Click the play button to hear the English and Halq’emeylem pronunciation of the title of this tab

Big Idea:

The influence of Indigenous culture on issues in our communities, our province, and our country are not only political, but cultural to all Canadians. It is important to study the legislation that has influenced and brought about treaties, the loss of traditional lands and the way Canada treats other cultures and peoples. It is of special importance to study how Indigenous culture can impact decisions and the way of thinking when it comes issues such as the environment and refugees.

Inquiry Question:

As a First People’s Member of Parliament, what policies would you champion to preserve the environment?

Core Competency: Communication, Personal/Social

In The Reason You Walk: A Memoir, Wab Kinew said, “What role does a traditional Indigenous culture, or any local culture for that matter, have in a globalized, interconnected world?” This is what we want to explore. To see the impact that traditional Indigenous culture can have on, or can influence, the world is worthy of observation and study.

Digital Resources:

Click the following link for…Indigenous People Worldviews vs Western Worldviews : “The world we live in is multi-cultural with a corresponding plethora of worldviews. In this article we provide a definition of “worldviews” and a comparison of Indigenous and Western worldview perspectives.”

Click the following bold hyperlink to learn about “The Quilt of Belonging” It consists of 263 11-inch fabric squares, 70 representing all Aboriginal groups, 193 featuring all immigrant nationalities in Canada and the Canadian block.”  When you search a First Nations People, you will find the story of the quilt block creation and a description of the culture.

Click the following bold hyperlink to explore The Elders Are Watching Lesson Plan:  “These amazing high interest strategies for struggling readers can be used across the grades. The Elders are Watching is one of six stories/lesson plans developed by the Siya:ye Yoyes Committee in partnership with the Langley School District. For more information about the complete resource, please contact Janet Stromquist at jstromquist@sd35.bc.ca.”

Video Resources:

Video Clip: The Elders are Watching (used in the lesson plan above, produced by David Bouchard)