Culture Counts: Changing Power Relations in Education

Educational policies and practices in many Western countries have historically been shaped by colonialism, rooted in epistemological racism embedded in the dominant culture. This book introduces a model for addressing cultural diversity based on the indigenous Kaupapa Maori response to dominant discourse in New Zealand. It emphasizes self-determination as a means of power sharing, aiming to improve educational outcomes and life opportunities for Maori children.

Classrooms are envisioned as spaces where students' cultures are acknowledged and integrated, their existing knowledge is validated, and teachers collaborate with them to create new knowledge. This exploration of the Maori people's aspirations and experiences offers valuable insights for educators worldwide striving to develop culturally relevant teaching methods.