Welcome to Surrey School District Aboriginal Learning's Teaching Ideas webpage. This page is for parents, students and teachers. We hope this idea page sparks some thinking and inspires you to do additional exploration on your own.
Please feel free to look at the whole site but please note, we are currently revising and updating pages to find the best resources.
While we are learning from home, our District Cultural Facilitators are busy making videos for you and your students. Please feel free to share a link to our District Cultural Facilitator Video Page.
Please feel free to look at the whole site but please note, we are currently revising and updating pages to find the best resources.
While we are learning from home, our District Cultural Facilitators are busy making videos for you and your students. Please feel free to share a link to our District Cultural Facilitator Video Page.
Learning about Button Blankets
This is a beautiful video created by Alana Anderson. She is one of our District Cultural Facilitators and she can personally speak to the significance of button blankets. She shares the protocols and so much more.
Introduction to Salish Art
Download a copy of a lesson plan that incorporates FN Shapes in Salish art.
Lesson Plan - click here
Foot Print Template - click here
Powerpoint related to Salish shapes - click here
Download a copy of a lesson plan that incorporates FN Shapes in Salish art.
Lesson Plan - click here
Foot Print Template - click here
Powerpoint related to Salish shapes - click here
Feb 26 - Cedar Coaster
The Surrey Primary Teachers Association invited me to do a workshop on Cedar and how it relates to math and ADST. I thought I would share the handouts:
To order kits ready made, visit Jessica Silvey's website.
The Surrey Primary Teachers Association invited me to do a workshop on Cedar and how it relates to math and ADST. I thought I would share the handouts:
- Handout with links, book titles and videos
- Cedar templates: copy one, copy two
- Making a cedar hat
- Making a cedar mat
To order kits ready made, visit Jessica Silvey's website.
Feb 15 - Making Bannock
Measurement is a part of the primary math curriculum. Mavis Dumont shares her mom's bannock recipe but the measurement units are not in metric units. A fun activity might be exploring different kinds of units of measure. When my aunty makes bannock, she never uses measuring cups to measure. She uses terms like just enough, a little handful, a big handful, and until it feels right. These are definitely non-standard units of measure. Ask your students to bring in a favourite family recipe and look at the units of measurement.
To see Mavis' video, click here
Measurement is a part of the primary math curriculum. Mavis Dumont shares her mom's bannock recipe but the measurement units are not in metric units. A fun activity might be exploring different kinds of units of measure. When my aunty makes bannock, she never uses measuring cups to measure. She uses terms like just enough, a little handful, a big handful, and until it feels right. These are definitely non-standard units of measure. Ask your students to bring in a favourite family recipe and look at the units of measurement.
To see Mavis' video, click here
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Feb 4 - Valentine's Day Activity - My Heart Fills With Happiness Activities for Primary
Download a copy of a lesson plan to make a beaded heart using pipe cleaners and pony beads and a gift card related to My Heart Fills with Happiness. OR Make this beaded heart - see video - a big thank you to Amber Geremia for sharing this idea! Links: |
January 22 - local First Nation websites for research
Do you have students who want to research local First Nation communities? Some of our local FN communities do have websites. Here are some I have located:
Secwepemc: http://secwepemc.sd73.bc.ca/sec_village/sec_villfs.html
Semiahmoo: https://cenalien.weebly.com/
Kwantlen: https://www.kwantlenfn.ca/
Kwantlen language: https://www.sd35.bc.ca/programs-initiatives/aboriginal-program/learn-henqeminem/
Sqewlets: http://digitalsqewlets.ca/index-eng.php
Musqueam: http://www2.moa.ubc.ca/musqueamteachingkit/about.php
Secwepemc: http://secwepemc.sd73.bc.ca/sec_village/sec_villfs.html
Semiahmoo: https://cenalien.weebly.com/
Kwantlen: https://www.kwantlenfn.ca/
Kwantlen language: https://www.sd35.bc.ca/programs-initiatives/aboriginal-program/learn-henqeminem/
Sqewlets: http://digitalsqewlets.ca/index-eng.php
Musqueam: http://www2.moa.ubc.ca/musqueamteachingkit/about.php
January 22 - Metis Christmas Mittens (idea by Amber Geremia)
Christmas has come and gone but with snow in the forecast, this might be a delightful time to explore Métis art. Aboriginal Learning has several excellent books related to the Métis peoples.
- The flower beadwork people
- Can you see flowers
- I spy Flower beadwork
- My First Metis lobstick
- The giving tree : a retelling of a traditional Métis story about giving and receiving
- A Métis New Year
- The diamond willow walking stick : a traditional Métis story about generosity
December 14 - Tree by Michelle Stoney, Gitxsan Artist. (Mstoneyart@gmail.com)
Teachers, you can contact Michelle to do directed drawing lessons with your class. She charges a fee but it's a wonderful opportunity to learn from an Indigenous artist.
Teachers, you can contact Michelle to do directed drawing lessons with your class. She charges a fee but it's a wonderful opportunity to learn from an Indigenous artist.
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October 29 - Trudy's Healing Stone
I found this on the web a while back. It's a lovely lesson plan related to Trudy's Healing Stone and was created by the Aboriginal team at SD42.
Download a copy of the lesson: click here
I found this on the web a while back. It's a lovely lesson plan related to Trudy's Healing Stone and was created by the Aboriginal team at SD42.
Download a copy of the lesson: click here
October 20 - super quick video on how to finger weave
October 12 - Traditional Foods & Recipes on the Wild Side
This is a great handout created by the Native Women's Association of Canada. It's full of awesome recipes. Click here to download.
This is a great handout created by the Native Women's Association of Canada. It's full of awesome recipes. Click here to download.
October 10 - Mavis shows how to make a table decoration - by Mavis Dumont
Could you make a similar one for your family's Thanksgiving table? Maybe you could use some of the things you have found when you have gone for a forest walk. Mavis gives us some Indigenous connections to squash. She tells us an interesting story about a mysterious seed found in a very old clay pot in Washington State. They decided to plant the seed to see what it was and it turned out to be a squash!
October 1 - Pacific Northwest Plant cards, Walking Curriculum and Mavis's Forest walk videos
Mavis Dumont has created 5 videos for a forest plant walk. There are two art activities that relate to the maple leaf that are appropriate for elementary aged students.
The Indigenous Helping Teachers are trying to create resources to support these videos. On the video page is a handout prepared by Nadine McSpadden. It includes a powerpoint that introduces the Plant Knowledge Cards of the Pacific Northwest and its connection to the Walking Curriculum. Both these resources connect to the concept of place. Watch the powerpoint to see how they connect.
The Indigenous Helping Teachers are trying to create resources to support these videos. On the video page is a handout prepared by Nadine McSpadden. It includes a powerpoint that introduces the Plant Knowledge Cards of the Pacific Northwest and its connection to the Walking Curriculum. Both these resources connect to the concept of place. Watch the powerpoint to see how they connect.
September 21 - Cedar Harvesting
This year, Aboriginal Learning is going to include lesson plans and activity sheets for teachers to use immediately with their students. Today's video relates to cedar harvesting. Watch the video and then download an ADST based lesson plan and an activity sheet,
Click here to go to the movie.
This year, Aboriginal Learning is going to include lesson plans and activity sheets for teachers to use immediately with their students. Today's video relates to cedar harvesting. Watch the video and then download an ADST based lesson plan and an activity sheet,
Click here to go to the movie.
September 9 - Coyote's Food Medicines and Authentic Resources
We encourages teachers to use authentic Indigenous Resources. An authentic resource means it was written by or in consultation with an Indigenous community or someone from that community. To learn more about authentic resources, visit the First Nation Education Steering Committee's website - or use this link. Download a copy of In Our Own Words, K-3 Authentic Resources.
The First Nation Health Authority has a number of free resources. One of the includes a book called Coyote's Food Medicines. This is a Secwepemc'ulcw story written by Jean Williams, Cecelia de Rose, and Clara Camille. It's a beautiful book. Important teachings in the book include, some knowledge is sacred and should not be shared, we all have special gives, Indigenous knowledge was passed down through story, and many First Nation stories include trickers/transformers.
Here is the link to the website. Notice you can download the book and watch a video of the story. I have written some notes that I would have shared with teachers but the page has amazing notes too, My notes - click here.
The First Nation Health Authority has a number of free resources. One of the includes a book called Coyote's Food Medicines. This is a Secwepemc'ulcw story written by Jean Williams, Cecelia de Rose, and Clara Camille. It's a beautiful book. Important teachings in the book include, some knowledge is sacred and should not be shared, we all have special gives, Indigenous knowledge was passed down through story, and many First Nation stories include trickers/transformers.
Here is the link to the website. Notice you can download the book and watch a video of the story. I have written some notes that I would have shared with teachers but the page has amazing notes too, My notes - click here.
June 15 - Celebrating Your Culture
One of the amazing things that has happened as a result of Covid is that individuals and Indigenous organizations have stepped forward to offer workshops online. FRAFCA has been offering all kinds of workshops on their Facebook page. Think Indigenous has also provided excellent workshops on their FB page too.
I wanted to share Metis Bev Lambert 's video. Bev has been teaching Metis Bev Lamberttis Jigging lessons online! Listen to her as she describes the importance of knowing your culture.
I wanted to share Metis Bev Lambert 's video. Bev has been teaching Metis Bev Lamberttis Jigging lessons online! Listen to her as she describes the importance of knowing your culture.
June 9 - Dream Catcher
Bernice Jensen is a talented cultural presenter who lives on Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc. She works for the Friendship Centre and gives all kinds of workshops. I love this presentation because she embeds so much Indigenous knowledge. She describes how to harvest the red willow and all the different medicinal and ceremonial uses of red willow. Sharing these teachings teaches deeper understanding. It takes this lesson deeper than simply making a craft. To see her video: click here
June 8 - SQ'éwlets - A Sto:lo Coast Salish Community
This local resource developed WITH the SQ'éwlets community. It is a virtual museum. This is has so much information! This is a good resource to use with your students when exploring local Indigenous communities. It includes maps, place names, origin stories, and so much more. The third tab, Sqwélqwel means "true news" has links to stories, information about belongings and so much more.
To visit this site: http://digitalsqewlets.ca/stames/index-eng.php
To visit this site: http://digitalsqewlets.ca/stames/index-eng.php
June 6 - 11 Ways to Virtually Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day
This is another amazing blog entry from Indigenous Corporate Training . It contains excellent ideas for Indigenous Peoples Day. Of course the events will be virtual. Take a peek on the right of this blog entry and you'll find a location to subscribe to their monthly publication. It is free and this information is so useful to build your background knowledge. https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/11-ways-to-virtually-celebrate-national-indigenous-peoples-day?hss_channel=tw-129370270
June 4 - Truth and Reconciliation
This is an amazing site and although it isn't so much about celebrating Indigenous Peoples, it is still has such good content. It's an article with several links. The title of the article is How Teachers Can Integrate Truth and Reconcilation in the classroom. https://www.edcan.ca/articles/truth-reconciliation-classroom/. You can also download the Truth and Reconciliation poster from this website too.
June 1 - Beginning of Indigenous Peoples Month
June 1 starts National Indigenous Peoples month. There has never been a better time to celebrate the diversity of Canada and to focus to the first peoples that occupied these lands.
One of the questions we get a lot is what should we call you now? Over time, the terminology has changed. Indigenous Learning suggests you think about the context. If you are having a guest speaker, ask them how they would like to be introduced. Please make an attempt to say their nation's name. If you are uncomfortable doing so, you may ask your speaker to introduce themselves. If you are talking about the Indigenous peoples in Canada, you can use First Peoples, First Nation, Metis or Inuit. Terms like Coast Salish relate to all the First Nations on the west coast of BC. Groups of communities also have Nation names. For example, I am from the Secwepemc Nation which is comprised of 17 individual First Nation communities linked by traditional territory, traditions, language, protocols and history. My community name is the Shuswap Band in Radium, BC. In my language, we are the Kinpest peoples.
So elementary aged students, here is a good place to start.
One of the questions we get a lot is what should we call you now? Over time, the terminology has changed. Indigenous Learning suggests you think about the context. If you are having a guest speaker, ask them how they would like to be introduced. Please make an attempt to say their nation's name. If you are uncomfortable doing so, you may ask your speaker to introduce themselves. If you are talking about the Indigenous peoples in Canada, you can use First Peoples, First Nation, Metis or Inuit. Terms like Coast Salish relate to all the First Nations on the west coast of BC. Groups of communities also have Nation names. For example, I am from the Secwepemc Nation which is comprised of 17 individual First Nation communities linked by traditional territory, traditions, language, protocols and history. My community name is the Shuswap Band in Radium, BC. In my language, we are the Kinpest peoples.
So elementary aged students, here is a good place to start.
- CBCKids has a website dedicated to understanding Indigenous peoples in Canada.
- To help them understand some of the terminology that I discussed above, share this video.
May 29 - Coast Salish Weaving with Candace Crockford
Teachers, many of you have had a chance to try Coast Salish weaving. When we come to your schools and teach it, a big chunk of the work has already been done. That is, the wool has been harvested, washed, carded, dyed and spun. Watch this video to see the process from start to finish. Candace is one of our very gifted District Cultural Facilitators.
To complement these cards, we are sharing the beautiful dying cards that Heidi Wood and her daughter made as part of a textiles inquiry. On our elementary math page, you'll also find lesson plans connecting Coast Salish weaving to Math. There are lessons for primary and intermediate grades.
To complement these cards, we are sharing the beautiful dying cards that Heidi Wood and her daughter made as part of a textiles inquiry. On our elementary math page, you'll also find lesson plans connecting Coast Salish weaving to Math. There are lessons for primary and intermediate grades.
Dye Cards by Heidi Wood and her daughter
May 28 - Edge of the Knife
Last year several high schools in Surrey had an opportunity to watch an amazing film called Edge of the Knife. What is unique about this film is that the Haida language is the only language spoken in the film. The video has some graphic scenes in it but nothing that high school students can't manage. Heidi Wood created teacher notes for the film so download them first and read through them before you watch the film. Click here to download the notes.
To view this film https://itunes.apple.com/ca/movie/edge-of-the-knife-sgaawaay-kuuna-subtitled/id1462087749
To view this film https://itunes.apple.com/ca/movie/edge-of-the-knife-sgaawaay-kuuna-subtitled/id1462087749
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May 27 - plant cards to tea unit based on a lesson from the FNESC's Science First Peoples
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Over the last few years, you may have had Heidi, Nadine or Craig (Science Helping Teacher) come into your classroom and model the tea lessons. This lesson comes from the Science First Peoples for grades k - 5 (developed by FNESC).
To support this lesson(s), we suggest you connect them the the Northwest Plant Cards which you can order online. When using the plant cards and the tea cards together, students learn that First Nations people used plants for food and for medicine.
Heidi is currently working on a textiles inquiry where she explores plants to dye materials so watch for that.
For a copy of our plant cards: click here
For a copy of our 'shopping list' and where we purchase the teas, click here
To support this lesson(s), we suggest you connect them the the Northwest Plant Cards which you can order online. When using the plant cards and the tea cards together, students learn that First Nations people used plants for food and for medicine.
Heidi is currently working on a textiles inquiry where she explores plants to dye materials so watch for that.
For a copy of our plant cards: click here
For a copy of our 'shopping list' and where we purchase the teas, click here
May 26 -Water - Sacred Relationship
This website includes several videos relating to the importance of water. There are also corresponding lesson plans. Check it out! https://www.sacredrelationship.ca/videos/
May 25 - Language, Language, Language - Learn hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓
Thank you Langley School District for creating this awesome language resource. Many teachers might remember the language teacher featured in these language videos. Sesmelot worked for our district many moons ago. Speaking of moons, watch her video related to her new book, Let's Count Moons!
Visit this language page to learn some of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language. https://www.sd35.bc.ca/programs-initiatives/aboriginal-program/learn-henqeminem/
hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ is spoken by the Down River people’s of the Fraser Valley, including the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, Kwikwetlem, Tsawwassen, Katzie, and Kwantlen Nations. In the Kwantlen Nation, the language is taught to Langley students by Aboriginal Language Teacher, Fern Gabriel — Sesmelot.
Visit this language page to learn some of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language. https://www.sd35.bc.ca/programs-initiatives/aboriginal-program/learn-henqeminem/
hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ is spoken by the Down River people’s of the Fraser Valley, including the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, Kwikwetlem, Tsawwassen, Katzie, and Kwantlen Nations. In the Kwantlen Nation, the language is taught to Langley students by Aboriginal Language Teacher, Fern Gabriel — Sesmelot.
May 22 - Two-legged, four-legged, Winged and Finned - Patterns in Indigenous Art
It is a pleasure to share this lesson created by one of our math helping teachers, Chris Hunter. It demonstrates an incredible exploration of Indigenous art and connecting it to math. Chris demonstrates how it is possible for all teachers to connect Indigenous art and math. He needed almost no support to create this lesson from Aboriginal Learning. It is hard to let go but this is our hope that at some point, our positions will no longer be necessary because all teachers are connecting Indigenous language, culture and history in the classroom.
Please take some time to examine this outstanding lesson. https://reflectionsinthewhy.wordpress.com/2020/05/21/two-legged-four-legged-winged-finned-patterns-from-indigenous-art/
Please take some time to examine this outstanding lesson. https://reflectionsinthewhy.wordpress.com/2020/05/21/two-legged-four-legged-winged-finned-patterns-from-indigenous-art/
May 21 - Directed Drawing by Michelle Stoney , Gitxsan Artist
Michelle gave us permission to share this lesson she did for the STA Pro D. Watch her video and you too can learn to draw some of the basic shapes in First Nation art. https://vimeo.com/41438384
May 20 - Indigenous Games
On Think Indigenous - Online Education for K-8, the posted a video called Run and Scream. To understand why you would want students to run and scream, you need to understand why many of these games were created. Before contact, it was important for community members to be fit. The primary mode of transportation was our feet. In this video, filmed on Treat 6 territory in Saskatchewan, we learn that having good lung capacity was an important part of physical fitness.
I found a document to all kinds of games that have Indigenous connections. Click here to download it. For background information on the importance of Indigenous games, click here.
I found a document to all kinds of games that have Indigenous connections. Click here to download it. For background information on the importance of Indigenous games, click here.
May 19 - Siwal Si'wes Residential School Curriculum
This is an amazing resource related to St. Mary's Residential School. It is a comprehensive site divided into grade groupings. To understand the layout of the website, watch a five minute video to learn how to navigate it. https://greatspirithand.com/tour/navigating-this-website/
May 15 - Counting Collections
The fabulous Meg Allan created a counting collections video for K/1 students. In it she shows students and parents how you can use things you have in your home to make our own counting collections. Highlight of the video for me, meeting her new puppy who makes a guest appearance at the end of the video. Have a look: https://youtu.be/CD9nyeZ7Jm4
May 14 - More videos!
I have uploaded several new videos by our district cultural facilitators. Mrs. Anderson has created a beautiful video related to sacred masks, Chandra has created two new videos related to beading and raven and Richard Pierre has recorded two stories for your listening pleasure. I have also added a table of contents so you can see what is available and link to the video of your choice. https://aboriginalresourcesforteachers.weebly.com/videos-from-our-dcf.html
May 13 - First Voices
If. you want to hear some authentic stories and songs and learn about First Nation languages in BC, visit https://www.firstvoices.com/
Each community has information about their history. They also have links to songs and stories. Most importantly, you can hear and learn a few greetings or more by listening to recorded language snips. It's a fabulous resource.
Each community has information about their history. They also have links to songs and stories. Most importantly, you can hear and learn a few greetings or more by listening to recorded language snips. It's a fabulous resource.
May 11 - Let's Talk About Protocols
To begin this conversation, I want you to read an excellent piece written by Sara Florence Davidson. It's short but it get's right to the point about how we, as BC Educators, need to be thoughtful in how we incorporate Indigenous content into art and into all areas of the curriculum. Read this: http://saraflorence.ca/blog/
What are your thoughts now? Aboriginal Learning appreciates how difficult it is to teach content that was not taught to you when you were growing up and may not have been addressed in your teacher training. BUT, and this is a big BUT, it is possible for us to do better.
Aboriginal Learning has created a draft protocol document to help teachers navigate protocols particularly around the area of art, stories and songs. I will link it here but you can also fine it on our Fine Arts page too. This is a draft document, rather it is more like a living document. One of the complexities is understanding that protocols for each First Nation community may vary. It is understand in our own department, Aboriginal Learning, we all have slightly different opinions on matters of protocols because we all come from different communities. If you ever have any questions regarding protocols or whether a topic is appropriate to teach in your classroom, don't hesitate to contact Aboriginal Learning.
What are your thoughts now? Aboriginal Learning appreciates how difficult it is to teach content that was not taught to you when you were growing up and may not have been addressed in your teacher training. BUT, and this is a big BUT, it is possible for us to do better.
Aboriginal Learning has created a draft protocol document to help teachers navigate protocols particularly around the area of art, stories and songs. I will link it here but you can also fine it on our Fine Arts page too. This is a draft document, rather it is more like a living document. One of the complexities is understanding that protocols for each First Nation community may vary. It is understand in our own department, Aboriginal Learning, we all have slightly different opinions on matters of protocols because we all come from different communities. If you ever have any questions regarding protocols or whether a topic is appropriate to teach in your classroom, don't hesitate to contact Aboriginal Learning.
May 8 - Circle Talks
A big thank you to Heidi Wood and literacy 8-9 set lesson team for sharing this idea. This lesson relates to talking circles or circle talks. How can you use this strategy to demonstrate and facilitate understanding when exploring a text. Click here to learn about Talking Circles
This link is connected to one of the set lessons being created by the literacy Grade 8-9 set lesson team. All set lessons are located on the https://surreyschoolsone.ca/ website.
This link is connected to one of the set lessons being created by the literacy Grade 8-9 set lesson team. All set lessons are located on the https://surreyschoolsone.ca/ website.
May 7 - Exploring videos on Seaalaska Heritage Institute
An important concept for students to know and understand is the significance of Indigenous Knowledge. FNESC's Science First People's Guide (5-9) says, "Indigenous Knowledge is the knowledge of Indigenous peoples, including scientific and evidence-based knowledge, that has been built up over thousands of years of interaction with the environment. It is holistic knowledge rooted in place and contained in language."
In this video, viewers will see the complex process of harvesting, and preparing roots. I see this video demonstrating Indigenous knowledge. They know where , when and how to process spruce roots. They know how much to take without harming the tree. These roots are used to make baskets that were not only functional but also embedded with beautiful designs. Click here to see how spruce roots are harvested and processed.
You may have to login to vimeo to see this video but it is worth it. I have started to follow Seaalaska Heritage Institute because they have numerous videos that would be excellent resources for students and teachers.
In this video, viewers will see the complex process of harvesting, and preparing roots. I see this video demonstrating Indigenous knowledge. They know where , when and how to process spruce roots. They know how much to take without harming the tree. These roots are used to make baskets that were not only functional but also embedded with beautiful designs. Click here to see how spruce roots are harvested and processed.
You may have to login to vimeo to see this video but it is worth it. I have started to follow Seaalaska Heritage Institute because they have numerous videos that would be excellent resources for students and teachers.
May 5- Free book! Thank you Goodminds for sharing this free book
Who doesn't love a free book! This is available in PDF form. The name of the book is Nuttah and Kitchi and it is written by Sandra Samatte. In this story the characters learn how to live safely.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oYwnetdZ4d7_vdifiG5NpNItsIAsTxp2/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oYwnetdZ4d7_vdifiG5NpNItsIAsTxp2/view
May 4 - Jared Qwustenuun Williams and his son Qwustenuxun
I am so pleased to share this Youtube channel. I follow Jared on FB and I was thrilled when he said he was going to create his own YouTube channel. Jared takes his son Qwustenuxun (both share this traditional name) out on the land. Qwustenuxun, at a very young age, is becoming a teacher. He is learning and teaching viewers about some of the medicines.
Here is a link to their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MCP5312
Here is a link to their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MCP5312
May 1 - Continuous Learning Resources from the First Nation Education Steering Committee
Teachers, many of you have seen some of the resourced created by the First Nation Education Steering Committee. Maybe you've looked at the Science First Peoples guide (K=9), or the Indian Residential School Guides. Maybe you have looked at the Authentic Resources guide for ideas on quality authentic resources to use in your classroom. FNESC has amazing guides. They are user friendly, and best of all, they are free to download. To see all the guides they have available, click on this link: http://www.fnesc.ca/learningfirstpeoples/
FNESCE and the FNSA has also created a new page on their website to support Indigenous families and teachers who are continuing their learning journey from home. The following link takes you to a page developed to support this learning journey. Take a peek. Find your favourite activity to share with your students.
http://www.fnesc.ca/continuous-learning/
FNESCE and the FNSA has also created a new page on their website to support Indigenous families and teachers who are continuing their learning journey from home. The following link takes you to a page developed to support this learning journey. Take a peek. Find your favourite activity to share with your students.
http://www.fnesc.ca/continuous-learning/
April 30 - Walking Curriculum 30 Day Challenge
Last year, Aboriginal Learning's Helping Teachers undertook the 30 Day Walking Curriculum challenge. We posted a walk a day that related to the Walking Curriculum. Each walk was intentional. What we like about the Walking Curriculum is how strongly it connects to Indigenous ways of knowing and doing. It has the potential to connect to land and place which is an important connection to FPPL and AWVP. You can download a copy of the Walking Curriculum book for free from Amazon.ca. It's a great resource and it is appropriate for all grade levels.
If you would like to see the 30 walks we did, click here to download a copy of our walks and how we connected them to Indigenous perspectives.
If you would like to see the 30 walks we did, click here to download a copy of our walks and how we connected them to Indigenous perspectives.
April 29 - Making Leather from Fish Skin
One of the things we teach students is that when you take the life of an animal, you show it respect by using all of it. Nothing goes to waste. Bones were used to make tools, the hide was used to make drums, clothing and footwear. The process to make the hide soft enough to make clothing is a long and labour intensive process particularly if you do it in the traditional way. Indigenous peoples have knowledge that has been passed down since time immemorial. Processing animal skins is an example of Indigenous knowledge.
Something you may not have known is that fish skin can be used to make leather. Hakai Coastal Science and Society Magazine has an excellent article about making leather from fish skin. Tracy Williams, from Squamish Nation is featured in this article. Click here to learn how.
Teachers, this magazine frequently features articles that would be of interest to your students. You can subscribe to their weekly email for free.
Something you may not have known is that fish skin can be used to make leather. Hakai Coastal Science and Society Magazine has an excellent article about making leather from fish skin. Tracy Williams, from Squamish Nation is featured in this article. Click here to learn how.
Teachers, this magazine frequently features articles that would be of interest to your students. You can subscribe to their weekly email for free.
April 28 - Hulquminum Colours
This was posted on the FRAFCA Facebook page. It teaches little ones to learn their colours. It's so delightful! To see the video, click here. The video is posted on Mark Robinson's youtube channel.
April 27 - A Movie made by Jessica Kyle - Math Helping Teacher
Thank you Jessica Kyle for making this math video relating to shapes and patterns in First Nation art. This is an important contribution because I think many teachers fear exploring First Nation content because they are afraid of doing it wrong or that it might be disrespectful. We were able to provide Jessica with resources that could help her make this movie. We shared websites that she could refer to that would give her the background knowledge to explore shapes in art. You'll notice she used some plastic shapes in her video. These were created on a 3D printer. There are files on our digital resources pages that you can use to make these shapes on your own 3D printer. You do have to have Tinkercad to use these files.
April 24 - Making a traditional Metis York Boat
Many classes have had the opportunity to have Patrick Calihou visit their classroom. Patrick is a Métis artist. He is incredibly generous with his knowledge and students love it when he visits. Over a year ago, Patrick understood a major project to build a Métis York boat . What is a york boat? The Louis Riel Institute describes it as follows:
"The York boat was a modification of the fishing boats used by the inhabitants of the Orkney Islands. Almost 13 meters long, a York boat could carry almost six tons of cargo. The standard crew on a York boat included 18 men, 16 of whom were rowers. The two others crew included a helmsman, who called out the rowing instructions, and someone to steer using the rudder. The boat also included a large sail that was used when winds were favourable. The York boat was an optimal size, in that it could both carry a large capacity of cargo, yet was still portable. The portability of the York boats meant it could be portaged from one body of water to another or around rapids or other obstacles."
Click here to see Patrick's nearly completed york boat. Patrick's family is also featured in the story maps (see April 17 entry). Patrick makes all kinds of things including paddles, red river carts and now york boats!
"The York boat was a modification of the fishing boats used by the inhabitants of the Orkney Islands. Almost 13 meters long, a York boat could carry almost six tons of cargo. The standard crew on a York boat included 18 men, 16 of whom were rowers. The two others crew included a helmsman, who called out the rowing instructions, and someone to steer using the rudder. The boat also included a large sail that was used when winds were favourable. The York boat was an optimal size, in that it could both carry a large capacity of cargo, yet was still portable. The portability of the York boats meant it could be portaged from one body of water to another or around rapids or other obstacles."
Click here to see Patrick's nearly completed york boat. Patrick's family is also featured in the story maps (see April 17 entry). Patrick makes all kinds of things including paddles, red river carts and now york boats!
April 23 - Making Seed Ball
Today's idea of the day comes from Heidi Wood. She and a group of Surrey teachers have been exploring eco technologies as part of an Inquiry through Networks of Inquiry and Indigenous Education. I have included the activity sheets for students but also a placemat activity for teachers to tuck away for when we return to classes.
What is a seed ball? Open up these instruction sheets to see!
What is a seed ball? Open up these instruction sheets to see!
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April 22 - Earth Day
I wanted to share this video written and performed by Ta'Kaiya Blaney. This was made a number of years ago but it still fits. It's called Earth's Revolution. At the time she wrote this song, she was only 10 years old. The power and voice of youth is something we need to foster. Here is a link to her website and of interest to music teachers, the sheet music for her song is available to download on her website!
April 21 - Chandra Antone
Surrey School District is very fortunate to have such gifted cultural facilitators. Chandra Antone wrote this song on her way to work. She had had a difficult experience the day before and it was weighing on her heart. This song came to her and she asked if she could share it with staff and students at Bannock and Books. Of course, everything was thrilled to hear it.
Our district cultural facilitators come from all over Canada. They do their very best to present their teachings in a way that is respectful and honours the protocols of their home community and the communities in which our district resides. This is not an easy task but they do so with grace and humbleness.
In honour of earth day, Chandra has given us permission to share her beautiful song. Please respect that this song belongs to Chandra. Do not copy it without her express permission. Enjoy!
Our district cultural facilitators come from all over Canada. They do their very best to present their teachings in a way that is respectful and honours the protocols of their home community and the communities in which our district resides. This is not an easy task but they do so with grace and humbleness.
In honour of earth day, Chandra has given us permission to share her beautiful song. Please respect that this song belongs to Chandra. Do not copy it without her express permission. Enjoy!
April 20 - Storytelling Time
Aboriginal Learning is proud to present videos from out talented District Cultural Facilitators. This week, we present two videos created by Mavis Dumont. Click here to go to the videos. You will find some information on the significance of storytelling too. Please respect the work of our staff and do not copy these videos. Enjoy!
April 17 - Metis Resources!
It is always a pleasure to share resources developed by Métis Nation BC. I am including the link to all their educational resources. If I am allowed to have a favourite for primary teachers, I would strongly recommend the Story Maps. These are free to download and they introduce some key items in Métis culture (red river cart, sash and more). Click here to see all their resources!
April 16 - Let's Design a Hairbone Pipe Braclett
This lesson was presented in a webinar by Nelson in collaboration with several First Nation communities on Ontario and with Dr. Ruth Beatty (Lake Head University). This is an excellent example of how to make connections with Indigenous cultural in an authentic way. The team that put together a set of 5 lessons consulted with knowledge keepers from several communities. Elders, knowledge keepers and artists were brought into the classroom so students could learn first hand about Indigenous culture.
What I like about this lesson is it's natural connection to math. There is patterning and designing in this lesson. It requires students to plan a bracelet before they make it. Before they can do that though, students learn about the hairbone pipe bead bracelets from First Nation knowledge keepers. Instead of embedding Indigenous content into math, this team inserted math into Indigenous beading. Do you see the difference? If you watch the webinar (the link is at the bottom of this day's lesson), you'll get a sense of culturally responsive math. At the heart of this belief is that Indigenous students, I would argue all students, need to see their culture as valued and visible in the curriculum.
I was curious to know the history of hairbone pipe beads. I know that bracelets, chokers and breastplates are often part of regalia worn at pow wows. For students who want to know more about regalia and pow wows, I recommend visiting CBC Kids. Click here for the link and look at the Do You Know What a Pow Wow Is and Do You Know What Regalia Is?
For teachers and parents, build your background knowledge too. Do some exploration around First Nation regalia. Know that original regalia prior to contact would have been made from resources that came from their traditional territories. For Coast Salish, this would include shells, seeds, bone, wood, stones and other natural materials. Things changed. With the introduction of glass beads, some regalia changed. It continues to change today. For an interesting read on the history of bone hair pipe beads, visit this site
The lesson:
Download a copy of the planning sheet. Students are going to design their own hairpipe bone bracelet. Notice the legend on the planning sheet. It shares how many spaces a single bead takes (2), how many spaces a spacer takes (1) and how many spaces a bone bead takes (5). Try and design your own bracelet. The spacer separates beads and prevents the lines of beads from tangling. Traditionally bone or leather was used as a spacer. Today plastic is often used.
When we are able to return to school and visit our students face to face, you might want to let students try and make their own bracelets. Supplies can be ordered at Big Foot Moccasin in Abbotsford.
Students, think about:
It is impossible to send supplies to you at the moment to make this bracelet.
What I like about this lesson is it's natural connection to math. There is patterning and designing in this lesson. It requires students to plan a bracelet before they make it. Before they can do that though, students learn about the hairbone pipe bead bracelets from First Nation knowledge keepers. Instead of embedding Indigenous content into math, this team inserted math into Indigenous beading. Do you see the difference? If you watch the webinar (the link is at the bottom of this day's lesson), you'll get a sense of culturally responsive math. At the heart of this belief is that Indigenous students, I would argue all students, need to see their culture as valued and visible in the curriculum.
I was curious to know the history of hairbone pipe beads. I know that bracelets, chokers and breastplates are often part of regalia worn at pow wows. For students who want to know more about regalia and pow wows, I recommend visiting CBC Kids. Click here for the link and look at the Do You Know What a Pow Wow Is and Do You Know What Regalia Is?
For teachers and parents, build your background knowledge too. Do some exploration around First Nation regalia. Know that original regalia prior to contact would have been made from resources that came from their traditional territories. For Coast Salish, this would include shells, seeds, bone, wood, stones and other natural materials. Things changed. With the introduction of glass beads, some regalia changed. It continues to change today. For an interesting read on the history of bone hair pipe beads, visit this site
The lesson:
Download a copy of the planning sheet. Students are going to design their own hairpipe bone bracelet. Notice the legend on the planning sheet. It shares how many spaces a single bead takes (2), how many spaces a spacer takes (1) and how many spaces a bone bead takes (5). Try and design your own bracelet. The spacer separates beads and prevents the lines of beads from tangling. Traditionally bone or leather was used as a spacer. Today plastic is often used.
When we are able to return to school and visit our students face to face, you might want to let students try and make their own bracelets. Supplies can be ordered at Big Foot Moccasin in Abbotsford.
Students, think about:
- What is the best way to plan my bracelet?
- Should i use a colour code for each piece (single bead, spacer, and bone bead?)
- Should i use manipulatives?
- What is hard about this activity? What is easy about this activity?
- Do you think this is how indigenous artists plan their work? Why or why not?
- What more do you want to know about regalia?
- Does your culture have cultural events where sacred clothing is worn?
It is impossible to send supplies to you at the moment to make this bracelet.
Teachers, I am certain you can see the value in this lesson. Nelson has created a professional development video for teachers and it relates specifically to making this bracelet. More importantly, it discusses the importance of embedding culturally relevant activities into math. To watch the video, click here. You will need to register but there is no fee for watching these videos if you watch them before the end of June.
April 15 - Acorns for Wilaiya
Thank you to Meg Allan for sharing this idea. She is sharing this with early learning teachers and primary teachers in our district. Before doing this lesson, read the book Acorns for Wilaiya.
Here is a digital link to the story. When I wrote this story I had a few things in mind. I wanted readers to understand the importance of family in First Nation communities. Family is so important in our communities. We learn from our parents but our aunties, our uncles, our cousins and our grandparents are our teachers too. I also wanted readers to understand the interconnectedness of all living things. If Wiliaya were to take the acorns home, how would that impact the things that rely on them? I also wanted students to see illustrations of First Nation people in my books. It is important for us to see ourselves in curriculum so I asked that the illustrator include First Nation features in my book.
Here is Meg's lesson:
For Kindergarten - Ways to Make 6
After listening, lay out 6 small items of your choice. Ask your child to close their eyes while you hide some of the items behind your back. Ask, " How many do you see?" Then invite them to figure out how many you are hiding. Bring the two quantities back together and draw attention to how together they make 6! Take turns playing this game and see how many ways to make 6 you can come up with together! Remember that if you are working outside and your items were borrowed from nature, please return them as the story teaches that everything in nature is important.
For Grade 1 - Ways to Make 10
Listen to the story, Acorns for Wilaiya by Secwepemc author, Nadine McSpadden: Book Link. After listening, lay out 10 small items of your choice. Ask your child to close their eyes while you hide some of the items behind your back. Ask, " How many do you see?" Then invite them to figure out how many you are hiding. Bring the two quantities back together and draw attention to how together they make 10! Take turns playing this game and see how many ways to make 10 you can come up with together! Remember that if you are working outside and your items were borrowed from nature, please return them as the story teaches that everything in nature is important.
Here is a digital link to the story. When I wrote this story I had a few things in mind. I wanted readers to understand the importance of family in First Nation communities. Family is so important in our communities. We learn from our parents but our aunties, our uncles, our cousins and our grandparents are our teachers too. I also wanted readers to understand the interconnectedness of all living things. If Wiliaya were to take the acorns home, how would that impact the things that rely on them? I also wanted students to see illustrations of First Nation people in my books. It is important for us to see ourselves in curriculum so I asked that the illustrator include First Nation features in my book.
Here is Meg's lesson:
For Kindergarten - Ways to Make 6
After listening, lay out 6 small items of your choice. Ask your child to close their eyes while you hide some of the items behind your back. Ask, " How many do you see?" Then invite them to figure out how many you are hiding. Bring the two quantities back together and draw attention to how together they make 6! Take turns playing this game and see how many ways to make 6 you can come up with together! Remember that if you are working outside and your items were borrowed from nature, please return them as the story teaches that everything in nature is important.
For Grade 1 - Ways to Make 10
Listen to the story, Acorns for Wilaiya by Secwepemc author, Nadine McSpadden: Book Link. After listening, lay out 10 small items of your choice. Ask your child to close their eyes while you hide some of the items behind your back. Ask, " How many do you see?" Then invite them to figure out how many you are hiding. Bring the two quantities back together and draw attention to how together they make 10! Take turns playing this game and see how many ways to make 10 you can come up with together! Remember that if you are working outside and your items were borrowed from nature, please return them as the story teaches that everything in nature is important.
How good is your bannock? Bannock has become a staple at pow wows and other cultural events. I like to pre-mix my dry ingredients and take it with me when I go camping.
Cooking with your children is a great way to explore science and math. How so? Well children need to learn to read a recipe and measure ingredients. Knowing how to use a measuring spoon and measuring cup accurately relates to measurement in math. Watching how ingredients interact relates to science. The bottom line is cooking is fun. Learning how to cook and how to do it safely is a good life skill.
So which recipe to use. My preference is fried bannock. My husband likes it the best too. The chef's at Surrey School District make the very best baked bannock. Knowing which recipe to use is not just about preference but it can also tie into lifestyle preferences. There is a lovely book called, The Bannock Book In it, the young boy learns that his grandfather is a type 2 diabetic so a healthier choice for him is a recipe that is baked and use whole wheat flour.
Whatever your choice, enjoy! Remember, before you start cooking, wash your hands. Make sure you cook with an adult. Hint: when I make my bannock, I always use warm liquids and I let my dough rest for ten minutes after I mix it. I think this makes a difference. There are tons of videos on Youtube on how to make bannock. My aunty makes bannock and it is so good. She doesn't use measuring cups or measuring spoons though. She has made it so often, she just knows. Happy cooking!
Cooking with your children is a great way to explore science and math. How so? Well children need to learn to read a recipe and measure ingredients. Knowing how to use a measuring spoon and measuring cup accurately relates to measurement in math. Watching how ingredients interact relates to science. The bottom line is cooking is fun. Learning how to cook and how to do it safely is a good life skill.
So which recipe to use. My preference is fried bannock. My husband likes it the best too. The chef's at Surrey School District make the very best baked bannock. Knowing which recipe to use is not just about preference but it can also tie into lifestyle preferences. There is a lovely book called, The Bannock Book In it, the young boy learns that his grandfather is a type 2 diabetic so a healthier choice for him is a recipe that is baked and use whole wheat flour.
Whatever your choice, enjoy! Remember, before you start cooking, wash your hands. Make sure you cook with an adult. Hint: when I make my bannock, I always use warm liquids and I let my dough rest for ten minutes after I mix it. I think this makes a difference. There are tons of videos on Youtube on how to make bannock. My aunty makes bannock and it is so good. She doesn't use measuring cups or measuring spoons though. She has made it so often, she just knows. Happy cooking!
Fried Bannock
Ingredients:
500 ml flour (2 cups)
10 ml baking powder (2 tsp)
salt (about 5 ml) (1 tsp)
150 ml warm water (2/3 cup)
Instructions:
Some Book Titles
What to know more about bannock? Visit this CBC website Don't have baking powder? Google how to make a substitute using cream of tartar and baking soda. Cooking is a science.
Ingredients:
500 ml flour (2 cups)
10 ml baking powder (2 tsp)
salt (about 5 ml) (1 tsp)
150 ml warm water (2/3 cup)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, measure and pour your dry ingredients into a bowl
- Mix your dry ingredients together using a whisk.
- Add your water and mix using a spoon.
- Use your hands to thoroughly mix your dough. It helps to spread a little flour on your hands first.
- Do not over mix or your bannock will be tough.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. Heat your oil as you wait.
- Shape your bannock into round shapes. Try and make them as flat as possible. This will ensure your bannock gets cooked all the way through.
- Fry until brown on each side.
Some Book Titles
- Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock by Dallas Hunt - see his translation video on Youtube. His book includes a recipe!
- The Bannock Book by Linda Ducharme
- Bannock Surprise by Terri Mack (Strong Readers title)
What to know more about bannock? Visit this CBC website Don't have baking powder? Google how to make a substitute using cream of tartar and baking soda. Cooking is a science.
April 9 - Medicines All Around Us
Although we are limited in the kinds of walks we can do in our parks now, I bet in your travels, you have walked by many kinds on medicines that you didn't even see. Indigenous peoples used plants and trees as medicines and even today, there are many that still count on these medicines to maintain good health. Many of our elders have lots of knowledge about harvesting practices. They know when to harvest, where to harvest and how to harvest our medicines in a sustainable way. This is important Indigenous knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation.
There are lots of good books about plant medicines. I really like the Pacific Northwest Plant Knowledge Cards. Surrey teachers, you may have purchased a set of these cards already in a recent cost share. So how do we use them?
The cards come with a legend. The legend tells what the symbols on the bottom of each card means. What part of the plant is harvested, what season, and what is it used for. Most importantly, it gives us warnings. Some plants can be toxic and some plants have look a likes. So it is always important never to taste any plant/berry unless you are with someone who really knows about medicines.
So I am including a picture of the legend and four of the cards that show plants that you might have in your backyard. When I do this with students, we talk about plants as medicines, sustainable harvesting practices and the importance of Indigenous knowledge. Then we make a tally sheet. Click here for the tally sheet
Have students use the plant cards to make their own mini version of a plant card. Have them illustrate the plant. Label the plant indicating what part of the plant is used for medicine and then describe what the medicinal uses.
My apologies for the qualities of the photos. Teachers and parents, you can order these cards from StrongNations.com I understand that there are plant cards developed for the interior of BC too. They are Secwepemc plant cards and Aboriginal Learning hopes to get a copy of them soon!
There are lots of good books about plant medicines. I really like the Pacific Northwest Plant Knowledge Cards. Surrey teachers, you may have purchased a set of these cards already in a recent cost share. So how do we use them?
The cards come with a legend. The legend tells what the symbols on the bottom of each card means. What part of the plant is harvested, what season, and what is it used for. Most importantly, it gives us warnings. Some plants can be toxic and some plants have look a likes. So it is always important never to taste any plant/berry unless you are with someone who really knows about medicines.
So I am including a picture of the legend and four of the cards that show plants that you might have in your backyard. When I do this with students, we talk about plants as medicines, sustainable harvesting practices and the importance of Indigenous knowledge. Then we make a tally sheet. Click here for the tally sheet
Have students use the plant cards to make their own mini version of a plant card. Have them illustrate the plant. Label the plant indicating what part of the plant is used for medicine and then describe what the medicinal uses.
My apologies for the qualities of the photos. Teachers and parents, you can order these cards from StrongNations.com I understand that there are plant cards developed for the interior of BC too. They are Secwepemc plant cards and Aboriginal Learning hopes to get a copy of them soon!
April 8 - Looking at First Nation art through colouring sheets
There are amazing colouring resources available online. Many Indigenous artists from all over Canada are donating some of their art to support student learning. These are fabulous BUT there are a couple of things we need to make explicit to students.
- Who is the artist and what nation does he/she come from. This matters. It matters because we need to recognize and acknowledge the artist and his/her skill. It also provides us information on the style or design form found in their work. For example, if you look at the work of Christi Belcourt - a very well know Métis artist, her style is distinctively Métis. Her work features beautiful floral patterns. If you look at the work of Gordon White (see below), his style is distinctively in the style of Northwest Coast art.
Indigenous styles vary because we, as Indigenous Peoples are diverse. Did you know there are over 630 First Nation communities in Canada and that there are over 203 in British Columbia. It wouldn't sense that all our art would be done in the same style.
This part is for teachers. We get lots of questions about what appropriation. This is a really good question. I have added a link to a draft protocol handout that our district has created that I hope will answer some of your questions. Here are a couple of links for you to build your understanding between Northwest Coast art and the art we see in the Vancouver area: article one, article two on formline art
Key point for me, know why you are having students doing any kind of Indigenous art. Make an explicit connection. On some of the colouring sheets below, particularly those in the Northwest Coast style, ask students to look for shapes (ovoids, crescents, trigons, circles). Pick two coloring sheets and ask students to look for differences in style. To see a handout we created for a workshop related to formline, click here.
Some guiding questions:
Explore positive/negative space; explore shapes found in FN art - how are they the same/different? What themes are present in FN art?
First Nation Colouring sheets - these have been shared on FB pages
- Hummingbird by Gordon White, Haida - from Native Northwest
- Christie Belcourt - "It’s from my painting called “Joy” and I got it turned into a colouring page by Mariah Meawasige." (Hint - if you go to Christie Belcourt's Facebook page and look for an April 4 entry, she has posted numerous colouring sheets from a variety of artists.)
- Download this Tlingit Colouring book - Form line design with Lingít (Tlingit) names. Shared with permission - Dalton Signature
- Download First Nation Colouring sheets by ronniedeanharis
- Colouring Sheets from various Indigenous artists in Canada
- Download a beautiful dragon fly by Michelle Stoney , Gitxsan artist and share it with her on FB when you are done. In fact, go to her FB page and see all the pages she has shared. It's part of a colouring contest.
- Download these two heart pictures. Have your students colour them in with sharpe markers then rub them lightly with vegetable oil. This gives a lovely stained glass look! Post them in your windows. Heart 1. Heart 2. A big thank you to Swalklanexw/Dallas Guss Q for allowing me to share these on our website.
- Download colouring pages relating to the Inuit. https://www.qia.ca/colouring-book-pages/. Look under the news tab on this page for some beautiful videos!
These two photos below show how we used die cut machines and 3D printers to make some of the form line shapes. Then we drew a picture of our foot and had students use the shapes to make their own version of their foot. These shapes can also be used to exploring patterning and sorting in math.
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April 7 - Place Names
Have you ever thought about how cities or streets get their names? In many instances they are named after a person. Take Vancouver for example. It is named after Captain Vancouver. Victoria was named after Queen Victoria.
More and more First Nation communities are reclaiming their traditional names for their territories. If you have ever driven the Sea To Sky highway, you will have noticed numerous signs in Indigenous languages.
Whiterock sits on the traditional territory of the Semiahmoo First Nation. Where do you think the city gots its name? Maybe you've been down to Whiterock and seen the big bolder that sits on the beach. Click here to download the story of this rock. This story was shared by the late Grand Chief Bernard Charles and was downloaded from this website
Here are two more websites to explore that talk about place names:
Have you noticed that some place names tend to describe a resource that is harvested in that area or it describes an event that happens at that location? We are going to use this form of naming to rename the places in and around your school. Maybe we can rename the playground to "place of games". How would you rename things so they described what happened or what was stored?
Library
Gym
Staffroom:
Your classroom:
Photocopier room
Office
Music room
LST room
First Aid room
Playground
Covered area
Principal's office
Art room
Try this at home. Draw a map of your community. Include features like stores, parks, apartment blocks, streets, libraries, fire halls, and hospitals. How might you re-name these things to reflect what happens at each location.
More and more First Nation communities are reclaiming their traditional names for their territories. If you have ever driven the Sea To Sky highway, you will have noticed numerous signs in Indigenous languages.
Whiterock sits on the traditional territory of the Semiahmoo First Nation. Where do you think the city gots its name? Maybe you've been down to Whiterock and seen the big bolder that sits on the beach. Click here to download the story of this rock. This story was shared by the late Grand Chief Bernard Charles and was downloaded from this website
Here are two more websites to explore that talk about place names:
- Look at some of the interesting place name examples on this website and learn why place names matter: Click here
- Explore some local place names: Click here
Have you noticed that some place names tend to describe a resource that is harvested in that area or it describes an event that happens at that location? We are going to use this form of naming to rename the places in and around your school. Maybe we can rename the playground to "place of games". How would you rename things so they described what happened or what was stored?
Library
Gym
Staffroom:
Your classroom:
Photocopier room
Office
Music room
LST room
First Aid room
Playground
Covered area
Principal's office
Art room
Try this at home. Draw a map of your community. Include features like stores, parks, apartment blocks, streets, libraries, fire halls, and hospitals. How might you re-name these things to reflect what happens at each location.
April 6 - We Can Bead!
One of our amazing teachers is teaching her son at home. She shared this photo with me. Beading is an amazing way to connect math with Indigenous culture.
Wait, you don't have the book at home? Not a problem. Pearson has made all their Mathology Little Books available to parents and teachers. On line versions are available and the best part is there is a read a loud version. Here is the link for We Can Bead. https://schmedia.pearsoncanada.ca/mlb/index.html?code=KP2
Surrey School District Teachers and students (K-2)
This book connects to patterning. Students can explore the core of a pattern, repeating patterns and increasing and decreasing patterns. From an Indigenous perspective, students get to learn where beads came from prior to contact - before there were craft stores and big box stores where we purchase things today. Ask students to think about where beads came from and help them connect.the materials used to make beads with land and place. Ask students to think about whether the natural materials that First Nations peoples in Saskatchewan would have been the same. Why or why not?
Best part about exploring beads is using them. On our math page, there are several lesson plans related to beading. It is currently under revision but you can find the beading lessons on the page. https://aboriginalresourcesforteachers.weebly.com/math-resource-elementary.html
For a do at home activity, have your child make their own beads. Provication: using the resources you have in your home and your yard, how might you make your own beads? Hint: youtube has lots of ideas on how to make your own beads.
Pearson's Little Books are posted online. They will add new titles each week. Watch for Let''s Play Waltes. I use it as a companion lesson with We Can Bead. Link to Pearson's Little Books
Wait, you don't have the book at home? Not a problem. Pearson has made all their Mathology Little Books available to parents and teachers. On line versions are available and the best part is there is a read a loud version. Here is the link for We Can Bead. https://schmedia.pearsoncanada.ca/mlb/index.html?code=KP2
Surrey School District Teachers and students (K-2)
This book connects to patterning. Students can explore the core of a pattern, repeating patterns and increasing and decreasing patterns. From an Indigenous perspective, students get to learn where beads came from prior to contact - before there were craft stores and big box stores where we purchase things today. Ask students to think about where beads came from and help them connect.the materials used to make beads with land and place. Ask students to think about whether the natural materials that First Nations peoples in Saskatchewan would have been the same. Why or why not?
Best part about exploring beads is using them. On our math page, there are several lesson plans related to beading. It is currently under revision but you can find the beading lessons on the page. https://aboriginalresourcesforteachers.weebly.com/math-resource-elementary.html
For a do at home activity, have your child make their own beads. Provication: using the resources you have in your home and your yard, how might you make your own beads? Hint: youtube has lots of ideas on how to make your own beads.
Pearson's Little Books are posted online. They will add new titles each week. Watch for Let''s Play Waltes. I use it as a companion lesson with We Can Bead. Link to Pearson's Little Books
April 3 Thinking Indigenous - Online - Meet Abel Johnston
Introduction into Māori Worldview Kia Ora from Aotearoa (New Zealand)
In this lesson, we are excited to have Abel Johnston introduce us to the Māori worldview. Abel shares three teachings that have been important to his journey in learning how to decolonize and Thinking Indigenous! Kia Ora.
Surrey School District teachers and students (grade 3- 10):
Why watch this video? When we use the term Indigenous, it not only includes the First Nation, Inuit and Metis peoples in Canada but it also includes all First Peoples in countries all over the world! Abel will share 3 big teachings and maybe you will see some connections between these and teachings that First Peoples have in Canada.
Can you identify the 3 teachings? I have emailed him and asked him to spell the three terms he uses and I will post them when he gets back to me. Do you see trees as your cousins? Why might the Māori make this connection?
In this lesson, we are excited to have Abel Johnston introduce us to the Māori worldview. Abel shares three teachings that have been important to his journey in learning how to decolonize and Thinking Indigenous! Kia Ora.
Surrey School District teachers and students (grade 3- 10):
Why watch this video? When we use the term Indigenous, it not only includes the First Nation, Inuit and Metis peoples in Canada but it also includes all First Peoples in countries all over the world! Abel will share 3 big teachings and maybe you will see some connections between these and teachings that First Peoples have in Canada.
Can you identify the 3 teachings? I have emailed him and asked him to spell the three terms he uses and I will post them when he gets back to me. Do you see trees as your cousins? Why might the Māori make this connection?
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April 2 Explore Firstvoices.com
First Voices is a website with 56 BC First Nation languages stored on it. It's purpose is to use it to learn community members learn their language but we can use it to learn about some of the First Nation languages in BC. You do not have to sign in to access this page. Please do read this disclaimer though.
Surrey School District teachers and students (K-12)
What can you do on this site? Our schools reside on the traditional territories of the Katzie, Kwantlan and Semiahmoo First Nations. Unfortunately their languages are not featured on this website. Look at the Halq'eméylem and SENĆOŦEN languages. Halq'eméylem is the upriver dialect. The Katzie speak the downriver dialect of this language. The Semiahmoo are still deciding on which language will be their official language. Many of their elders know the SENĆOŦEN language - the language of the Saanich people. They also know the Lummi language.
Surrey School District teachers and students (K-12)
What can you do on this site? Our schools reside on the traditional territories of the Katzie, Kwantlan and Semiahmoo First Nations. Unfortunately their languages are not featured on this website. Look at the Halq'eméylem and SENĆOŦEN languages. Halq'eméylem is the upriver dialect. The Katzie speak the downriver dialect of this language. The Semiahmoo are still deciding on which language will be their official language. Many of their elders know the SENĆOŦEN language - the language of the Saanich people. They also know the Lummi language.
- Listen to an Indigenous story/song from either the SENĆOŦEN or Halq'eméylem.
- Look at the About page and photo gallery to learn about their communities.
- Play some of the games. Each community has a game linked to their language page.
- Select, learn our language and see if you can learn to count to 10 in their language, find common greetings. Can you count to 10 in your home language? Maybe start a language book and includes numbers, seasons, greetings in one of the languages on First voices but also include how to write and say these same things in your home language.
- Locate the community on a BC map. Look at one community a week and log interesting facts about those communities in a journal.
- Why does language matter?
- What is the best way to revitalize an indigenous language?
- Why isn't one of our Indigenous languages an official language in Canada?
