Indigenous Peoples (FNMI) Worldviews

Acknowledgement of Aboriginal Territory and Visitor Protocol  :  This document provides guidance for respectful acknowledgement of Indigenous territories, as well as protocols to follow when hosting an Elder and visitors in the classroom or school.

Indigenous People Worldviews vs Western Worldviews : “The world we live in is multi-cultural with a corresponding plethora of worldviews. In this article we provide a definition of “worldviews” and a comparison of Indigenous and Western worldview perspectives.” (ProD)

Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives in the Classroom – Moving Forward : “The inspiration for this project was to support and build upon a regional dialogue that would lead to further strategies and clear commitments from all educators as we work to serve each learner, families, and communities. ….. The themes that emerged across territories and communities inspire a call to action. New constructs for leadership, Indigenous pedagogical practices, Aboriginal perspectives and content, and a vision for decolonizing mindsets were among the wealth of ideas expressed as to how we move forward both individually and collectively. It is our responsibility to sustain this conversation and to make commitments to ensure that we are successful.” (ProD)

Meet Verna Kirkness, the Indigenous education hero from Fisher River Cree Nation : In this CBC article, Virna Kirkness’ education career is highlighted and she is interviewed. (ProD)

Understanding Aboriginal Identity (video, 20 min):  Understanding Aboriginal Identity explores the complex issue of self-identification for Aboriginal people. Today, Aboriginal identity remains inextricably linked with past government legislation and the continued stereotyping of Aboriginal people in the media and Canadian history. From a Metis farm in rural Alberta, to the offices of Canada’s leading scholars, Understanding Aboriginal Identity examines the factors that shape who we are.

Culture : “First Nations pedagogy cannot be truly embraced without a foundational philosophy of First Nations culture.” (ProD)

Aboriginal Title : An understanding of land claims in British Columbia based in the concept of “aboriginal title” as researched and considered by UBC’s First Nations and Indigenous Studies Department.  “Aboriginal title refers to the inherent Aboriginal right to land or a territory….. Aboriginal title and rights are separate from rights afforded to non-Aboriginal Canadian citizens under Canadian common law.” (ProD)

indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca : A presentation of concepts as they relate to First Peoples in Canada and British Columbia presented by First Nations and Indigenous Studies, UBC.  Main menu topics include: Identity (including terminology), Community and Politics, Culture, Special Projects, Guide Pages and Video Resources.  Each main topic includes sub-menu topics.  (ProD)

Indigenous or Aboriginal: Which is correct? : CBC article by Indigenous journalist Bob Joseph.  This article clarifies respectful use of terminologies used in varying contexts.  (ProD)

Empowering the Spirit – Educational Resources to Support Reconciliation : This website provides support for all levels within school jurisdictions to increase awareness, understanding and application of First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, perspectives and ways of knowing for the purpose of implementing treaty and residential schools education and Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action for education.  Seven Sacred Teachings section provides insights and lesson plans to integrate into teaching units.  (Primary, Intermediate, Middle School, High School, ProD)

Etuaptmunk: Two-Eyed Seeing (TEDx) : This concept is explained by saying it refers to learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledges and ways of knowing … and learning to use both these eyes together, for the benefit of all. Spoken word artist, current Halifax Slam Master and recently appointed Poet Laureate for the Halifax Regional Municipality, Rebecca Thomas also holds the position of Coordinator of Aboriginal Student Services at the Nova Scotia Community College. (ProD)

Two-Eyed Seeing As a Way of Knowing : Green Teacher article from their Spring Issue 2013.  “The future success of our society will require the combined wisdom of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures.” -Nakota Chief John Snow.  (ProD)

Set in Stone: The spirits of Sto:lo ancestors are alive in Fraser Valley landmarks : Transformer landmarks and stories as related by historian and storyteller Sonny McHalsie. Part of a CBC series [Stories of the Land] created in conjunction with Reporting in Indigenous Communities. (ProD)

Key Issues: Indigenous Rights :  This is part of the Canadian Human Rights Commission website.  Included on this webpage is the Human Rights Handbook for First Nations in  PDF format.  (Here is Your Guide to Understanding the Canadian Human rights ActPDF version.)  (Secondary, ProD)

UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) : “On September 13, 2007 the UN General Assembly adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. … This Universal human rights instrument is celebrated globally as a symbol of triumph and hope.  Effective implementation of this Declaration would result in sigificant improvements in the global situation of Indigenous peoples.” (Secondary, ProD)

I Am Indigenous : a series of short videos profile several Ontario Indigenous leaders in varying fields of work.  These individuals stand tall against stereotypes and represent the resilience and hope of First Nations communities across the province. (Intermediate, Middle School, High School)