News and Annual Indigenous Days of Significance
Louis Riel Anniversary
November 16 marks the anniversary of Louis Riel's death.
Go to our METIS perspectives page for links and resources to enhance your classroom and encourage your students to learn about Riel's contributions and fight for Métis rights in Canada.
The Secret Path - Chanie Wenjack and Residential Schools
The release of The Secret Path by Gord Downie and Jeff Lamire has reignited discussion of incorporating Residential School history into classrooms in Canada.
Please check out our recommendations for your classroom under "Teacher Resources" (tab in above menu). Links and resources have been listed here.
Treaty Recognition Week
November 5-11 , 2017
"Ontario has designated the first week of November as Treaties Recognition Week to promote public education and awareness about treaties and treaty relationships."
Statement from ETFO (Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario).
Please check out this great resource for understanding the James Bay Treaty (Treaty No. 9) in Northern Ontario. It includes timelines, maps, photos, and more!
Another resource for teachers looking to incorporate Ontario Treaty history into their classrooms. Click to check out this Treaties in Canada: Education Guide by Historica Canada.
A map of Ontario Treaties No. 9 and No. 5 for your classroom.
Aboriginal Veterans Day
November 8 is National Aboriginal Veterans Day. We recommend using this comprehensive resource to encourage your secondary school students to explore Aboriginal contributions to Canada's war efforts.
Teacher's Guide: Indigenous Way Heroes
Check out what National Aboriginal Veterans Day looked like in Saskatchewan.
First Nations Education Act
AFN-Assembly of First Nations - Moving Forward on First Nations Control of First Nations Education
Archived Bill C-33 First Nations Control of First Nations' Education Act
Idle No More
University of Toronto Libraries Research Guide: Idle No More/Indigenous Movements
The Globe and Mail, January 11, 2013
A discussion between Wab Kinew, Director of Indigenous Inclusion, University of Winnipeg and Lloyd Axworthy, President of the University of Winnipeg on the Idle No More movement.
Other Recent News
The Inconvenient Indian - by Thomas King
Reviewed by Richard Wagamese
From the Globe and Mail website: "The truth, as it were, lies somewhere between what is taught and what is endured by indigenous people themselves. So it is that Cherokee/Cree author Thomas King offers us in iThe Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People In North America. Though it is built on a foundation of historical fact, King insists that the book is an "account," resting more on storytelling technique than a true historian's acumen...But the book is ultimately about healing. As much as he uncovers the dirt of history, King shines a light on what is possible in the advancement of Indians to an equal place in both countries. It is essential reading for everyone who cares about Canada and who seeks to understand native people, their issues and their dreams. We come to understand that Indians are inconvenient because, despite everything, we have not disappeared."
Four Arrows Newsletter on FNEA
Prepared by Treaty 2 and Treaty 8 First Nations, March 13, 2014
Canada's Federal Budget 2014 and the New First Nations Education Act: A Four Arrows Summary of What's Happening
Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation Named Official Host First Nation of TORONTO 2015 Games
Information about the upcoming 2015 Pan Am and Para Pan Am games to be hosted in Toronto.
Deepening Knowledge project manager Angela Nardozi and 2013 interns were able to help participate in the planting of an Aboriginal Education garden outside of OISE.
From the website: The garden is found in six large concrete planters, each with its own theme related to teh foundational concepts of OISE's programs: Aboriginal Education, Equity and Inclusive Education, Holistic Education, Creativity in Education and Environmental and Sustainability Education. Our hope is that these gardens will become a symbolic and physical manifestation of collaborative learning around social and ecological learning across all of OISE’s programs, and act as demonstration sites to inspire our students to integrate nature-based learning into their own personal and professional lives. The gardens also showcase OISE’s innovative pedagogical and curricular approaches for its neighbours, the local community and the public who frequent the spaces around OISE buildings.
The Aboriginal Education garden includes tobacco, sweetgrass, cedar, sage, squash and milkweed.
Click here to learn more about the Environmental Sustainability Education Program!