Answered By: Theresa Bell (she/her/hers)
Last Updated: Aug 26, 2021     Views: 88

The Four Feathers Writing Guide respectfully presents Traditional Coast Salish teachings and approaches to learning to support Indigenous students develop as academic writers through four Traditional stages of learning: vision, gathering, knowledge and sharing. Developed in collaboration with Cowichan Nation Elder Shirley Alphonse (THE-LA-ME-YÉ), who is a spiritual leader of the T’Sou-ke Nation; the late Scia’new Nation Elder Nadine Charles (TEȺȽIE); and many other Indigenous Knowledge Keepers from local First Nations’ communities, the Four Feathers Writing Guide respectfully presents traditional Coast Salish teachings and approaches to learning to support Indigenous students develop as academic writers.The guide also offers non-Indigenous students an opportunity to learn about academic writing and Coast Salish Traditional Knowledge. While Coast Salish teachings may not be transferrable across all Indigenous communities, the hope is that those presented in the guide will create a pathway to learning about academic writing. 

The teachings and approaches to learning in the guide are shared with permission. The ownership of the Traditional Knowledge remains in perpetuity with the appropriate Nation; accordingly, the information should not be re-used without explicit permission.

If you are a Royal Roads University student and you have questions about the guide or you would like help with your writing, please feel warmly invited to contact the Writing Centre.