I purposefully selected a topic that would become practical for me in my future teaching career. My paper will include a variety of teaching resources that provide accurate, authentic portrayals of Indigenous People and that promote fun, interactive means of teaching them.

The Canadian government has produced several websites aimed at teaching children about Canadian indigenous culture. I realize there could be debate among Indigenous People about whether or not government-directed teaching resources are considered an authentic account. However, I found some sites offered a great teaching ideas. “Canada’s History for Kids” is a website that includes interactive games, fun facts, video clips and profiles of students living throughout the country (including on reserves and in the Arctic):  http://www.canadashistory.ca/kids/home

The site also promotes Heritage Fairs, which “encourages students to explore Canadian heritage in a dynamic, hands-on learning environment.” Students use the medium of their choice to create a project that tells stories about Canadian heroes, legends, milestones, and achievements. They then present their findings at public exhibitions across Canada. I personally think this is exactly the type of project which can get students excited about studying indigenous cultures. Researching an indigenous hero and taking on the role of this character would encourage students to put themselves in someone else’s shoes for a moment.

Canada’s History for Kids. Government of Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage. http://www.canadashistory.ca/kids/home.aspx. Web. 3 October 2013