Welcome to the Deepening Knowledge Project

OISE's Aboriginal Peoples Curriculum Database

Please click on VIDEO icon at left to view the welcoming message from Jean-Paul Restoule PhD,
Professor of Aboriginal Education, OISE.

Live as of September 2012! As we continue to make improvements and add resources, we welcome your feedback!

Submit your resource suggestions and lesson plans.

The Deepening Knowledge Project seeks to infuse Aboriginal peoples' histories, knowledges and pedagogies into all levels of education in Canada. The project is a part of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, which is located on the territories of Anishinaabe and Onkwehonwe peoples.

On this site you'll find information about the history and traditions of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Native American cultures, information about the challenges facing Aboriginal communities today, and curricula for incorporating this information into your teaching practice.

For Teachers

The Deepening Knowledge Project seeks to help teachers infuse their practice with the histories, knowledges and pedagogies of Aboriginal peoples. For teachers working at all grade levels, you will find curriculum resources such as: lesson plans, a bestselling list of recommended books, class field trip suggestions, and links to other resources.

Explore our teacher resources

Discover how to incorporate Aboriginal issues into your teaching practice

Browse our bestselling list of recommended books for all grades

For OISE Students and Teacher Candidates

OISE offers courses in Aboriginal history, education, and culture for students at the Initial Teacher Education and Graduate levels.

Courses in Aboriginal Education

Feature Resources

Four Directions Teachings

An interactive and engaging website resource for learning about indigenous knowledge and philosophy from five First Nations of Canada: Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwe, Mohawk, and M'ikmaq. The website "honors oral traditions by creating an environment where visitors are encouraged to listen with intent as each elder/ traditional teacher shares a teaching from their perspective on the richness and value of cultural traditions from their nation." (FourDirectionsTeachings.com)

Aanischaaukamikw - Cree Cultural Institute/Institut Culturel Cri

The CCI is an extraordinary new museum, cultural institution, and showcase of the history of the James Bay Crees. Can't visit in person? The CCI web site offers you a variety of ways to learn about Cree culture and the museum's collection of artifacts, including an Interactive Virtual Exhibit where you can examine and “manipulate” the collection item by item, and even add to the knowledge about these items.

About OISE Research

The OISE faculty features several promising researchers investigating topics in Aboriginal education.

Find out more about OISE's research in Aborginal education

Go to OISE's main research site

Community Resources

OISE has strong connections with the University of Toronto community, teaching communities across Canada and the wider Aboriginal population.