Module 4: Post 5: Cree Curriculum

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This link will open a PDF document that is a resource produced by Cree elders, and educators and published by AlbertaEducation.ca for teaching Cree culture and language. This document is geared towards Cree people who are interested in revitalizing their language through language nests, immersion schools, or language centers.  This document provides a lot of background knowledge on how to implement a successful language program.  It provides activities, lessons and evaluations.  This is a useful document because the Provincial Government helped to cooperate with Cree elders and community members in the making of this resource.  It shows support for the language revitalization efforts and helps to create a guideline for success using a Cree approach.

http://education.alberta.ca/media/659383/creekto3gi.pdf

Module 4: Post 4: Learning Inuit

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This is a website that offers online language education materials in different Inuit dialects.  It also offers lessons and translations from both English and French to the Inuit language.  There is an abundant amount of information and interactive lessons on learning vocabulary, grammar, dialogue and practice from beginner to intermediate levels of the language learner.  This allows Inuit peoples who are interested in learning their language to independently practice online for free. I think that an online language tool is not the only answer for helping language revitalization as the daily use of language with community and family is vital.  Also, many people may not have access to computers or fast speed internet to be able to access this information.  However, I think that by providing online educational resources in the Inuit languages is a step in the right direction in helping to support and maintain local Inuit languages.

http://www.tusaalanga.ca/splash

Module 4: Post 3: Yulakota

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I came across a video that is a Bernstein Bears TV show spoken in Lakota language.  This stood out to me because as I was researching for my final research project I read an article about Lakota language revitalization.  In  the article it says, “ Lakota’s have a concept called yulakota, which means to make or transform a foreign idea into something compatible with Lakota culture” (Powers: 2009, p. 145).  This video link is a good example of taking a Western TV show, Bernstein Bears but translating it into Lakota language therefore portraying Lakota values which are embedded in the language and helping to create material and resources to support language revitalization which the article believes needs to be taught to the younger generation.  This is a useful site for Lakotas to use in language centres or at home to continue to encourage and promote the use of their local language.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xCHht4X2Kc&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

 

Powers, W. (2009). Saving lakota: Commentary on language revitalization. American Indian Culture and Research Journal, 33 (4), p. 139 – 149.

Module 1: Post 2: Legends

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This website provides Aboriginal legends in both English and Oji-Cree language, it is provided as an audio clip or written in text in both languages.  This is a useful site for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.  Legends can show and teach values which are embedded in the story.  It can also be used as a teaching resource if one is searching for Aboriginal created material in either language nests or in mainstream classrooms teaching about Aboriginal people.  It is also available in the Oji-Cree language for Aboriginal peoples who wish to listen to stories being told in their traditional language.  I read one legend that was about a young man with strong morals, despite his desire to do the right thing many challenges and obstacles came in his way, this is a story of how the creator showed him the way to overcome problems in his life.

http://legends.knet.on.ca/

Module 4: Post 1: Learning the Path

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This website is geared towards inspiring and connecting Aboriginal peoples and communities in and around Edmonton, Alberta.  There are various links on the website such as healing the past, breaking down barriers, discovering gifts, connecting community and empowering yourself.  This website provides news events, information, video and audio clips of stories from Aboriginal people.  It provides a way for Aboriginal people to become involved in community, re-connect with their culture and find jobs and empowerment in the community.  This website was create by Aboriginal people who are trying to help create a path for more Aboriginal youth and people to follow to find success and happiness in life.  This website is also, however, not limited to Aboriginal peoples as they encourage non-Aboriginal people to also become involved and aware in their cultural events.

 

http://www.cbc.ca/edmonton/features/learningthepinal ath/community/

Module 4 – Post 5 – Our Worlds, Our Ways

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“Our Worlds, Our Ways: Teaching First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Learners” is a resource created by the Alberta Education Authority in conjunction with many First Nations, Metis and Inuit elders.  The resource is designed to support teachers in better serving the needs of Aboriginal students.  Culturally-relevant approaches to Aboriginal education are explained from a holistic point of view in terms of students’ spiritual, physical, cognitive, and emotional competencies.  Built into the resource are the guiding principles of understanding and respect for diversity, respecting and reflecting Aboriginal perspectives, the importance of the teacher/student relationship, and the connection to community.  While the resource is primarily aimed at supporting Aboriginal learners, it has relevance and value for a range of educational settings and contexts.

The resource is located here: http://education.alberta.ca/media/307199/words.pdf

Module 4 – Post 4 – Best Practices

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I found this resource as I was searching for curricular materials for teaching Metis heritage, history and culture.  The “Best Practices -Including First Nation, Métis, and Inuit in the Curriculum” resource was created by the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board from Ontario.  The resource is designed to support teachers in a culturally responsive way in teaching First Nations topics.  The resource defines potential problem areas in terms of Key Concepts, Accuracy, Culture, Authenticity, Diversity, Eurocentrism, Pedagogy, Use of Terminology, and Visual Images and gives teachers concrete language they can use to cover these topics in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way.

The resource can be found here: Best Practices

Module 4 – Post 3 – Awchimo

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Awchimo is a website designed to teach children more about Metis heritage, culture, history, and the Metis language, Michif.  In addition to the categories mentioned, the site is organized into click-able links including colouring, games, stories and recipes that are embedded in a fun, colourful picture.  The site is easy to navigate and has many appealing activities for children, however the material presented does seem to be too complex for younger readers.  The site provides a good amount of useful information for anyone wanting to have their children learn more about Metis culture in a fun and engaging environment.

Awchimo is located here: http://www.awchimo.ca/index.html

Module 4 – Post 5 – First Nations Pedagogy Online

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First Nations Pedagogy Online

http://firstnationspedagogy.ca/storytelling.html

This site was important for me on a personal basis.

Part of the reason for taking this course is to gain more knowledge and understanding of First Nations issues, traditions, etc. As we near the end of our studies, I now realize I did not understand the importance of storytelling in First Nations culture.

The course, obviously, has changed that and this site has some excellent video examples. A few to note are:

  • Teaching Storytelling in the Classroom
  • Elder Stories of Buffalo Hunting
  • Raven and the First Mean

Module 4 – Post 4 – Native Canadian Centre

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Native Canadian Centre of Toronto

https://www.facebook.com/nativecentre

Just happened across this one day on facebook. A well developed page for this group out of Toronto. If you’re on facebook, like them today!

http://www.ncct.on.ca/

They also have a website. From the website:

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto is an Aboriginal community cultural centre. The Centre offers multiple programs including cultural education which I found very interesting as this centre is based in Toronto, urban area. Culture can be kept alive anywhere.

Here is a listing of available programs.

Aboriginal Education Outreach Program

The Aboriginal Education Outreach Program (AEOP) is an interactive project that has been set up to promote and foster a greater understanding of Native People in North America and their distinct cultures.

Aboriginal Circle of Life Services Program (ACOLS)

The Aboriginal Circle of Life Services Program is designed to provide a supportive environment for Aboriginal people residing in the Greater Toronto Area through the delivery of client centred services enabling them to live independently in their homes.

Cultural Program

The Cultural Program here at the Native Canadian Centre plays an important role in educating and providing services for the members of the centre.

Dodem Kanonhsa

DODEM KANONHSA’ Elder’s Cultural Facility is a learning and sharing facility which fosters greater acceptance, understanding and harmony between members of First Nations and Non-Aboriginal People.

Communications & Referral Office

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto provides Information and Referral Services (C&R) that connect people in the community with service providers, information and/or linkage with other Aboriginal or Non-Aboriginal agencies.

Martial Arts Program

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto is pleased to offer Okichitaw classes to members of the NCCT.

Toronto Native Community History Program and Bus Tour

The Toronto Native Community History Project (TNCHP) was founded in 1995 and our current work revolves around three key components: Popular Education, Resource Centre and Youth Involvement. We also offer tours of Toronto from the Aboriginal perspective.

Youth Program

We are currently seeking energetic youth from the Native and non-Native community to become involved in our activities. These activities include volleyball, basketball, hockey, and all kinds of other activities.