A teacher’s guide from the 2022 Treaty Education Summer Institute which uses storytelling as a portal to explore Treaties.
The First Peoples of Canada recognize certain members of their communities for their ability as storytellers. The skillful art of storytelling is passed down from one generation to another by chosen, recognized or hereditary storytellers.
Some stories are shared at certain times of the year, in designated areas and on special occasions. As well, parents, family members and Elders share their knowledge with the younger generations in the course of their daily activities.
The stories we want to share with you here are from the Inuvialuit, the Algonquin, the Métis and Cree, the Nisga'a, the Abenaki and the Mi'kmaq. They are told through movement, song and dance, using symbols and imagination. They teach us about the origin of sacred objects and ceremonies, and our relationship to the animals, plants, rocks and each other.
This document shares and outlines effective FNME partnerships that could inspire work within your own school or division.
"This learning module is designed to help teachers and other educational professionals become comfortable with the topic of reconciliation so that they can begin incorporating this important topic into their work with their students.
Estimated Completion Time: 30 to 60 minutes
This learning module was developed by Joanna Sanders while working to complete a Certificate in Reconciliation Studies that is offered by the First Nations University of Canada."
Tawow, Welcome to Pow-Wow Country is a collection of photographic artifacts and information dating back to the Indian Act of 1876 as digitalized by Saskatchewan Council for Archives and Archivists. Patricia Deiter describes the history and acceptance of the pow-wow from the early 1900s to the contemporary pow-wow. Also included is information about the various dances and regalia.
Pow-wow to the First Nations people of Saskatchewan is a way of life and a symbol of cultural survival. There are more Pow-wows here in Saskatchewan on an annual basis than any other province or state in North America. Saskatchewan Pow-wows can be labeled as the best in North America as the dancers and drum groups are proven champions throughout North America. This dance form is traced to the Omaha and Pawnee people of the southern United States and came north through the Dakota people.
This site gives background knowledge on the history of Pow-wows and describes contemporary Pow-wows. It outlines different dance styles and regalia.
From University of Saskatchewan Archives.
This site offers a glimpse into the Mi’kmaw way of life - past and present and how it is shaping the current reality of the Mi’kmaw people.
An extensive list of resources is available.
This guide is a resource for educators at all levels to introduce the value of Indigenous women’s and girls’ lives into the classroom and into the minds and hearts of young people. It will prepare educators to use a decolonizing pedagogy and a trauma-informed approach in their teaching.
Through Mala's Eyes takes a look at the Inuit community and helps students understand and appreciate one of the diverse cultures that exist within Canada. This resource looks at the life of an Inuit community in northern Quebec, through the eyes of Mala, a twelve year old Inuk boy. Through his first person narratives, Mala provides interesting background information about life in his community.
Downloadable teaching resource provided.
This is an excellent resource for teaching students about Inuit life. This resource speaks directly to students as it is given from the point of view of a twelve year old child. Students ages nine to fourteen should enjoy relating to these stories. It is rare to find a resource about Inuit life that is this modern, positive and engaging.
There are a variety of activities included within the resource, and teachers are encouraged to choose those which best apply to their classroom. There is also a lot of good background information provided in the resource, such as a glossary of Inuit terms and the Inuit alphabet. As well, online links are provided for more information.
In this video, Cree Elder Mary Lee shares tipi teachings that have been passed on to her from her mother and other teachers with whom she has learned during her lifetime.
Everyone benefits when there is a greater understanding and appreciation of Treaties and the Treaty relationship.
This issue of Canada’s History explores the history of Treaties and the Treaty relationship and is an important first step in sharing First Nations perspectives.
It has been developed with contributors who have helped to incorporate the spirit and intent of Treaty making. The contributors, drawn from across the country, bring expertise and insights that help us to understand the continuing relevance of Treaties and the Treaty relationship.
Treaties and the Treaty Relationship Educational Package.
Visit the site to download the information.
Living Sky School Division teachers and consultants share their units and lessons that highlight Treaty Essential learnings. The resource list will continue to grow over time. We welcome your feedback and contributions to this collection of units.
Grade 1 - 7 Plains Cree Hand Drumming Overview
Grade 3 - Lifestyle changes after signing treaty unit
Grade 4 - Residential Schools unit
Grade 4 - Whose Voice? The Conquerors unit
Understanding worldview when learning about the treaties. Use drama and role play to create scenarios with the real characters from history. (Arts Ed/ELA/Treaty Ed)
Grade 5 - 12 - Response to Art viewing sheet with discussion, background and activity
Video with artist talking about her art work about residential schools
Grade 5 – Social Studies - Canada and Aboriginal Heritage unit
Review: Jeopardy Game
Grade 6 – ELA – Heroes/Models/Peacemakers unit
Grade 6 – Arts Education – Métis Identity & Jigging unit
Grade 7 – Ecosystems & Indigenous Knowledge: “Healing Garden”unit
Sacred Plants (3 min. audio file: Oral Storytelling, from CBC Re/Vision Quest podcast "Elders")
Grade 8 – Social Studies - We Are All Treaty People unit
This amazing resource looks at FNME from grades 1 to 9 with an inquiry approach. The key questions are examined for the grades including treaty relationships, spirit and intent, historical context, and treaty promises and provisions.
Following that a specific resource for each grade is included!
This Saskatchewan Ministry of Education documents outlines all of the Treaty Education outcome and indicators for Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Treaty Education
Outcomes and Indicators
Saskatchewan Ministry of Education
2013
The Kindergarten to Grade 9 Treaty Education Learning Resource is designed for teachers to assist them in integrating the Treaty content and perspective with Saskatchewan’s curricula and is based on the inquiry method of teaching. It provides information about Treaties, First Nations people and the history of what is now known as Saskatchewan, as well as sample learning experiences, assessment ideas and suggested resource materials to support teachers in the development of their lessons.
Resources are organized by grade and outcome.
Visit the site to download the resource.
How to get started, and who can help.
This is a great read!
This article also provides a list of other resources to teach Truth & Reconciliation.
This infographic aims to empower teachers, principals and administrators across Canada with four key steps to begin implementing truth and reconciliation initiatives immediately into K-12 classrooms.
This Curriculum-based Educational Bundle includes:
- Walking With Miskwaades
- Walking With A’nó:wara
- TURTLE ISLAND CONSERVATION Miskwaadesi and A’nó:wara CURRICULUM-BASED ACTIVITIES GUIDE
Toronto Zoo's Turtle Island Conservation programme (TIC) respectfully shares the hopes and goals of First Nation partners in our committment to the preservation of biodiversity. TIC partners with First Nation communities to preserve community knowledge and significant natural and cultural landscapes.
For students and teachers grades 1 to 6.