Professional Development

Northian Newsletter

Respect my Child: He has the Right to be himself

The following letter appeared as an article in the Northian Newsletter. It is by the mother of a First Nation child, in form of an open letter to her son's teacher

Alberta Education

Walking Together

 The digital resource Walking Together: First Nations, Métis and Inuit Perspectives in Curriculum was designed to help teachers understand the holistic nature of First Nations, Métis and Inuit ways of knowing; to provide opportunity for Inuit, First Nations and Métis peoples to share their perspectives on topics important to them; and to demonstrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives in teaching and learning experiences (Alberta Education, 2011).

Some of the topics explored include: World views, Oral Traditions, Elders, Symbolism & traditions, Connection to the Land, Indigenous Pedagogy, Culture and Language, Wellbeing, Traditional Environmental Knowledge, Kinship, Aboriginal Treaty Rights, and Healing historical trauma. 

Debbie Reese

American Indians in Indian Literature

A site that provides critical perspectives and analysis on Indigenous resources. Written by Debbie Reese, an Indigenous woman herself, is the founder and editor of American Indians in Children’s Literature as well as a founding member of the Native American House and American Indian Studies program at the University of Illinois. There is a section of books she recommends as well as a search feature for specific books.

Khelsilem (TEDx)

Canada Needs Thriving Indigenous Languages

Speaker discusses the benefits of educating and funding the learning of Indigenous languages as one way to support reconciliation efforts in Canada. A thought-provoking discussion regarding the value of Indigenous languages as a vital part of our Canadian heritage.

Canadian Geographic

Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada

A four volume series, recently published in 2018 that gives insight to the past, present, and future of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

"This resource will assist you and your students in understanding the past, present and future of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. There is a wealth of information and a diversity of stories and voices on this map; however, we recognize that no resource will ever be able to encompass all Indigenous voices and stories. The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) also recognizes that the stories told here are not ours to tell. It is for this reason that we have worked collaboratively with a number of Indigenous and ally educators and organizations from across Canada to create this resource. We highly recommend that you use this resource as a starting point and reach out to Indigenous communities, organizations and groups in your area to learn more and continue to work toward reconciliation." 

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This resource can be adapted and modified to multiple age groups, and offers a wide variety of classroom application. 

There is also an available floor mat for further classroom application.

Canadian Geographic

Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Floor Map

The associated floor map to the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada can be requested to rent and includes additional resource cards and activities for further classroom uses.

There is also a teacher guide that includes information on the resource kit. The guide has recommendations for lessons to be done before the class begins the Floor Map activities. Within this Toolkit there are many additional resources that are very valuable to utilize as teachers.

The button below takes you to the Map request form. To see the Teacher Toolkit click here.

Edited by Frank Deer & Thomas Falkenberg

Indigenous Perspectives on Education for Well-Being in Canada

The principles in this piece can be used as a resource for teachers to help guide them in the classroom, and potentially influence their pedagogy to be more inclusive to Indigenous students.

fnesc and FNSA

Authentic First Peoples Resources K-9

The First Nations Education Steering Committe (FNESC) and First Nations Schools Association (FNSA) have collaborated to create a document with an overview of multiple Authentic First Nations resources, which they define as "historical or contemporary texts that
 present authentic First Peoples voices 
 depict themes and issues that are important within First Peoples cultures 
 incorporate First Peoples story-telling techniques and features as applicable." (2016, p. vi)

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The resources in this text are explained well, including grade level recommendations, as well as cautions when using these resources in the classroom. 

Drawing Change

Indigenizing Teacher Education

Drawing Change is a company that does graphic recordings of varying, and often complex, topics as a way to summarize a meeting, symposium, conference, etc. This link takes you to their page on Indigenizing Teacher Education, however their website and company offer a valuable perspective and support Indigenous people and perspectives.