Indigenous Studies Bucket List

Jordan, Janelle, Nicole, Manuel and Courtney

EDUC 520 - S03 Aubrey Hanson
October 25, 2017

Video Script - Rationale

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqb2r_zyuMQ (Removed from Youtube, Script below)

In our group discussions, we often questioned what we want to take away from this
course. Ultimately, our group wants to be able to carry forward our learning in a positive and
meaningful way. One thing we discussed is how Indigenous cultures are often presented as
something in the historical past. However, these resilient cultures are still very present and
actively contributing to Canada’s cultural landscape. As future teachers, many of us are
concerned about how we can meaningfully integrate Indigenous content into our classroom, as
this can often be perceived as a challenging task. While it is certainly important to set aside
whole classes for the exploration of various Indigenous cultures, perspectives, and
epistemologies, we believe it is equally important to include them as frequently and as
passively as we do Western cultures. We believe that when possible and appropriate, we can
include contemporary Indigenous resources in place of Western resources, not because we
“have to,” but because they are high quality and pertinent examples to integrate into the
classroom. This can serve as a means of normalizing the inclusion of Indigenous content in
order to make it part of students everyday life. Our group has decided to “fill our bucket” with
resources that we believe will allow us to do just that!

Usability- The Purposeful Design of Our “Bucket”!

Although this document has been submitted as a Word file, for us it will remain a Google Docs
file. It will be an ongoing document which we will continue to add to over time as we find other
useful resources. Brief explanations are given under each resource that explain its general
purpose and use. When searching for resources for a specific subject, one need only search the
subject using the ctrl + f function to find all applicable resources. You can also search by
“Primary” or “Secondary” to narrow down the resources by age appropriateness.
First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC)
http://www.fnesc.ca/learningfirstpeoples/
The website has a great deal of resources divided into different disciplines/topics and offers
information on how Indigenous perspectives can be meaningfully used to teach curriculum
content. Although this is a BC initiative, there is obvious overlap between AB and BC
curriculums. The Doucette library has a hard copy of the guide for Science , the rest can be
easily accessed and downloaded from their website for FREE.
Science http://www.fnesc.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/PUBLICATION-61496-Science-
First-Peoples-2016-Full-F-WEB.pdf
Applicable to: Grades 5 to 9.
Math http://www.fnesc.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/PUB-LFP-Math-First-Peoples-8-9-
for-Web.pdf
Applicable to: Grades 8 and 9.
Indian Residential Schools and Reconciliation
http://www.fnesc.ca/irsr/
Applicable to: Grades 5, 10, 11 and 12.
English Language Arts
http://www.fnesc.ca/learningfirstpeoples/efp/
Applicable to: Grades 10 to 12.
Primary School Resources
http://www.fnesc.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/PUB-LFP-K-3-In-our-Own-Words-for-
Web.pdf
Applicable to: Grades K to 3.

Math in a Cultural Context

https://www.uaf.edu/mcc/
This series is a supplemental math curriculum based on the traditional wisdom and practices of
the Yup'ik people of southwest Alaska. A good example of these methods is the Kayak design
kit found at the Doucette Library which allows students in grades six and seven to investigate
the relationship between the kayak's shape and its function.
Applicable to: Primary and Secondary (Grade 7) Math

Developing a Sense of Place Through Native Science Activities https://search-

proquest-
com.ezproxy.lib.ucalgary.ca/docview/347606276/fulltextPDF/9AE2CB07F1524726PQ/1?accoun
tid=9838
This article outlines some activities that were inspired by Indigenous Peoples who have a deep
sense of the places they live in. These activities make relevant connections between Western
and Indigenous perspectives and practices to explore science topics.
Applicable to: Elementary and Secondary science.

Professional Learning Pebbles: Activities to Build Teachers’ Foundational

Knowledge
https://www.teachers.ab.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/ATA/Publications/Human-Rights-
Issues/Learning%20Pebbles%20-%20(PD-WT-19)%20.pdf
“Professional Learning Pebbles is a collection of 24 short activities created by the Alberta
Teachers’ Association Walking Together Project to support certificated teachers on their
learning journey to meet the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Foundational Knowledge
competency in the Teaching Quality Standard,” (The Alberta Teacher’s Association, 2017).
Applicable to: ELA, Science, Math, Social Studies, Music, Languages; Primary and Secondary
School.

Enhanced Mandatory Content For All Alberta Students On Residential Schools

And Treaties, Including First Nations, Métis, And Inuit Perspectives In
Curriculum
https://education.alberta.ca/media/1477144/resources-to-support-first -nations-
m%C3%A9tis-and-inuit-content-in-current-programs-of-studies.pdf
“This cross-curricular resource provides historically accurate and culturally authentic
information about Alberta’s First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities for teachers to use as
they bring First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives and Indigenous pedagogical approaches
into teaching and learning,” (Alberta Education, N.d.).
Applicable to: Social Studies, ELA, Math, Science, Music, Languages; Primary and Secondary
School.

Infusing Aboriginal Content and Perspectives into Your Teaching Practice

1. Link to main page:
http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/deepeningknowledge/Teacher_Resources/Infusing_Abori
ginal_Content_and_Perspectives_into_Your_Teaching/index.html
2. Link to discipline-specific resources:
http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/deepeningknowledge/Teacher_Resources/Curriculum_Re
sources_%28by_subjects%29/index.html
This is put together by the U of T and contains a very wide range of resources to use in the
classroom and to expand your breadth of knowledge as an educator. I put the main link and the
link that breaks resources down by discipline, but there is so much more on here than just
those.
Applicable to: ELA, Social Studies, Science, Math, Health, French Immersion, Music, Arts; Primary
and Secondary School.

Aboriginal Literature in Canada: A Teacher’s Resource

http://resources4rethinking.ca/en/resource/aboriginal-literature-in-canada
This resource “consists of narrative comments along with the annotated bibliographies and
related readings, explanations, interpretations and suggestions for six different Aboriginal
cultures. The six cultures are Mi'Kmaq, Mohawk (Six Nations), Anishnabe (Ojibway), Cree, Metis
and Okanagan. The Inuit culture has a few anthologies listed,” (Resources for Rethinking, 2017).
Applicable to: Secondary ELA.

Math Catcher: Mathematics Through Aboriginal Storytelling

http://mathcatcher.irmacs.sfu.ca/
“The Math Catcher Outreach Program in the classroom to encourage elementary and high
school students to recognize how math is used in everyday life and how it forms the basis for
many of our daily decisions and life-long choices. We use storytelling, pictures, models and
hands-on activities to encourage young people to enjoy math and to help dispel myths that
math is boring and abstract” (Jungic, 2017). This resource targets all students, not just those of
Indigenous descent. However, much of the content is available not just in English but Blackfoot,
Cree, Halq’em ́eylem, Heiltsuk, Hul’q’umi’num’, Huu-ay- aht, Nisga’a, Sliammon, and Squamish
as well.
Applicable to: Math; Primary and Secondary School.

Government of Canada: Aboriginal Arts, Cultures and Heritages

https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100012788/1100100012792
This Government of Canada website on Indigenous and northern affairs offers a plethora of
resources and information on a vast array of topics including Aboriginal history in Canada,
Aboriginal arts, reconciliation as well as educational resources targeted at younger students.
Kids’ Stop
https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1315444613519/1315444663239
This section of the website proposes activities, games and stories for young students
regarding Indigenous cultures, histories and languages.
Publications
http://pse5-esd5.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/pubcbw/publication/catalog.aspx?l=E
This sections offers publications on a variety of topics, most notably of educational resources
such as the resource found below. There are resources available for all ages and are also
available in french for any french immersion teachers.
The Learning Circle: Classroom Activities on First Nations in Canada
https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/DAM/DAM-INTER-HQ/STAGING/texte-
text/ach_lr_ks_lc1214_1331134340172_eng.pdf
Applicable to: Math, Science, Arts, ELA, FLA, Social Studies, Indigenous Studies; Primary and
Secondary School.

Contemporary Artist: Brian Jungen

https://catrionajeffries.com/artists/brian-jungen/works/
https://inhabitat.com/artist-brian-jungen-transforms-nike-air-jordans-into-awesome-
aboriginal-masks/
Artists like Brian Jungen demonstrate that Indigenous cultures and traditions are still alive and
thriving. His contemporary works of art combine modern materials and traditional Indigenous
symbols to create provoking and culturally relevant pieces that would serve as great exemplars
for art students.
Applicable to: Arts; Primary or Secondary School.

Author: Richard Wagamese

Acclaimed Canadian author Richard Wagamese and his works could and should be studied in
ELA classes, not because he is Indigenous, but because his novels are profound and provoking
and of a very high quality. Found below is a list of other Indigenous authors who deserve more
recognition and inclusion in ELA classes.
Indigenous Authors: Daniel David Moses, Bernard Assiniwi, Basil Johnson, Thomas King, Gregory
Scofield, Annehareo, Duncan Mercredi, Lee Maracle, Jeanette Armstrong, Rita Joe, Wayne
Keon, Jordan Wheeler, Beth Brant, Armand Garnet Ruffo, Lenore Keeshig-Tobias, Beatrice
Culleton, Ruby Slipperjack, Harry Robinson, Louise Halfe, Eden Robinson, Brian Maracle, Beth
Cuthand, Richard Van Camp, Pauline Johnson.
Applicable to: ELA, Indigenous Studies; Secondary School.

Enormous List of Indigenous Musicians

https://www.aboriginalmusicweek.ca/artist-directory/complete-directory
This website serves as a great starting point for the exploration of active Indigenous musical
artists and groups. Applicable to: Music, Arts: Primary or Secondary School.
Canada 150: Contemporary Indigenous Voices
https://curio.ca/en/collection/canada-150-contemporary-indigenous-voices-2410/
Given that it is not always possible to bring Elders or other members of Indigenous
communities into the classroom, these podcasts and other audio files would allow students to
hear directly from Indigenous peoples. The collection “focuses on cultural awareness,
traditional knowledge and the contemporary challenges facing Indigenous and non-Indigenous
peoples across Canada as we begin to explore reconciliation together. The collection touches
on issues like adapting to climate change, overcoming the errors of colonialism, improving
access to resources and services, building stronger local economies and more. The voices
presented here – whether young people, women, elders, artists, advocates, entrepreneurs or
educators – reflect the diverse perspectives within Métis, Inuit and First Nations communities.
The collection also highlights the overarching importance of traditional territories and
relationship with the land” (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 2017).
Applicable to: ELA, Social Studies, Indigenous Studies; Secondary School.

Traplines: Book
A book of four stories that demonstrate the lives and struggles of indigenous individuals in
British Columbia, Canada.
Applicable to: ELA, Social Studies; Secondary School.

Translations: Book
A play, set in Ireland in 1833, which demonstrates other forms of Indigenous-Eurocentric
assimilation in a classroom setting, as it takes place in a hedge school in an Irish-speaking small
town.
Applicable to: ELA, Social Studies, Indigenous Studies; Secondary School.

Disgrace: Book
A novel about the “white dilemma” in Africa, illustrated through a teacher’s perspective as he
goes on to have an affair with one of his students, and once shamed, he retreats to his
daughter’s farm home only to be victims of a savage and disturbing attack.
Applicable to: ELA, Social Studies, Indigenous Studies; Secondary School.

Sierra and Blue: Picture Book

A picture book that illustrates two siblings losing their parents in a car accident and having to
move in with their parents on the Blackfoot Reserve. Written in correspondence with a
Blackfoot tribe member for authenticity and translation of Blackfoot words.
Applicable to: ELA, Social Studies, Indigenous Studies; Elementary School.

Document References:
Aboriginal Music Week. (2017). Complete Directory. Retrieved from
https://www.aboriginalmusicweek.ca/artist-directory/complete-directory

Alberta Education. (N.d.). Enhanced mandatory content for all alberta students on residential
schools and treaties, including first nations, métis, and inuit perspectives in curriculum.
Retrieved from: https://education.alberta.ca/media/1477144/resources-to-support-first
-nations-m%C3%A9tis-and-inuit-content-in-current-programs-of-studies.pdf

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. (2017). Canada 150: Contemporary Indigenous

voices. Retrieved from https://curio.ca/en/collection/canada-150-contemporary-
indigenous-voices-2410/

Coetzee, J. M. (1999). Disgrace. London, UK: Vintage 2000. Print.

First Nations Education Steering Committee and First Nations Schools Association. (2016).
Learning First Peoples Classroom Resources. Retrieved from
http://www.fnesc.ca/learningfirstpeoples/

Friel, Brian. (1981). Translations. London, UK: Faber and Faber. Print.

Government of Canada. (2015, October 29). Indigenous and northern affairs Canada: Aboriginal
arts, culture & heritage. Retrieved from https://www.aadnc-
aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100012788/1100100012792

Knapp, C. E. (2010). Developing a sense of place through native science activities. Green
Teacher, (88), 36-40. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.lib.ucalgary.ca/login?url=https://search-proquest-
com.ezproxy.lib.ucalgary.ca/docview/347606276?accountid=9838

Resources for Rethinking. (2017). Aboriginal literature in canada: a teacher’s resource.

Retrieved from: http://resources4rethinking.ca/en/resource/aboriginal-literature-in-
canada
Robinson, E. (1996). Traplines. Toronto, ON: Vintage Canada. Print.

Jeffries, C. (2017). Brian Jungen. Retrieved from https://catrionajeffries.com/artists/brian-

jungen/works/

Jungic, V. (2017). Math catcher: Mathematics through aboriginal storytelling. Retrieved from
http://mathcatcher.irmacs.sfu.ca/

The Alberta Teacher’s Association. (2017). Professional learning pebbles: Activities to build
teachers’ foundational knowledge. Retrieved from:
https://www.teachers.ab.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/ATA/Publications/Human-Rights-
Issues/Learning%20Pebbles%20-%20(PD-WT-19)%20.pdf

University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Education. (n.d). Math in a cultural context: Lessons
learned from Yup'ik Eskimo elders project. Retrieved from https://www.uaf.edu/mcc/

University of Toronto. (2017). Infusing aboriginal content and perspectives into your teaching
practice. Deepening knowledge: resources for and about aboriginal education. Retrieved
from:
http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/deepeningknowledge/Teacher_Resources/Infusing_Abori
ginal_Content_and_Perspectives_into_Your_Teaching/index.html

Yawney, D. & Fox, L. (2011). Sierra and Blue. Lethbridge, AB: Prairie Rain Publishing.

Zimmer, L. (2012, February 3). Inhabitat: Artist Brian Jungen transforms Nike air Jordans into
awesome Aboriginal masks. Retrieved from https://inhabitat.com/artist-brian-jungen-
transforms-nike-air-jordans-into-awesome-aboriginal-masks/