Aboriginal Groups of Alberta

Grade 4 / Social Studies

Time (2-3) 40 minute lessons
Amanda Larson
GLO: General Outcome 4.2
The Stories, Histories and Peoples of Alberta: Students will demonstrate an understanding and
appreciation of the role of stories, history and culture in strengthening communities and
contributing to identity and a sense of belonging
SLO: 4.2.1 appreciate how an understanding of Albertas history, peoples and stories contributes to
their own sense of belonging and identity.
recognize oral traditions, narratives and stories as valid sources of knowledge about the land,
culture and history (CC, TCC)
recognize the presence and influence of diverse Aboriginal peoples as inherent to Albertas
culture and identity (CC, I, TCC)
4.2.2 What do the stories of Aboriginal peoples tell us about their beliefs regarding the
relationship between people and the land? (TCC)

Lesson / FNMI Objectives To learn about the diversity of Aboriginal groups in Alberta by studying, creating a
presentation and sharing with the rest of the class. As a class we will discover each group
beginning with their language / appropriate name.
 Materials for Students
a review in appropriate
computer use /
responsibility
computer access / library
time
binders/ scribblers to record
information
Materials for Teacher
Our words, our ways: teaching First Nations, Metis and Inuit learners.
(pp. 157-162). (2005). Appendices. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Education.
-I would print these pages off for students so that they have a copy to
begin with and know where to look for their particular group
Have the librarian pull as many age appropriate books possible on the
different Aboriginal groups in Canada for research classes.
http://www.fourdirectionsteachings.com/main.html
-A good introduction to use as a hook. It explains that Aboriginal people
are diverse and expresses some similarities
http://www.abheritage.ca/alberta/en/fn_metis/index.html
-This is an excellent site for the students to start on. They can click on links for
each area/group they are looking for
http://wayback.archive-it.org/2217/20101208160325/http://www.edukits.ca/decoteau/
-Alex Decoteau Cree police officer, Verteran and Olympic Athlete
http://wayback.archive-
it.org/2217/20101208162828/http://www.edukits.ca/aboriginal/culture/grade2/glossary
/glossary_a.htm
-An awesome glossary that could help with descriptions
http://wayback.archive-
it.org/2217/20101208161445/http://www.edukits.ca/aboriginal/contributions/student/bi
ographies/index.htm#
-Aboriginal Peoples contributions
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCESubjects&P
arams=A1SUB45CAT193#sub45
-A good site for them to look up specific information on their group
-If possible I would put together some printed packages from the librarian
materials on each Aboriginal group and photocopy it so that each student group
got a package and the focus could be more on reading the material then searching
for it. I would put the links to these two websites on the desktops of the computers
so that students could get to them quickly and could go on the site together as a
class- then look for their specific groups. This way the students have a chance to
look up some of their own research as well as have reliable info already provided
to them.
I would provide a worksheet / rubric describing the content for each project.
Should include name of group- what it means, language spoken and an
example (ie how they say hello), where they are located in Alberta, what
Treaty they are part of, as much as we can about cultural traditions (food /
dance / family / living styles / celebrations), at least 2 role models or
celebrated citizens, pictures, music, etc.
 Procedure:
Introduction Play the introduction from http://www.fourdirectionsteachings.com/main.html
reflecting diversity of Aboriginal groups in Canada. Put the students into groups of
2-3 depending on class size and then assign them an Aboriginal group (by
language). Explain that they will be doing research and presenting their group to
the class in a way they would like with a poster or a role play- all with a hand-in
written component showing research ( approximately 2 paragraphs).

Body Students should take the time researching in their groups (both in the library
packages and online). They should decide how they would like to present the
information to the class and then continue to find as much information as they can.
Whenever possible, students can use real people as references as well- if they know
of someone in their community. There are a few sites given as reference for them to
start, but students should try to make their presentations as detailed as possible
following the worksheet attached. To ensure proper computer use as well as
resource validity, I would be circulating the groups, helping to answer questions and
making suggestions. Once students have covered the research criteria, they should
have time to put together their presentation to show the class with one class period
to present.
Closure During the presentations groups should have a scribble page (journal etc) to write
down at least one thing about each group being presented. Towards the end of
class, have each group say something they found interesting about another group.
Review that it is important to understand the difference between groups of people
who live in Alberta in order to respect diversity and better understand where we
live.

Assessment: Observation of group work, research being completed. Students have a written component that will be marked as
well as the presentation to the class. I would provide a rubric that covers all three components (oral, written, research).

GRADE 4 SOCIAL STUDIES:

ABORIGINAL PEOPLE OF ALBERTA- RESEARCH PROJECT

MY GROUP IS_________________________________________________________

THE GROUP WE ARE STUDYING IS_____________________________________

Name of Aboriginal Group by

Language (11 as listed in Our
words, our ways on resource
list)
(people included in this group- ex.
Blackfoot Kainai, N. Peigan, S.
Peigan (Piikani), Siksika)
Language Spoken and an
example if possible
(Oki- Hello / Welcome,
Blackfoot)

Where Do They Live In

Alberta?
What treaty are they a part of?

Culture: Celebrations / Dancing

Traditions

Food / Music

Clothing

Family / Ways of Living

2 Role Models or Celebrated

Citizens
(Who are they? Why are they
Role Models?)

Pictures or Images? (Where can

I find these?)
Aboriginal Groups of Alberta- Social Studies Lesson Plan and Worksheet

The following resource from the university FNMI collection looks at the aboriginal groups found
in Alberta. This is a very useful resource for the grade four program of studies, which focuses on
the history of Alberta. The general and specific outcomes that connect with the lesson are
provided in the lesson plan above. The inclusion of a worksheet for students is also a very useful
tool. This activity provides a deeper cultural connection for students, as they can learn about
daily life of multiple groups. Students can often miss this aspect of Albertas history, therefore
this resource can help in forming these connections. The task of a research project is also very
enticing for grade four students, as they love working with technology. This resource is also
extremely beneficial for teacher because it has a well done lesson plan included. Having websites
that students can use in the lesson plan is also very beneficial.