TWO WORLDS, COLONIALISM ON THE CANADIAN PRAIRIE, AND THE ‘JUST’ LEARNING SOCIETY: A RENEWED VISION FOR ADULT EDUCATION
Keywords:
Adult learrning, Just learning society, Learning Society, Metaphor, Two WorldsAbstract
The dualistic nature of adult education as serving the instrumental needs of the workplace, for instance, while remaining committed to issues of social justice is examined in light of the Indigenous metaphor of ‘walking in two worlds.’ This Janus-like duality is illustrated at the outset through the Indigenous story of Coyote’s Eyes as a relationship of imbalance, or disequilibrium, between the two worlds served by adult education. In this essay a brief and selective history of colonialism on the Canadian prairie through the Southern Numbered Treaties (1871-1877), and broadly through the White Paper policy of 1969, is considered with respect to its implications for Indigenous peoples and for adult education as educative practice. As a way toward a sense of balance, or equilibrium, between the two masters of instrumentality and social purpose served by adult education, Michael Welton’s vision of a ‘just’ learning society is brought to light as having potential for a renewed vision for adult education as a balanced, equitable educative practice.
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