Welcome to our Aboriginal Resource Centre Page
Teachers in SD36 can sign out resources from our Aboriginal Resource Centre. Sign onto the catalogue and search the database of resources. Resources include a collection of fiction, non-fiction, teacher reference materials and visual media. We do loan resources for a three week period. The intent of the resource centre is to have copies of district approved resources for teachers to view. After reviewing a resource, the teacher may wish to purchase a copy of the resource for their school.
Teachers may log onto the catalogue at http://library.sd36.bc.ca
It is also possible to view lists that have been created to support different curricular areas and grades. Note that these lists change frequently so check them often. To view these lists,
To request resources to be sent to your school, please contact Indigenous Learning. Please note that Cathy Norton has retired. Once her replacement has been hired, the contact information will be posted here. Indigenous Learning has thousands of titles in our Aboriginal Resource Centre. The intent is to bring in the best Indigenous resources possible. Before the resources are put into our centre, they are reviewed for authenticity, and for curricular fit.
We select resources that:
The BC Curriculum has changed and the demand for authentic local resources is growing. Although the quantity and quality of Indigenous resources is getting so much better, it is not always possible to get local resources. As these resources become available, know that we will bring them in and get them reviewed as soon as possible and get them into LRS.
Teachers may log onto the catalogue at http://library.sd36.bc.ca
- Locate the Aboriginal Resource Centre
- Click on Catalogue
It is also possible to view lists that have been created to support different curricular areas and grades. Note that these lists change frequently so check them often. To view these lists,
- Click on the catalogue tab
- Click on Resource Lists
- Click on Public lists
To request resources to be sent to your school, please contact Indigenous Learning. Please note that Cathy Norton has retired. Once her replacement has been hired, the contact information will be posted here. Indigenous Learning has thousands of titles in our Aboriginal Resource Centre. The intent is to bring in the best Indigenous resources possible. Before the resources are put into our centre, they are reviewed for authenticity, and for curricular fit.
We select resources that:
- reflect the diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada
- show Indigenous peoples in the past and current contexts
- show the rich Indigenous knowledge, culture and languages of Indigenous Peoples in BC and throughout Canada
- include Indigenous languages, and reflect cultural values
The BC Curriculum has changed and the demand for authentic local resources is growing. Although the quantity and quality of Indigenous resources is getting so much better, it is not always possible to get local resources. As these resources become available, know that we will bring them in and get them reviewed as soon as possible and get them into LRS.
FAQ
- Can I just drop by the resource centre without making an appointment? No. Our resource centre is shared working space for many of the district Indigenous team. By booking an appointment, we will be able accommodate you better.
- Does the Aboriginal Resource Centre have French resources? Yes we do. Most of our titles are translations but we do have many resources in French.
- Does ARC have class sets of novels or picture books? No. The intention of ARC is to bring in quality resources that can be reviewed by Helping Teachers to ensure they fit the curriculum, that they are authentic and show Indigenous Peoples of Canada as a diverse people with unique language, culture and history. Once the resource has been reviewed and approved, we keep several copies on our shelves for schools to borrow and try out. If you like a particular resource you have borrowed, we encourage you to have your school purchase it for your library or your classroom.
- Does ARC have a die cut machine that teachers can use? Yes, we do have a die cut machine but it is primarily used for our District Cultural Facilitators. Unfortunately we do not have the space to accommodate teachers using this space.
- Where can we order some of the resources that we've seen modeled at workshops? You many have seen hand puppets, finger puppets, colouring journals featuring FN art and other materials with Indigenous themes. Most of these items are purchased at Native Northwest. Please contact Cathy Norton for ordering information.
- We have seen Indigenous Inquiry kits. Does ARC have these available for teachers to sign out? What about class sets of looms or drums? Are there artifact kits that teachers can sign out? Understand that Surrey School District is an extremely large district and it would be impossible to keep enough kits on hand for teachers to sign out. Many of the inquiry kits, and items that District Cultural Facilitators use actually belong to our staff members. BUT, we strongly encourage schools consider purchasing items to make your own inquiry kits. Nadine and Allison can help your school source out materials and can help source out looms and drum kits too.
