Heritage education and pedagogical process: dialoguing with Paulo Freire and learning from indigenous peoples

Abstract

In this article we present the result of a study that aimed to understand the educational process proposed by the Learning with Indigenous Peoples Project, PACPI and the contributions of Archeology through scientific evidence for learning and recognition of the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples, the valorization of their identities and perceptions of environment and nature. The project was carried out with children from the First Year of Elementary School I at Colegio UNESC, located in the city of Criciúma, SC, in 2018. The approach was qualitative, with participant observation and document analysis as a technique and methodological choice. The data showed that the activities developed through visitation, workshops and records during the project led to engagement, reflection and empathy among students towards indigenous peoples and their cultural heritage. It was concluded through this study that a pedagogical process of qualified heritage education is essential, which provides significant experiences and actions to students, capable of developing a look of compassion, respect and admiration for indigenous peoples, their history, their customs and their culture.