Category Archives: Archive

Making the connection to the land and to First Nation change makers

My research is directed at reframing the education experience of Indigenous students by understanding the sacredness of the land. This also involves examining the issues that have contributed to the removal of First Nations people from their communities and their land.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyCun8Le3jg

This is a song by Lucie Idlout. Lucie about her mother’s disc number e5-770. Disc numbers were given to Inuit people by the Canadian government in the 1940’s as a way of identifying them. Even though many Inuit people were born with surnames this policy saw the government giving the people Eskimo disc that were similar to dog tags.

2.http://www.traditional-knowledge.ca/english/project-surname-102.html

This is a resourceful website that takes the reader into “Inuit traditional knowledge. It shows the connection to their land and its importance to their well being. It tells the stories of First Nations people- “the story you are about to read will take you from the mountains of the Noatak River in Northern Alaska to Baffin Island in Nunavut. It also tells more about the Eskimo disc that were giving to identify Inuit people.

http://www.arcticdefenders.ca/

This is about the film Arctic Defenders. “Arctic Defenders tells the remarkable story that began in 1968 with a radical Inuit movement that changed the political landscape forever. It lead to the largest land claim in western civilization, orchestrated by young visionary Inuit with a dream – the governance of their territory – the creation of Nunavut.” It features Aaju Peter who received the Order of Canada on Dec. 30, 2011.Aaju is advocating for Inuit rights to seal and seal skin products as well as the Inuit right to be involved in issues related to Arctic waters. http://www.arcticdefenders.ca/team/aaju-peter.html

https://www.nfb.ca/film/hi-ho_mistahey_en/

Renowned Director Alanis Obomsawin directs many Aboriginal Films that can be found on the National Film Board of Canada website. For example Hi-Ho Mistahey, which is s the story of Shannen’s Dream, to provide equitable access to education in safe and suitable schools for First Nations children. She recently directed WE CAN’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE, at the Calgary Film Festival which highlights how even today, Indigenous Peoples face prejudice and discrimination from even the highest government offices. http://www.calgaryfilm.com/films/2016/we-cant-make-same-mistake-twice

Some of her other films includes https://www.nfb.ca/film/kanehsatake_270_years_of_resistance/

KANEHSATAKE: 270 YEARS OF RESISTANCE, Alanis Obomsawin spent 78 nerve-wracking days and nights filming the armed stand-off between the Mohawks, the Quebec police and the Canadian army. This powerful documentary takes you right into the action of an age-old Aboriginal struggle.

http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/multimedia-show-creates-new-chapter-in-treaty-7-history-book

This is a multimedia theatre project created in 2012 tried to rectify that. The Making of Treaty 7 was a re-enactment of the signing from the First Nations’ point of view.“What we’re trying to do,” director Michelle Thrush has said, “is pay honour and respect to the other side of the story, which is the Making of Treaty 7 through indigenous eyes.”

Module 2: mining-related content

My focus for the final project will be indigenous peoples in mining. I have found a great amount of resources and I’m trying to narrow it down. Some useful websites/materials for now:

1. Goldcorp – Partnerships and Programs (Aboriginal and Indigenous Peoples)

This is a program run by Goldcorp that intends to identify and create partnerships with Aboriginal and Indigenous Peoples, to further a culture of economic independence, ownership, entrepreneurship and enterprise management. The focus is on creating employment opportunities for local communities, as well as offering cultural training for non-Aboriginal employees and contractors, to prepare them for working in a new culture or a culturally diverse situation.

2. Aboriginal Awareness Canada

This company offers online training on aboriginal awareness, to help people have a better understanding and enhance communications between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

3. Land Is Life: Indigenous Defenders Speak – 3

“Land Is Life: Indigenous Defenders Speak, is about ongoing frontline struggles by these communities to protect their lands, to assert their nationhood, and to defend their ways of life. These communities have all been asserting and exercising traditional governance, laws, and jurisdiction and have taken up courageous actions to stop mining, oil and/or gas development in their territories.” I found this talk makes a good connection to the topics reviewed in this Module.

4. Exploration and Mining Guide for Aboriginal Communities

This guide, released in 2006 and revised for 2013, is designed to inform Aboriginal communities across Canada about the stages of the mineral development cycle, from early exploration to mine closure, to help Aboriginal people better understand the industry, and to identify the many ways in which exploration and mining can promote community sustainability.

5. Mining and Indigenous Peoples Issues Review

This review provides a brief overview of Indigenous peoples issues faced by the mining industry as it seeks to gain access to land, carry out exploration and, if successful, develop and manage a mining operation. It aims to provide guidance on possible options in this area for the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and the mining industry to contribute to. The review was commissioned by ICMM under the direction of its Community and Social Development Task Force.

Unravelling the Stories

“The goal of Indigenous research is not to comprehend the world as an object,

but rather to move through

the world as a way of knowing in a journey that transforms all those involved.”

~ Sorsen C. Larsen {referencing Cajete, 2000)

While keeping with my initial theme of story, the following links focus more acutely on the authenticity of story due to its source and connection to place.

A Deeper Sense of Place: Stories and Journeys of Collaboration in Indigenous Research – by Jay T. Johnson and Soren C. Larsen

This book contains excerpts from multiple writers relating the concept of place to personhood, belonging and identity. The place experiences of the authors range from Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and Canada. In particular, these two chapters are of keen interest to me regarding story and place:

“Awakening to Belonging” ~ written by Anne Godlewska

“The Micropolitics of Storytelling in Collaborative Research: Reflections on a Mapping Project with the Cheslatta-Carrier Nation in British Columbia” ~ written by Soren C. Larsen

This resource can be accessed online through UBC Library.

America Indians in Children’s Literature – A blog by Debbie Reese and Jean Mendoza

Visiting this blog has the potential of revolutionizing one’s mindset when approaching First Nations literature. Although the focus is on American Indians in children’s literature, many of these same books are relevant to students in Canada. Debbie Reese, particularly, is brilliant at pinpointing and rebuking stereotypes that have been, and continue to be, accepted in the stories presented into the hands and minds of children.

To glean further from Debbie Reese, these two videos are worth the watching:

Following are native-owned online bookstores, with the hopes that the resources available will prove to represent the lives and stories of First Nations peoples with respect, truth and integrity.

Oyate

Birchbark Books

Theytus Books

Johnson, J. T., & Larsen, S. C. (Eds.). (2013). Deeper Sense Of Place : Stories And Journeys Of Indigenous-Academic Collaboration. Corvallis, US: Oregon State University Press. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com

Research Weblog: Entry 2

Experience Akwesasne Interactive Map

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/index.html?appid=80733ab1faaa49b8b7b1e941fc12400f

An interactive map hosted online that permits users to learn about the historical, artistic, and cultural aspects of Akewsasne Mohawk Territory.

The website for the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation

http://www.ojibweculture.ca/

A comprehensive website providing access to various resources related to Ojibwe culture. As an educator, I see this as a very rich and useful resource for teaching and learning.

Website of Professor Kim Tallbear from the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta.

http://www.kimtallbear.com/

I recently attended a talk given by Tallbear. Her work looks at the intersections between Indigeneity and Technoscience. I think she offers interesting insights into the way scientific discourses around family and relationships have been left critically unquestioned, and thus normalized.

Treaty Relations and Two Row Companion

https://youtu.be/OwTIjDzodi4

This YouTube video is a part of a series of called “conversations in cultural fluency” produced by the Six Nations Polytechnic. I think this video is a great example of how Mohawk scholar used the medium of YouTube to teach about Wampum diplomacy.

Television show “Mohawk Girls”

http://aptn.ca/mohawkgirls/

Hosted on APTN’s website, Directed by Tracey Deer, from Kahnawake, this show attempts to engage with some serious questions around being Mohawk today– albeit in an over-dramatic, soap-opera style way. Deer also directed “Club Native” a NFB documentary that picks up on similar issues.

Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) – Traditional knowledge in cyberspace

Image credit:Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis by Unsplash (Flicker, Public Domain Image, CC0)

This weblog continues from Module 1’s overview websites that included IQ in the curriculum. In Module 2, the readings introduced me of the importance of Indigenous media and the considerations of authorship. I have curated here sites that define, research or display Inuit culture.

6. What is Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ)? by Jaypetee Arnakak in Canku Ota, Many Paths

Jaypetee Arnakak’s definition of IQ is citied in many of the research articles on Inuit traditional knowledge. His reflection of IQ is that it is a “living technology” that uses familial relations as an organizing model for roles and responsibilities of community members to each other, and how knowledge and skills are communicated.

7. Nunavut Tunngavik, Annual Reports on the State of Inuit Culture and Society

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. is the guardian of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA) to ensure the rights and benefits of the NLCA are carried out. A key component of the NLCA is the right of Inuit to develop social and cultural policies and programs, annually NTI reports on the State of Inuit Culture and Society implementation successes and challenges. The end Notes in this report is a good source to research northern cultural projects.

8. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) is a national Inuit organization whose work includes research, advocacy and education on issues facing Inuit. The link takes you to their publication section that provides access to a variety of reports and presentations from climate change, suicide prevention, to health care posters for school aged children. One report on the National Strategy on Inuit Education presents recommendations on parental engagement, a unified writing system, and early childhood education.

9. Inuit Qaujisarvingat: Inuit Knowledge Centre

Inuit Qaujisarvingat was created by ITK as a hub for Inuit research and knowledge. This site acts as a hub of a broad spectrum of research and data on northern science and policy issues. Currently the site currates a health statistics database, Inuit voices on climate change and northern security and sovereignty.

10. Unikkausivut – Sharing our Stories

The National Film Board of Canada’s open playlist of 60 films representing Inuit experience. This film collection highlights both past and present Inuit culture. The collection also has an educator’s guide that discusses IQ principles and looks at film through Inuit history, culture, geography, changes and challenges.

Module 2: Native Culture through Film

I have started to focus my research on Native media. My intention for the final project is to look at the development of Native film. I must admit that it is a broad area to investigate but with the reading this week and discussions we have had on cultural rights I think I may focus further by looking at how Native film is promoting and provide insight into Native culture (At least I think this may be how I am going to focus). The sources that I found for this post are as follows:

Wab Kinew On Strombo: Full Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbYcuHtvulI

The interview describes the premise of the show 8^th Fire. Wab Kinew discusses briefly his upbringing and his role as a “Native Ambassdor” for the CBC. What I found most interesting and informative was Kinew provides a clear explanation of language when referring to Aboriginal groups. The interview highlights his concerns that non-Natives have a limited understanding of Native culture and his show 8^th Fire is helping to clarify and provide understanding; it provides information and insight from an Aboriginal perspective. I’ve included a link to an excerpt from 8^th Fire. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb9f2L2u_JQ

Aboriginal Producers in Canada: Aboriginal TV and Film News & Opinions https://aboriginalproducerincanada.wordpress.com

This is a blog provides a venue “where ideas, concern, news and opinions” are shared regarding Aboriginal film. The blog only has a few posts but the information and insights are helpful in gaining some understanding of Aboriginal film. It provides names of directors as well as films and other productions that are Aboriginal. The last post is dated October 5^th, 2014 and I’m not sure if there will be more but it did provide some areas for me too look at further with respect to Aboriginal film.

Gift from the Elders – documentary http://giftsfromtheelders.ca

The website houses a documentary and provides information about the making of the documentary. In watching the documentary, many of the issues that have come up in our course discussions are discussed here as well. The video is available to watch on the website but it also outlines issues and research that concern the Anishinaabe people the film is about. What I really like about the documentary site was it provided a bio for the filmmakers and showed their connection to the people the documentary is about. For me, it provides insight into a culture that I have a limited understanding of and helps to clarify what I know and what I believe I know.

Dragon Fly Consulting Services Canada http://dragonflycanada.ca/resources/lesson-plans2/

The site provides resources to help build understanding and awareness about aboriginal history, perspectives, and issues. The site has a wealth of resources that can be used to help teach Aboriginal perspective. The site does work with the Ontario curriculum to that is helpful for me but should be double checked if the resources are being used out of province. What I found interesting and helpful about this site is the lesson that have been created for Canadian Aboriginal Documentary Films. Although you need to get access to the films yourself. The PDFs provide pre, during and post watching activities. There are rubrics also for extended activities. I think that it is a good place to start if you want to integrate Aboriginal film into the classroom. The section I looked at most closely was “Lesson Plans – Native Studies & Documentary Films” All the films are connected with Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival.

National Film Board

I really like to use the National Film board in class because it uses Canadian films and often you can stream them online. There are a number of Aboriginal films available on the NFB and many are created by Aboriginal people. Each film provides a brief description as well as information about the filmmakers. Although many of the films are available for anyone to watch, however, there are some that can only be viewed through Canvas program – basically you have to buy a membership to view the films online or you can purchase the DVDs to use in class. For some of the Canvas films there are lesson plans that go with the films. My link takes you right to the subject: Aboriginal Peoples in Canada https://www.nfb.ca/subjects/aboriginal-peoples-in-canada/. I have not watched all the films but there is quite a diverse collection to go through.

Module 2: Cyber Journey

Here are a few websites that I have come across:

Indspire is a charity for Indigenous people by Indigenous people. When I worked with young ladies from the Kahnawake reserve in Montreal we attended a conference given by Indspire and it was something that none of us had ever experienced before. We had various speakers from various Aboriginal sectors speaking to the students their fields of study ranging from communications, to medicine, to the military. The speakers left the students motivated and inspired about their futures.
Muskrat Magazine is an online magazine whose primary focus is on Indigenous arts and culture. The magazines focus is to exhibit original works of art in various forms and to engage in critical commentary. Muskrat magazine uses both rural and urban settings and uses media arts, wireless technology and the internet to distribute information in an eye opening and interesting manner.
https://fasdprevention.wordpress.com/ is a blog created to increase awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Since I am looking at social media use among Indigenous peoples, I am looking into what blogs are out there and what areas are these blogs in. Healthy and well-being, seem to one of the big concerns among indigenous peoples and many blogs seem to be appearing in these areas for individuals looking for help.
http://www.naho.ca/radio: Radio Naho is a new initiative from the National Aboriginal Health Organization aimed to bring health issues to the masses from a holistic perspective. The goal is to educate individuals with an emphasis to be placed on prevention. This radio station is geared to youth and young adults and wants to educate and influence healthy behavior by bringing on experts, advocates and role models.
An Index of Indigenous Podcasts this post found on Media Indegina website lists various podcasts created by Indigenous individuals. There is no secret that it can be hard to find Indigenous representation in podcasts but this list is start.

Allison’s Cyber Travelling Reflections Part 2

These links are ones I have recently come across that relate to my research project on teaching elementary students about Residential Schools, as well as links that support the teaching of First Nations culture to younger students.

The Owl and the Raven: An Inuit Legend

This Inuit legend tells the story of how raven’s feathers turned black. I like this video because it is using authentic language and is engaging for young audiences. Using stop-motion video techniques allows children to get into the story and learn about a legend and culture through storytelling. Hearing an authentic voice speak the language adds to the experience of this charming story.

Common Portrayals of Aboriginal People

I came across this link in Kimberly Cook’s references in her Discussion #5 post. I chose to include it in my resources because I feel it may be important to incorporate into my research for my final project. Although at this point I intend to focus on the topic of residential schools I think it would be important to also introduce the concept of stereotypes to my students during discussions and how this related to the times when residential schools were prevalent.

YESNet First Nations Programs & Partnerships

This is a link I came across in my other course, ETEC565A. YESNet is the Yukon Education Student Network, and the First Nations section of this website contains numerous K-12 resources that are directly related to First Nations cultures both in the Yukon and the rest of Canada. These resources include curriculum on relationships, attachments, restorative practices, culturally relevant programs, and activities. You can find book lists, games, study guides and templates relating subjects such as science, math, social studies, and the arts.

10 Books About Residential Schools To Read With Your Kids

I included this link because of my love for picture books! Storytelling can be a very powerful way to get across important lessons, thoughts, and feelings. Storytelling is also an integral part of many First Nations cultures so it is fitting to incorporate stories into teachings about Aboriginal cultures and ways of life. This particular list includes authentic stories based on real events of First Nations children going to residential schools. These stories open up a space for conversation on this tough topic. The book list contains age range recommendations and a brief synopsis of each title with a picture of the book, too.

Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives in the Classroom

I chose this particular image to represent this resource because these Principles of Learning summarize important foundations at the root of many First Nations cultures. This resource comprises the results of meetings between five districts across BC with urban and rural aboriginal and non-aboriginal participants. This compilation contains photos of activities in classrooms as well as projects, meaningful quotes from educators and participants around the province, as well as sections on:

Connectedness and Relationship
Awareness of History
Local Focus
Engagement with the Land, Nature, the Outdoors
Emphasis on Identity
Community Involvement: Process and Protocols
The Power of Story
Traditional Teaching
Language and Culture
Experiential Learning
The Role of the Teacher
Community Engagement
Teacher Preservice Training and Inservice Professional Development
A Positive, Learner-Centred Approach

Self Representation

For my research topic, I have chosen to look at how First Nations groups might use technology to preserve their cultures and change they way they are perceived and portrayed in today’s society. I focused my search for module 2 keeping this topic in mind.

The first source I found is a Masters Paper from Athabasca University. It is titled The Perpetuation of Native Stereotypes in Film and is written by Kimberley Kiyawasew. In this paper, Kiyawasew talks about some of the stereotypes of Native Peoples that are portrayed in the film industry. She then goes on to talk about First Nations Filmmakers and how they are changing the storylines and making films that “reflect a truer representation of Native people” (Kiyaywasew, 2014, p.1). These films are challenging the stereotypes that have been previously established by the media and film industry and are a way that First Nations groups are representing themselves to the world in an authentic way.
My second source doesn’t necessarily connect with my research topic but thought it was worth sharing. My friend Carolyn Roberts has created a website, complete with lesson plans around Indigenous education. On this site, she include online and print resources to use in the classroom. She is from the Squamish Nation Indian Band but her ancestors came from the N’Quatqua Band in D’Arcy BC. Because of her background, I trust this to be an authentic source of information and some might find it useful to their studies. http://www.carolynroberts.net/about-me
The third source that I looked at was called Reconciliation Canada. “Reconciliation Canada, an Indigenous-led organization, began in September 2012 with a bold vision to promote reconciliation by engaging Canadians in dialogue that revitalizes the relationships between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians in order to build vibrant, resilient and sustainable communities. A vision based on a dream held by Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Reconciliation Canada’s Ambassador, to witness tens of thousands of people of every culture and faith walking together for a shared tomorrow.” On this site, you can learn about programs and initiatives surrounding Reconciliation, as well as many online videos and resources on this topic. As this is an Indigenous-led organization, I believe it to be an authentic source of information and shows Indigenous cultures using technology to represent themselves.
The fourth source I looked at was Animikii. They are an Indigenous-Owned technology company based in BC on Coast Salish Territory; “Our technology enables our clients to maximize their social and cultural impact by making effective use of web-based technology. By connecting people with technology we believe that this will build a stronger identity for Indigenous people.” This is a great resource as it shows how technology is being used to represent and connect Indigenous cultures. It also has links to websites that they have created for various clients, providing access to authentic sources of information.
The fifth source that I looked at was the First Nations Technology Council. “The First Nations Technology Council has been mandated by the First Nations Summit, BC Assembly of First Nations and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs to address the technology related needs of BC’s First Nations communities.” One of the goals of the First Nations Technology Council is the “revitalization and preservation of language and culture,” which fits in with my research topic.

Going Local

I am making this post in the order that I found these resources as I feel it illustrates my research path. I’m getting warmer.

Cherubini, L. (2014). Aboriginal Student Engagement and Achievement: Educational Practices and Cultural Sustainability. Vancouver: UBC Press.

This online book uses stories from the Aboriginal Student Program at an Ontario high school to illustrate the implementation of best practices and programming for aboriginal student engagement and achievement. The book describes the program derived in part from Ontario’s Ministry of Education and outlines the outcomes of the program with intent of others learning from their success. Access to the book requires UBC library login.

http://books1.scholarsportal.info.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/viewdoc.html?id=/ebooks/ebooks3/upress/2015-11-25/1/9780774826570

Henderson, R., Williams, K. & Crowshoe, L. (2015). Mini-med school for Aboriginal youth: experiential science outreach to tackle systemic barriers. Medical Education Online, 20.

I originally thought that this article might contribute to my final project. Upon reading it, I don’t think it applies to my goals, but is a fascinating summary of a program with admirable goals. The University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine runs a mini-med school for indigenous junior and senior high students. The program supports the overarching goal of improving health care services for aboriginal people as well as addressing the under representation of aboriginal people in medical professions. I look forward to reading future reports on the success of this program. Available online at UBC library.

Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative. (n.d.). Promising Practices in Aboriginal Education. Retrieved from http://www.maei-ppw.ca/professional_development.html

This website composed by the non-profit group Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative is invaluable for practitioners. The site has reference documents on 80 issues relating to Aboriginal Education. The documents range from tip sheets to full reviews of implemented programs. I know that I will be accessing this site again.

Alberta Education. (2015). Guiding Voices: A curriculum development tool for inclusion of First Nation, Metis and Inuit perspectives throughout curriculum. Retrieved from http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/fnmigv/index.html

This resource will be a primary resource for my final assignment. It is a guide for curriculum developers in Alberta and a required toolkit for use by curriculum developers in Alberta. Curriculum developers are responsible for the Alberta Programs of Studies, which then guide course development. Ideally, the same principles and guidelines should follow from these guidelines.

Robb, M. (2005). Our words, our ways: teaching First Nation, Metis and Inuit learners. Retrieved from teachinghttps://education.alberta.ca/media/563982/our-words-our-ways.pdf

I have finally hit the jackpot on locally developed resources on Aboriginal Education. This document outlines the cultural background of Aboriginal groups in Alberta and touches on strategies for education. This resource was developed by teachers and elders in Alberta for teachers in Alberta. I can’t wait to dive in.