http://www.tigweb.org/themes/indigenous/

This is an aesthetically pleasing site created by youth interested in global issues and creating positive change. The content is quite well-written and broken down under subheadings including:

• Issues
• Understanding
• Imagining Histories
• Interviews

A powerful interview excerpt from Maria of the Cree people deserves careful consideration: “Aboriginal people have been abused in every meaning of the word, but yet our society still has the audacity to ask, “what is wrong with those people, why are they the way they are?” A look past the superficial textbook knowledge would reveal a much darker and hidden history that would explain away any such judgments.”

Each of the subheadings is also linked to a discussion board. In all, quite an effective, interactive and informative site!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aboriginal_peoples_in_Canada

I don’t know why I didn’t think of wikipedia before, but this page has a great list of resources and information on the  Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Since I am a totally rookie, this site is a great jumping point for me.

I am still in the search for bogs, so if anyone finds some please let me know.

http://www.ischool.utexas.edu/~vlibrary/edres/pathfinders/ajohnson/pathfinder.html

This website offers an overview, and links for  further research, into how technology is being utilized by Indigenous groups around the world. I found this to be a great starting point for our Module 1 focus on the global and local in Indigenous knowledge.

There are resources posted in response to six key questions, covering topics such as:

• a general overview of how technology affects Indigenous people
• beneficial uses of new technology
• problems created by the “digital divide”
• using new technology to promote history and culture
• how technology has changed communication
• encouraging utilization of technology in Indigenous communities

In researching aboriginal science and technology education I have found a variety of resources that have been very enlightening.  One of the most interesting is a book that assembles a number of research articles and reflections on the subject of First Nations education in Canada

The Circle Unfolds takes a critical look at First Nations education form a science and technology perspective.  It provides an accurate history of Aboriginal education in Canada and reflects on how best to restructure and transform Aboriginal education in terms of learning processes and teaching.

Some of the articles deal with specific issues related to some of the research proposals we have written such as “Non-Native Teachers Teaching in Native Communities” by Taylor “A Major Challenge for the Education System: Aboriginal Retention and Dropout” by Mackay and Myles and “Redefining Science education for Aboriginal Students” by MacIvor.

The collection is both broad and deep providing a great overview of many of the challanges First Nations Education has had in the past and explores how it might change in the future.

Most of the book is freely available through Google Books so I suggest checking out the contents to see if there is anything useful for your own research.

Native Studies 20

This webpage was create by a fellow Native Studies teacher in Saskatchewan. She developed this site around the Sask curriculum (which has since been revised) and shared with her colleagues. I used this site a tremendous amount as we did not have access to a text. Although I am not teaching Native Studies this year I have passed on this site to many teachers who teach social studies. It is a fantastic resource for teaching Treaties and Global Indigenous Issues. I found it an excellent way to show students the similarities and differences in treaty experiences around the globe.

Unit One: Introduction

Unit Two: Self Determination and Self Government

Unit Three: Determinism

Unit Four: Social Justice

Mission Voices Website

Mission Voices Website is a project funded by the Australian Broadcasting Company and involves the Koorie Heritage Trust  and the State Library of Victoria. The premise of the site is to document the history of six Aboriginal missions and reserves in Victoria, Australia. This is a unique historical account as it includes the voices of the Koorie elders who recount their memories of mission and reservation  life. It is a moving experience which adds a new dimension to the study of history.

Included in the site are collaborative activities for both middle years and high school students. The goal of the activities seems to be to promote the idea of how Aboriginal missions and reserves have shaped the lives of all Australians-past and present.

The site is very powerful. However, one downside is the navigation-it seems awkward and disjointed which is disappointing as this site offers much for educators.

Native Education College

The Native Education College is BC’s largest private Aboriginal College. It NEC provides a culturally appropriate and supportive learning environment for Aboriginal learners.

Resources available:

• Aboriginal Adult Basic Education (AABE) / BC Adult Graduation Diploma (Grade 12)
  • The program recognizes the unique history and culture of Aboriginal people.  Students focus on achieving their academic and employment goals while learning and sharing their cultural knowledge and skills. Courses are developed and taught from a First Nations’ cultural perspective.
• Applied Business Technology Program:
  • provides essential computer, communication and business skills in the field of office administration. In addition to classroom knowledge, students gain first-hand experience in office environments, through industry support, work experience, guest speakers and field trips.
• College Connections Program
  • prepares students who have completed their Grade 12 graduation requirements, or are in the process of completing, to succeed at a college level.  All courses emphasize study skill development and college level academic skills. Students choose College Connections because they want to increase their self-confidence and ensure they have the right academic foundations
• Aboriginal Basic Early Childhood Education
  • ECE students explore child development, the role of the professional early childhood educator, create early education curricula, practices, and stimulating learning environments for young children.   

Links to other sites:

• The site offers a variety of “partners” in education: companies and institutions that participate in the programs. For example:
  • Aboriginal Tourism BC
  • ACCESS: Building Futures Today

Usefulness for research on Indigenous knowledge, media, and community reality:

NEC offers a variety of programs and services to Aboriginal learners throughout the province who attend the Longhouse located in the Mount Pleasant area of Vancouver. NEC also works with Aboriginal organizations to deliver programs in other locations throughout British Columbia. NEC focuses on meeting the needs of Aboriginal adult students requiring developmental, vocational, and applied academic programs that provide access to employment or further post-secondary education.

Adress: http://www.necvancouver.org/