An Ojibwe American Indian View of Adult Learning in the Workplace

The problem and the solution. Human resource development professionals have, in recent years, given increasing attention to fostering diversity and epistemological, or “world view” inclusiveness in the workplace. However, although research exists on many diverse groups, little exists on the management and development of American Indian workers. Various cultural aspects of the ways in which American Indians view existence affecting learning, of knowledge sharing, developing skills, and applying skill and knowledge to task, are unfamiliar to many Westerners. Many HRD professionals would likely benefit from knowledge of and familiarity with American Indian culture and worldview, knowledge that would surely enhance their ability to (a) communicate effectively with and within those communities and (b) include some aspects of American Indian epistemology that might complement or intersect with their own lives and work. This article focuses on the Ojibwe Indians of the North Central United States and southern Canada.