Ideas for Class Trips
For information on presenters or performances that will come to your school or classroom, please go here.
Council Fire Native Cultural Centre
Located at Dundas and Parliament in Toronto. The centre hosts a variety of weekly activities and children’s summer camps. (All grades)
The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
Located at Spadina and Bloor in Toronto, the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto has an in-school program where a group will visit your class to relay cultural teachings.
From the website: “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. Through the AEOP students are exposed to the teachings and traditions of Indigenous Nations: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. The Program ensures that students get relevant information and a thorough understanding of Native culture and an up close, in person lesson that brings Native people out of the history books and into a contemporary context, moving away from common stereotypes and misconceptions.” (All grades)
Canadian Aboriginal Festival
This festival is one of the largest pow wows in Ontario. It runs over a weekend (usually in the fall), and on the Friday they have a highly recommended education day for class groups. The festival is held either in Toronto or Hamilton. (All grades)
This article talks about the Canadian Aboriginal Festival and its educational day. (For teachers)
Six Nations Tourism
A newly launched website which highlights the many tourist activities on Six Nations land. A great opportunity to visit a First Nations community close to home. (Grade 4 and up)
The Toronto Zoo
Turtle Island Conservation Programme at the Toronto Zoo
From the website: “Toronto Zoo’s Turtle Island Conservation programme (TIC) respectfully shares the hopes and goals of First Nation partners in our commitment to the preservation of biodiversity. TIC partners with First Nation communities to preserve community knowledge and significant natural and cultural landscapes. The objectives of the Turtle Island Conservation programme are:
- To foster respect for self, community, Mother Earth, and the Creator
- To recognize and record significant landscapes valued by First Nation communities
- To integrate traditional ways of knowing with western science to monitor, protect, respect and restore landscapes
- To integrate language, art and crafts to sustain traditional ways of knowing and among non-Aboriginals
- To facilitate understanding of diversity of First Nation culture and ways of knowing among non-Aboriginals”
Woodlands Cultural Centre
Brantford, Ontario.
From the website: “The Woodland Cultural Centre is a First Nations educational and cultural center. It was established in 1972 to protect, promote, interpret, and present the history, language, intellect and cultural heritage of the Anishinaabe and Onkwehon:we. This mandate is from our member Nations; Wahta Mohawks, Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. The Woodland Cultural Centre will demonstrate the highest standards of excellence in the practice, presentation, interpretation and collection of resources in Education; Museology; Arts; Language and Cultural Heritage in order to foster an appreciation of the intellect and promote an accurate image of First Nations in Canada and abroad.” (Grade 4 and up)
Chiefswood
From the website: Located on the Grand River, Chiefswood National Historic Site is the only remaining pre-Confederation Indian mansion in Ontario. Built between 1853 and 1856 by Mohawk Chief George H.M. Johnson for his English bride, Emily Howells, Chiefswood is of national architectural and historic significance because it speaks to the Johnson family's role as intermediaries between Native and European cultures. Here at Chiefswood in 1861 the poet and performer Pauline Johnson was born, and drew inspiration for her literary works. Historically, Chiefswood was a place where cultures met, and today, as a gateway to the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Chiefswood introduces visitors to the rich culture and heritage of the Six Nations, the Johnson family and Pauline Johnson.
Kids From Kanata
Kids from Kanata is an exchange and penpal program between First Nations schools and Ontario schools. Information about how to include your classroom and contacts included in the site. (All grades)
Toronto District School Board: Aboriginal Education Centre
TDSB can arrange for field trips and guest speakers. It can also be a resource in itself, with counselors.
90 Croatia Street,
Toronto, ON
Telephone: 416-393-9600
Fax: 416-393-9411
Or: Contact a local community, or Aboriginal cultural center and ask if there is an Elder willing to come to your class. Offer an honorarium for their time, at the very least a pouch of properly packaged tobacco. This should be given BEFORE the Elder begins to speak, ideally when you first meet him/her.
Maslak McLeod Gallery
For over 40 years, The Maslak McLeod Gallery has operated a Canadian fine art gallery as part of the famous Yorkville art community. The gallery specializes in Native art - Inuit Sculpture, Haida Prints, Woodland school paintings and prints, Plains and Maritime. The gallery showcases native art by important Canadian artists, including Norval Morrisseau, Benjamin Chee Chee, Alfred G. Villeneuve, Carl Beam, Ahmoo Angeconeb, Floyd Kuptana, and Christian Morrisseau.
Feheley Fine Arts
From the website: Incorporated in 1961, Feheley Fine Arts has become synonymous with excellence in the field of Inuit art... Feheley Fine Arts has been instrumental in the development of numerous private, public and corporate collections. The gallery offers a range of consultation and curatorial services including art appraisal, collection management, display and exhibition advice.
Bay of Spirits Gallery
The Bay of Spirits Gallery showcases paintings, prints, jewelry, carvings, masks and stone work of Aboriginal artists. Featuring artists such as Richard Bedwas, Art Thompson and Alano Edzerza.