Aboriginal Beliefs, Values, and Aspirations in Contemporary Society

5
240
minutes
IDV.01, ID1.02,
RE2.04, SO2.02,
SO3.04, CH2.03,
CH3.05, REV.03
- summative
assessment of
written
product by
teacher using
rubric
(T/I, A, C)
Re-emergence of Aboriginal Leadership
Students:
- list quality of a good leader;
- analyse impact of Indian Act revisions on
Aboriginal women;
- analyse case studies of events at Oka and
Kahnawake, 1990;
- view video, Acts of Defiance, NFB;
- write a response evaluating quality of leadership at
Oka.
Unit 4: Pride, Power, and Accomplishments
Time: 25 hours
Unit Description
This unit examines the agricultural, architectural, ecological, medicinal, ceremonial, and philosophical
beliefs and practices of Aboriginal peoples. Students should understand significant ways that Aboriginal
peoples have influenced development and thought within and beyond North America. Students examine
the historical and contemporary roles Aboriginal peoples played and continue to play within their
communities in sharing knowledge, beliefs, practices, and world views. Achievements, such as the
upholding of peace by the Haudenosaunne people through the Great Law and their philosophy
surrounding their Two Row wampum agreement, the western sun dance, potlatch traditions, and seasonal
ceremonies, have provided a spiritual foundation for the thoughts and actions of Aboriginal peoples.
Students investigate agricultural and harvesting practices and the cultivation of a number of medicines,
and they learn of the significance of Aboriginal peoples’ respect and understanding of the natural
environment.
Students examine how the guiding principles of equality, respect, spirituality, and peace are being
conveyed by contemporary speakers, writers, healers, leaders, and elders. The central focus of this unit is
how the validity of Aboriginal knowledge is serving to enhance a renewed sense of identity, pride, and
power among Aboriginal peoples.
Unit 4 Overview Chart
Activity Expectations Assessment Focus/Tasks/Activities
1
300
minutes
2
300
minutes
IDV.01, ID3.01,
RE3.02, CH3.05
RE2.01, CHV.04,
RE3.02, CHV.05,
SOV.04, CHV.01
- formative teacher assessment
of observations in journal
(K/U, T/I, C)
- teacher assessment of oral
reports using rubric
(K/U, T/I, C)
- formative anecdotal
assessment by teacher of
journal entry (C, A)
- summative assessment of
written product by teacher
using marking scheme (A, C)
Relationships, Symbols, and
Ceremonies
Students:
- observe and react to experiences
associated with traditional cultural
practices;
- analyse and compare responses.
Meeting the Challenges of History
and Today
Students:
-explore the importance of “place”
in Aboriginal world views;
- focus on the cultural importance of
the salmon to West Coast peoples.
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