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Issue #11
October, 2010

Promising Initiatives

Let’s Talk Science: Rural and Remote Outreach and Aboriginal Outreach

http://www.letstalkscience.ca/en/programs-a-services/science-outreach.html

Source: A national, charitable organization founded in 1993 by Bonnie Schmidt, PhD.
Focus: Youth from early years through high school

Summary:

Let’s Talk Science is committed to extending science outreach to youth in communities that do not have the same level of access to science programming as those in urban settings.

Each year, Let’s Talk Science mobilizes thousands of university and college students and science, engineering and technology professionals across Canada to visit elementary and high school classrooms, libraries, and community events to deliver fun, exciting hands-on science activities to children and youth free of charge.

These experienced and enthusiastic volunteers provide a unique and engaging learning experience, act as role models and shatter stereotypes about science and scientists. Outreach requests from any community in any province is welcomed.

If you would like a Let’s Talk Science volunteer to visit your school or community event or to find out about a science outreach centre near you , click here.

Relevant Research

Centre for Native Policy and Research

http://www.chodarr.org/node/24573

Summary: The Centre is a non-partisan, social justice, progressive Aboriginal think tank on the social, economic, and environmental public policy and research concerns of Aboriginal people in British Columbia and Canada.

Although over fifty percent of all Aboriginal people now live in urban areas, there is a lack of research and policy analysis on issues important to the growing urban Aboriginal population. The Centre tackles this gap by providing collaborative solutions between existing Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups, bringing people together beyond politics to promote progressive research, policy alternatives, and hope.

Professional Development

Urban Aboriginal Peoples Study (UAPS)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/pdf/uaps-report-april5.pdf

Source: Environics Institute
Focus: Teachers and senior students

Summary Report: http://uaps.twg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/UAPS-Report-Summary.pdf

Summary:

In the 2006 Census, a total of 1,172,790 people in Canada identified themselves as Aboriginal persons, that is, First Nations, Métis or Inuit. As of 2006, half of the Aboriginal population in Canada lived in urban centres (including large cities or census metropolitan areas and smaller urban centres).

Urban Aboriginal peoples (i.e., citizens of larger collectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples who live in urban centres) are an increasingly significant social, political and economic presence in Canadian cities today – and yet relatively little is known about these individuals’ experiences and perspectives.

The goal of the Urban Aboriginal Peoples Study (UAPS) is to understand better this important and growing population. The UAPS is different than any other survey of the Aboriginal population. The UAPS does not seek to collect a series of economic and social ‘facts’ about Aboriginal people living in the city. Rather is it an enquiry about the values, experiences, identities and aspirations of urban Aboriginal peoples. How do they see themselves in relation to their communi­ties – both geographically and culturally? Which factors are leading them toward greater success, autonomy and cultural confidence? What are their hopes for the future, their definitions of success? What tools and supports have helped them? What barriers have impeded them?

Another goal of the UAPS is to provide opportunities for dialogue among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. Thus, the study also investigated how non-Aboriginal people view Aboriginal people in Canada today.

Classroom Practice: Elementary

Aboriginal Themed Lesson Plans

http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/aboriginal_res/

Source: This work is the product of continuing efforts of the Indian and Métis Curriculum Advisory Committee of the Regina Public School Division #4, Saskatchewan.
Focus: Elementary and Secondary Social Studies

Summary: This expansive resource was created to provide instructional ideas in a ready-to-use lesson format for Kindergarten to Grade 12 Social Studies. Saskatchewan Learning’s initiative in web-based learning provided the impetus to extend this resource offering beyond the borders of the Regina Public School Division.

Teachers may use the lessons and any of the activities in the given format or adapt them to suit their needs. The creators strongly advise teachers to read the supplementary items prior to venturing into the lessons. The supplementary topics contain valuable information on terminology, traditional perspectives on various issues as well as a host of bibliographical listings, including web sites.

The lessons and activities are organized under 6 themes: Diversity (in general as well as the diversity among Indigenous peoples); Treaties; Governance; the Metis; Role Models; and Aboriginal Contributions to Society.

All lessons emphasize the importance of initiating/maintaining close connections to the Aboriginal members of a community to ensure teaching materials and methods are relevant to that Aboriginal group, at the very least, and at the most, to encourage Aboriginal participation in instruction.

Related Links

Inuit Cultural Online Resource

http://www.icor.ottawainuitchildrens.com/

Focus: Elementary and Secondary students and teachers

Summary: The Inuit Cultural Online Resource is a site based resource created to provide a central location online to learn about Canadian Inuit culture. This site is designed to serve as a resource for Canadian school age children and their teachers. Its purpose is to offer new and different ways of learning about Inuit culture and what it means to be Inuit.

Exploring this site you will find a wide variety of topics and interesting resources. You will be able to watch videos on how to make Bannock, traditional Inuit bread, watch Inuit games, and learn more about a great rich vibrant culture.

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