The Medicine Wheel Analysis

Holism, in the concept of self, can be seen as the most widespread understanding when it comes to Indigenous education and philosophy. It is understood, within the perspective of Indigenous groups in Canada, that an individual has four elements: intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual. This concept can often be seen as an expression through a visual concept known as the Medicine Wheel. The Medicine Wheel is a modern holistic concept with the intention of representing the Anishnaabe Indigenous worldview based on a foundation of holism and creation. Within the wheel is “cardinal directions, the four races of man, medicines, values, teachings, the interrelationship between different aspects of creation, and cycle of life, as well as everything else …show more content…
Each component of the Medicine Wheel is associated with a specific color and orientation, which varies across geographic location and Nations; however, each concept is taught in a similar and consistent manner (Morcom, 2017). The east of the wheel embraces the aim of vision; the south encompasses time for development of relationships; the west with the attainment of knowledge; and lastly the north- focuses on progression and doing (Hill, 2008). An educational philosophy that focuses on a holistic approach can be seen as advantageous as it focuses on the use of various methods to reach the learner, whereas a Western approach is seen to emphasize on intellectual, persuading the individual to a scientific approach of knowledge, or a physical through the development of skills. Through an Indigenous point of view, an educational experience can best be apprehended by the students in all areas simultaneously in spite of the subject. This form of education persuades intellectual development in terms of knowing, but at the same time includes emotional development through heart-felt consideration and one’s personal connection (Morcom,