Vision

The International Indigenous RPL Collective recognizes, values, and gives vision (voice) and legitimacy to Indigenous languages, cultures and ways of knowing. It is inclusive, reflecting the needs, values and wishes of diverse peoples. It nurtures and strengthens their desire to assume their rightful places as full partners in the societies in which they live.

The Collective believes that culturally respectful approaches to learning enable Indigenous peoples to make informed choices related to improving their quality of life, standard of living and taking charge of their own destiny.

Mission

Working toward the creation of Indigenous controlled institutions of higher learning, the Collective aims to influence key policy decisions related to education and learning initiatives of governments and educational systems. It advocates for formal recognition of Indigenous ways of knowing which support and respect traditional knowledge, strengthen language, culture and self-determination. It works co-operatively with its members and key stakeholders, from public and private sector, to create institutions and practices which respect the validity and credibility of Indigenous knowledge, cultural teachings and languages. Standards and methods of assessment are developed and articulated by recognizing knowledge keepers from within the Collective.

Objectives

The International Indigenous RPL Collective promotes culturally-based recognition of prior learning and adult learning practices which:

1.    enhance, safeguard and validate Indigenous languages, cultures and ways of knowing.

2.    identify community strengths, resources, needs.

3.    support collaborative approaches enabling collective consciousness-raising and social action

4.    strengthen self-confidence, self-reliance and community capacity for self-determination.

5.    promote Indigenous nations and groups as full partners in educational policy, planning, delivery and evaluation.

6.    create international Indigenous benchmarks of best practice for RPL within an integrated framework of culturally respectful adult learning principles, practices.

7.    support co-operative approaches to culturally-based wholistic learning.

8.    disseminate best practices and discover new practices.

9.    host regular gatherings of members and other interested stakeholder groups, organizations and individuals.