Inquiry Project How to integrate Aboriginal perspectives into

Inquiry Project: How to integrate Aboriginal perspectives into our science lessons and unit plans

How do we answer this question? � Half of us did research � Half of us interviewed educators such as Dennis Iron (vice-principal, Canoe Lake); John Hansen (Professor at U of S); Dan (teacher, Bishop Murray); and many other elementary teachers at different points in their careers

Perspectives/Ideas/Thinking � Medicine Wheel � Environmental � Sustainability � Local � Cyclical � Holistic

Medicine Wheel

Holistic

Environmental & Sustainability: The World is in Our Hands

Cyclical Taken from: http: //questgarden. com/120/22/8/110228062006/images/life_cycle_of_butterfly. gif

Local

Taken from: http: //www. fourdirectionsteachings. com/ojibwe_junior. pdf

Importance of Elders � Experts on Indigenous Knowledge � Gifts � All hold different knowledge � Education System ourspace. uregina. ca

Current Events � Standing Rock - North Dakota � Bad Water Quality on First Nations in Canada

Lesson Plans/Unit Plans 5 levels of classroom practices 1. Learning outcomes 1. Learning resources 1. Instructional strategies and methods 1. Assessment 1. Philosophical underpinning Taken from Chapter 4: integrating Aboriginal Perspectives into the School Curriculum: Layering at Five Levels of Classroom Practice.

Lesson Plans/Unit Plans “. . belief in the transformative power of integration to enhance students’ understanding of Aboriginal culture and issues, increase the selfesteem and pride of Aboriginal students and alleviate ignorance and racism among cultural groups. ” (pg. 114)

Where you can find Resources: → Treaty Kits (Provided by FSIN) → Using other schools that have established resource programs (Onion Lake First Nation, La Ronge) → Local Knowledge Keepers (Elders)

Further Questions � How do we go beyond incorporating Aboriginal perspectives into science? What about other areas of learning?