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Basic Community Functions: Euro-Western vs Haudenosaunee Traditional

Function Euro-Western Model Haudenosaunee Traditional Model


Children leave home to learn Children learn in their own home environment
Strangers teach children Children from the family and extended are teachers
Family role is limited to home involvement Aunties/Uncles support children learning
Children subject to other children’s norms and behaviours Grandparents pass clan family knowledge down to children
Education is funded and controlled by government Children are subject to family behaviours and norms
Education Curriculum used to teach is based on Caucasian norms Family and extended family absorb costs
Teachers given too much power/control in delivery Teachable moments guide everyday living skills
End result of education leads individual to employment: Teaching style is a combination of listening, processing
Educate young til graduation; Find a job to earn income; (thinking), observation and mentoring
Get Married; Get a loan to buy home & vehicle; Work to pay Education is individual hands knowledge down to children
off loan Education is a life-long process
Forced upon Indigenous peoples The people are the government
Rules and customs are based on the Crown (Imperialism) Head female choose male leaders to be spokesperson
Federal government has a fiduciary responsibility to fund 49 clan families give way to 49 different ways
Government
Band Councils Customs are handed down from generation to generation
Leadership looks to federal government to approve projects Word of mouth helps keep everyone informed
Media plays a big role in government Everyone’s input is sought on a topic of interest
The government supports the economic arm Social well being is the highest form of capital
The economic arm supports government in their votes Shared resources for all to enjoy
Economics are supported by higher education levels, Roles & responsibilities are shared amongst everyone
Economics
increased job creation that creates more bank loans Leaders ensure every family is taken care of
&
Industry supports a communities economy thus giving Development is based on activities that rely upon the
Production
stakeholders influence within the community strengths of everyone sharing and contributing
Industry works together to lower costs giving higher profits Problems are solved through collaborating and sharing
Profiteering increases environmental and social costs Cooperation is key to survival
Family unit led by the male Clan system is the family structure
Church takes the lead on social order within a community Shared decision making
Social Hierarchal system led by one person making decisions with Sense of identity supports everyone’s sense of belonging
Organization advisors assisting person giving everyone a sense of responsibility
Policy driven based on studying the problem Leaders by example are sought after and listened to by all
Educated people Ph.D are the experts Clan family leaders job is to maintain harmony in family
Spiritual & Church is the foremost on spiritual advice Spiritual Advisor (Seer) and Storyteller keep traditions alive
Cultural Support of family is placed in the hands of service providers Grandparents teach children by way of example
Support Relationships are looked after by the church and the state Clan leaders support/nurture relationships within clan family

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