Assignment 1: Indigenous Philosophies Around the World

Learning Goal:

I can describe core principles found in many Indigenous philosophies around the world, such as relationality, reciprocity, and balance.

1. Purpose of This Assignment

This assignment helps you understand how Indigenous philosophies appear in different parts of the world. You will look at short case studies and identify examples of:

• Relationality (everything is connected)

• Reciprocity (giving and receiving in healthy ways)

• Balance (keeping relationships steady over time)

You will learn how to spot these ideas in real examples and how to describe them clearly.

This assignment also develops your critical thinking. Today we are working at the level of identify and describe.
Later in the course, you will move toward deeper analysis and evaluation.

2. What Is Critical Thinking in This Assignment?

Critical thinking does not just mean “thinking hard.” It means:

• finding accurate information

• noticing patterns

• avoiding assumptions

• describing ideas in your own words

• checking whether a source is trustworthy

Today’s focus:

Identify + Describe + Notice Patterns

We are not comparing cultures, judging worldviews, or analyzing sacred knowledge.
We are learning how to recognize global ideas in safe, respectful ways.

3. Your Task

You will study two or three Indigenous groups from different regions of the world, using curated, reputable resources.

For each group:

1. Identify examples of relationality, reciprocity, or balance

2. Describe the example in your own words

3. Explain how the example relates to the learning goal

4. Avoid sacred, ceremonial, or restricted cultural knowledge

After you study the groups:

5. Write a short paragraph about patterns you noticed across the examples

6. Write a brief metacognition reflection about what you learned about critical thinking

7. Write an AI use statement following the “Help, Not Do” rule

4. Time Required

This assignment is designed to take two hours.

5. Curated Research Sources

You must use at least three of the following sources.
You may explore others only if you can justify that they are reputable, public, and non-sacred.

Source List

1. United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)
https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/

2. National Museum of the American Indian – Indigenous Knowledge Section
https://americanindian.si.edu/

3. Sámi Council – Public Cultural Information
https://www.saamicouncil.net/

4. Māori Public Resource – Te Ara Encyclopedia
https://teara.govt.nz/

5. Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)
https://aiatsis.gov.au/

6. International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA)
https://www.iwgia.org/

These resources are public, educational, and appropriate for a classroom setting.

6. What You Will Produce

Part A — Case Study Notes (1 page)

For each Indigenous group:

• Name the group and where they live

• Identify one example of relationality, reciprocity, or balance

• Describe the example in 3–4 sentences

• Explain why it fits the concept

Part B — Patterns Paragraph (1 paragraph)

Describe what patterns you noticed across the groups. Examples:

• Similar ways of understanding land

• Ways relationships guide community life

• Common emphasis on responsibility

Part C — Metacognition Reflection (5–6 sentences)

Answer:

• What did I learn about critical thinking today?

• How did “identify and describe” help me understand the examples?

• What would deeper analysis look like in the future?

Part D — AI Usage Statement (3–4 sentences)

Follow the rule: AI can help, not do.

Explain:

• How you used AI

• What parts you did alone

• How you ensured the work is your own thinking

7. Success Criteria (“I Can” Statements)

By the end of this assignment:

Understanding

• I can identify examples of relationality, reciprocity, and balance in real-world case studies.

• I can describe these examples clearly and accurately.

Critical Thinking

• I can notice patterns across global Indigenous groups without stereotyping them.

• I can avoid sacred or sensitive cultural content.

• I can select reputable, trustworthy sources.

Metacognition and AI Literacy

• I can explain how I practiced critical thinking in this assignment.

• I can use AI responsibly to support my learning without doing the work for me.

8. Academic Integrity and Cultural Safety

You must NOT:

• Research sacred or restricted teachings

• Use AI to summarize sources or generate the assignment content

• Insert cultural practices that do not come from reliable, public, non-sacred sources

• Make assumptions about any Indigenous group

You must:

• Treat all cultures with respect

• Use descriptive language

• Cite or name your online sources

• Follow “Help, Not Do” for AI tools

9. Hand-In Format

You may submit this assignment in:

• Google Doc

• Word Document

• PDF

Everything must be in your own words.