTRACT
The thing that each model presented was to give language a priority. To fi nd ways, in whatever way possible, to return the original language to our peoples. Underlining this mission, it seems to me, is a clear statement! That somehow the uniqueness of our tribal identity is contained in our languages. Our language makes clear who we are. Everything you need to know is in the language. This statement holds the power to shape and change the future. Our Native languages also point to how important, how precious, our diverse Native cultures are. It was apparent that each of our models gained inspiration, information and even guidance from each other. Think of what would happen if we connected and developed a more concrete, collective and comprehensive plan? One of the principles we must embrace is mutual support and we must also understand that at various levels of difference solutions will necessarily be different. Another principle is that we approach learning from within our tribal perspectives and approaches. We must focus on the students’ needs rather than the needs of the society. There seems to be a strong principle around the whole person within the community and its incorporation into the educational values. There is also a strong principle of liberation education and decolonization against competitiveness. Regarding instruction, experiential and discovery processes rather than traditional lecture structured learning is important.
