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Elementary – Primary
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Indigenous Arts & Stories Teacher's Kit

This learning tool is intended to help teachers support their students in the Indigenous Arts & Stories competition (formerly known as Aboriginal Arts & Stories). Using this guide, educators can assist Indigenous youth with the creative process of developing their art and writing. It offers suggestions for dealing with sensitive issues, for motivating Indigenous students, and for encouraging youth to reflect on culture, identity and expression.


Indigenous History

Storybook Legends


Overview


This project is designed to be an introduction to mythology utilizing local history and culture. The project will involve elders telling local legends to students and then collaborating with students on producing a storybook with illustrations of the legend as told to them by the elders. This project demonstrates the traditional working relationship of First Nations people – elders sharing their wisdom with the students in turn interpreting the history and culture taught to them. The...
Indigenous History

Thompson (Nlaka'pamux) Indigenous people and Wild Vegetation


Overview


The students will study the relationship between the Thompson (Nlaka'pamux) Indigenous people of the Nicola Valley in British Columbia and how they used local vegetation in their daily lives prior to the evolution of European goods within their society.

This lesson is designed around a localized area in BC, but teachers can re-conceptualize to make the lesson applicable in any locale.

Aims


The student will develop an understanding of how the Thompson Indigenous people of the Nicola...
Indigenous History

Cedar Bark


Overview


Students will explore traditional West Coast Aboriginal peoples’ methods of utilizing the cedar tree.

Aims


1. Importance of the cedar tree
2. Origins of the cedar
3. Gathering and processing of cedar
4. Making a rose.

Activities


Procedures:

Introduction:

Trigger Activity: Display items made with cedar (hat, regalia, baskets, rope and roses). Ask the students if they know what the articles are made of. What do they know about the cedar tree? Why do they think Aboriginal people used cedar?...

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