For my socials 9 class I developed a unit that tied together the historical period of first contact with modern topics. I had a planning meeting with the First Nations Consultant for the VSB, my SA, my FA, and the two Teacher-Librarians at my practicum school. My intention for this unit was for students to obtain a base of knowledge about Aboriginal culture and history so that they could better understand modern First Nations issues. Students learned the importance of regalia, creation stories and the environment. Students also participated in an authentic storytelling circle with the help of the VSB First Nations Consultants. Students explored the history of Aboriginal people and their role in the fur trade, especially women. They also critically analyzed historical primary sources and discussed the idea of “perspective” in reference to white fur traders who were the recorders of history during the time period we covered. This cultural and historical study was the base from which students analyzed modern topics such as appropriation. We also explored modern Aboriginal role models (musicians, writers, athletes, politicians, businesspeople etc) and discussed their influence on Canadian society. We wrapped up the unit with a visit to the Museum of Anthropology at UBC.
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