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Issue #12
November, 2010

Professional Development

Learning Strategies for Aboriginal Students: Opportunities to Make Learning Meaningful

http://education.alberta.ca/media/307128/o06.pdf

Source: Alberta Education, Alberta
Focus: Elementary and Secondary Teachers

Summary: This instructional resource will help teachers to encourage Aboriginal students to become independent, strategic learners by presenting a variety of approaches and learning materials that will support the learning needs and strengths of Aboriginal students. At the same time, teachers will gain a better understanding of the unique worldviews of Aboriginal students.

Multimedia

On the Path of the Elders

http://www.pathoftheelders.com/index.php

Source:The Mushkegowuk and Anishinaabe Peoples and Treaty No. 9.
Focus: Grades 4-10

Summary: On the Path of the Elders is a Cree Culture and History Education Game. Itincludes an interactive online adventure game as well as an extensive gallery of video, audio and photo collections. Teachers and students can register on line to begin their “quest for knowledge”. By registering, teachers can also receive regular updates on additional and new resources.

Relevant Research

The Income Gap Between Aboriginal Peoples and the rest of Canada – April 2010

http://www.policyalternatives.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/publications/reports/docs/Aboriginal%20Income%20Gap.pdf

Source: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives: (growinggap.ca)

Authors: Dan Wilson and David MacDonald

Summary: This study examines data from Canada’s last three censuses — 1996, 2001 and 2006 — to measure the income gap between Aboriginal peoples and the rest of Canadians. The study concludes that not only has the legacy of colonialism left Aboriginal peoples disproportionately ranked among the poorest of Canadians, this study reveals disturbing levels of in­come inequality persist as well. While income disparity between Aboriginal peoples and the rest of Canadians narrowed slightly between 1996 and 2006, at this rate it would take 63 years for the gap to be erased.

Early Childhood

Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/dca-dea/index-eng.php

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada

Summary: Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) in Urban and Northern Communities is a Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) – a funded early childhood development program for First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and their families. The primary goal of the initiative is to demonstrate that locally controlled and designed early intervention strategies can provide Aboriginal children with a positive sense of themselves, a desire for learning, and opportunities to develop fully as successful young people. There are 125 AHS sites in urban and northern communities across Canada.

AHS projects typically provide half-day preschool experiences that prepare young Aboriginal children for their school years by meeting their spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical needs. All projects provide programming in six core areas: education and school readiness; Aboriginal culture and language; parental involvement; health promotion; nutrition; and, social support.

Projects are locally designed and controlled, and administered by non-profit Aboriginal organizations. AHS directly involves parents and the community in the management and operation of projects. Parents are supported in their role as the child’s first and most influential teacher, and the wisdom of elders is valued.

Classroom Practice: Secondary

Contemporary Inuit Sculpture

http://cybermuse.gallery.ca/cybermuse/teachers/plans/intro_e.jsp?lp_counter=1&lessonid=43

Source: National Gallery of Canada
Focus: Teachers of students K-12

Summary: The lessons focus on contemporary Inuit sculpture, dating from 1973 from the four regions of Arctic Canada – Nunavik, Baffin, Keewatinf and Kitikmeot and the Western Arctic.

10 Inuit artists, whose work reflects traditions that are thousands of years old at the same time that they bear witness to a culture that is alive and well, and in full transition today are represented.

The lessons present diverse thematic and aesthetic approaches to art making in the North.

Classroom Practice: Elementary

Inside the Circle: Aboriginal Peoples in Canada

http://orgs.educ.queensu.ca/curr/InCircle.pdf

Source: Ontario Curriculum Review Team
Focus: Grade 6

Summary: Inside the Circle reflects the importance of the circle to Aboriginal peoples. The circle represents inclusion for all people to come together. This unit is designed to identify and celebrate the diverse cultures of the Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Students will engage in activities in Social Studies, Language Arts, Visual Arts, and Music to gain an understanding of Aboriginal peoples.

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