http://www.nativetelecom.org/

One of our readings in this module discussed the role that public telecom played in the effects of media over time.  This is the Native American Public Telecommunications site. The site has a lot of audio, video and resources and currently even has an open call for filmmakers for video projects with significant Native involvement.  You can listen to live radio, watch documentaries, view contemporary Native performers’ work or join one of the discussion forums. among other things.

http://www.wncp.ca/english/subjectarea/fnmi.aspx

As I was researching protocol and elders’ involvement in education, I came across this site that shares a common curriculum document for Aboriginal language and culture programs.  On page 4, there is a letter from the elders who were consulted in the project to the Associate Deputy Ministers involved in the project.  They were very appreciative of being asked for their input and by their words, seem proud of the final document.  They suggest a time for celebration and invite all to share in the joy.  The overall document discusses the framework that has been developed and shows the learning outcomes at each grade for the Laws of Sacred Life, Laws of Nature and Laws of Mutual Support.  I enjoyed reading through the document as it offers ways to infuse cultural education and knowledge into each grade.

http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca/acp/site.nsf/eng/ao31045.html

I realize that the Aboriginal Canada Portal has been mentioned a couple of times, but the content that interested me at this site was the Resources for Teachers page.  The many resources are divided into two sections – Educational Resources and Lesson Plans and Activities.  I even noticed a document from UBC’s Faculty of Education – a grade 12 unit lesson plan on Aboriginal Elders.

One of the resources listed is GoodMinds.com, which is a source for educational resources for Native American, First Nations, Indigenous and Aboriginal Studies. I have purchased literacy materials from them in the past for the classroom.  There are so many links here that it will take awhile to get through them.

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/inspire/research/Toulouse.pdf

This Ontario Government document from March 2008 suggests research-based strategies and practices for integrating Aboriginal teachings and values into the classroom.  I often find myself wondering if the content is accurate and appropriate as claimed, coming from a government office.  At a glance, the information seems to touch on the First Nations Grandfather teachings and the medicine wheel, so it seems appropriate.  If anyone has any comments on the value or relevance of the information, I would welcome comments.   Thanks!

http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca/acp/site.nsf/eng/ao26878.html

I was very interested in the many links concerning Elders and their importance in spiritual teachings found on this web site.   The Four Directions Teachings has a wonderful video introduction and then breaks into smaller units to discuss the Directional Teachings of the Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwe, Mohawk and M’ikMaq.  I did not understand the differences in the teachings prior to this, and this site helps explain them briefly.

The Sacred Way of Life – Traditional Knowledge link near the bottom of the page has a brief comparison of Western vs. First Nations way of life and would be very helpful when attempting to understand how educational needs differ between Western and First Nations students.

Many other links on the page discuss storytelling, interviewing Elders  and other topics.