Tag Archives: #localknowledge

Module 3 Post 5: First Nations Learners’ Engagement in Science Climate Justice in BC

Description:

This interactive and informational pdf guide on climate change and rising inequalities are highly recommended. When students view the world around and gain an appreciation of nature, they will develop an awareness of climate changes and issues which a teacher can use as a Segway to ponder on climate justice issues.

Teachers can refer to this handy Climate Justice in BC guide, which is divided:

Module 1: Introduction to Climate Justice

Module 2: Reimagining our Food System

Module 3: Transportation Transformation

Module 4: Rethinking Waste

Module 5: Fracking Town Hall

Module 6: Green Industrial Revolution

Module 7: Imagining the Future We Want

Module 8: Challenges to Change*

Module 8 is my personal favorite since students learn the inevitable challenges of social change, barriers faced and collective effort.

Action or personal choice Video: https://storyofstuff.org/movies/story-of-change/

Link: https://teachclimatejustice.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/full_teachclimatejusticedotca.pdf

Module 3 Post 4: Staying the Course, Staying Alive – Coastal First Nations Fundamental Truths: Biodiversity, Stewardship, and Sustainability

Description:

This book describes the 7 Fundamental Truths shared by the majority of BC First Nations. An insightful read that incorporates traditional teachings and oral storytelling. I learned from Heiltsuk, Namgis and Haida First Peoples perspectives on land and stewardship.

Link: http://www.biodiversitybc.org/assets/Default/BBC_Staying_the_Course_Web.pdf

Module 3 Post 1: Great Bear Sea

Description:

The Great Bear Sea videos and curriculum linkages make this an excellent resource. In my Science classes, the Great Bear Sea case studies were quite impactful as my students’ research and develop opinions on collaborative research methodologies.

Link: www.greatbearsea.net

Elementary Resource: http://greatbearsea.net/elementary-curriculum/

Secondary Resource: http://greatbearsea.net/secondary-curriculum/

Trailer: Great Bear Sea Trailer

Post 3- Evaluated Resources

After the discussions around critically viewing Nanook of the North and how to teach students to critically evaluate what they are exposed to in order to determine the authenticity of the item, I was brought back to a session I attended at a workshop about BCERAC. This group critically analyzes and considers what is an authentic story, or book focussed on First Nations culture, traditions and history.

One of the requirements that was discussed in my workshop was what story is being told and who is it being told by. There are many books about Residential Schools that are written by people who did not experience first hand this part of history, or who have dramatized what occurred. The books that appear on the Evaluated Sources website are written by First Nations people and are factual, to allow the author to share their stories, not for someone else to profit off of.

https://k12.bcerac.ca/

POST #3 “To Wake Up the Nakota Language” – Video

https://www.nfb.ca/film/to_wake_up_the_nakota_language/

An excellent video from PBS about being one of the last members of a language group. The interviewee discusses the connections between his language, his land, and his identity. Through this video, viewers can start to understand the perspectives of the members of the Nakota. It also features scenes of people learning the language and the efforts to keep the language alive. At only 6 minutes long, it is a good primer on the importance of language in indigenous communities. Featuring Armand McArthur of the Pheasant Rump first nation Southern Saskatchewan, it is a very personal look into the intersection of these issues.

“When you don’t know your language, you don’t know who you are.”

Post #2: Driftscape (app)

https://www.driftscape.com/home

This app provides information place, event, and tour information related to First Nations in Toronto as a map overlay (it provides other non-First Nations overlays as well, which can be toggled on and off).

This app is useful to understand the oft-ignored local First Nations history, geography, and culture of Toronto, and also provides a great (app or map) template for other places outside of Toronto. I think situating oneself in this way is important when beginning research as the local features predominantly in much of Indigenous literature.