TEACHERS AID
BEING SAVVY WITH INDIGENOUS EDUCATION RESOURCES By Belinda Russo
The April issue of Catholic Teacher highlighted perspectives on Indigenous education and pedagogy from Dale Lane, Mireille Lapointe, and Tammy Webster. Each perspective noted the importance of including Indigenous pedagogy into education. As the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, specifically Education for Reconciliation #62 and #63, begin to take shape, new educational resources are being produced to support teachers and students. As teachers, we know that when choosing a resource it is important to be mindful of its quality and impact. This is especially important when selecting resources that support the inclusion of Indigenous pedagogy in education, because not all information available respectfully or accurately reflects the past experiences and/or current realities of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada. In fact, there are many stories and sayings that have been incorrectly attributed to Indigenous peoples. Misattributing stories is damaging, and perpetuates ignorance about Indigenous cultures. In an era in which we have instant access to online content, it is critical to consider the validity of the many resources available. How do we know whether we have selected an appropriate resource? When determining the quality of a resource, teachers can consider the following questions: • Does the resource contain the voice of Inuit, First Nations,
and/or Métis people?
• Does the resource show evidence of collaboration, participatory involvement, and ongoing engagement with the Indigenous peoples and/or communities represented? • Does the resource support the well-being of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, educators, and community members who may be impacted and/or affected by the resource? • Does the resource recognize Inuit, First Nations, and/or Métis as existing and dynamic civilizations? • Does the resource present sacred artifacts in a respectful manner? • Does the resource respectfully reflect historical and presentday world view realities, voices, and diversity of the Inuit and/ or First Nations and/or Métis peoples that it represents? • Does the resource challenge or perpetuate stereotypes and/or bias? (Consider images, language, stories, terms of reference, diversity of gender, roles, age, and ability.) • Does the resource incorporate Indigenous ways of learning to meet the needs of Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners? (E.g., participatory, land based, experiential, holistic, and spiritual.) 18 CATHOLIC TEACHER | JUNE 2018
If you can respond to the aforementioned questions with a yes, you likely have a reliable resource. Resources for Teachers
The list of resources highlighted below provides a starting point for teachers who are looking for differentiated materials about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit histories, traditions, cultures, and experiences. Ministry Resources
1. The Ontario Curriculum Grades 9 to 12: First Nations, Métis and
Inuit Connections, Scope and Sequence of Expectations (2016) The Scope and Sequence resource document is designed to assist teachers with incorporating First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives into the classroom, by highlighting where there are opportunities for students to explore themes, ideas, and topics related to Indigenous peoples in Canada in each discipline, from Grades 9 to 12. Level: Intermediate, Senior
edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/SecondaryFNMI.pdf
2. Aboriginal Perspectives: A Guide to the Teacher’s Tool Kit, Teaching
Resources and Strategies for the Elementary and Secondary Classrooms (2016) The Teacher’s Toolkit is a new collection of electronic resources from the Ministry of Education to help elementary and secondary teachers bring Indigenous perspectives into their classrooms. These resources were developed by educators from across Ontario who have expertise in bringing Indigenous themes and perspectives into the classroom to both Indigenous and nonIndigenous students. Level: Primary, Junior, Intermediate, Senior
edu.gov.on.ca/eng/aboriginal/Guide_Toolkit2009.pdf
3. Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Treaty website Learn more about the treaties, treaty relationships, and treaty rights that shape Ontario. Available on this website are Ontario First Nations maps, videos, current land control/claims, and infographics. Level: Primary, Junior, Intermediate, Senior ontario.ca/treaties
4. Edugains
Level: Primary, Junior, Intermediate, Senior Water – The Gift of Life Level: Grade 3
