INDIGENOUS
HISTORIES & DIVERSITIES
It is important for teachers to have the proper resources to be implemented within the classroom in order to teach Indigenous histories and diversities effectively. It is crucial that these resources are appropriately chosen. Furthermore, they must align with the Inuit, First Nations and M​étis cultures. There are Indigenous resources that exist that can do more of an injustice to Indigenous cultures as they culturally appropriate and misrepresent the Indigenous peoples. This is why teachers need to educate their students on the importance of recognizing cultural differences and diversities, as well as the different histories between different groups of Indigenous peoples. Below are some resources listed that pertain to the Inuit, First Nations and Métis histories and diversities that teachers can use within their classroom.
RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS
RECOMMENDED LITERATURE (INUIT)
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1. Fish-Boy: An Inuit Folk Tale (Author: Vanita Oelschlager, Illustrator: Mike Blanc)
“In Fish-Boy: An Inuit Folk Tale, Vanita Oelschlager retells a tale passed down by a wise old Inuit. It's an origin story involving a little magic and a very odd boy with a large heart for friendship. On a journey with his new father, he must confront misfortune and the malice of cold hearted villagers. But he has a way...and a lesson for all in the virtues of kindness and hospitality.”
ISBN: 1938164210
Suggested Grade Levels: K-4 (ages 5-9)
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2. The Legend of Lightning and Thunder (Author: Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt, Illustrator: Jo-ann Rioux)
“In The Legend of Thunder and Lightning, a traditional legend that has been told in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut for centuries, two siblings resort to stealing from their fellow villagers. In this tale of guilt and consequence, the actions of the two children lead them to flee punishment by escaping to the sky as thunder and lightning.”
ISBN: 192709528X
Suggested Grade Levels: 2-4 (ages 6-9)
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RECOMMENDED LITERATURE (FIRST NATIONS)
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1. Caribou Song (Author: Tomson Highway, Illustrator: John Rombough)
“Joe and Cody are young Cree brothers who follow the caribou all year long, tucked into their dog sled with Mama and Papa. To entice the wandering herds, Joe plays his accordion and Cody dances, whirling like a young caribou. They are so busy playing and dancing, they don't hear the rumble of the caribou. Bursting from the forest, ten thousand animals fill the meadow. Joe is engulfed; he can barely see Cody a few yards away. Their parents seem to have disappeared. And yet what should be a moment of terror turns into something mystical and magical, as the boys open their arms and their hearts to embrace the caribou spirit.”
ISBN: 1897252617
Suggested Grade Levels: 1-4 (ages 6-9)
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2. Firedancers (Author: Jan Bourdeau Waboose, Illustrator: C. J. Taylor)
“"What is it, Noko?" Grandmother does not answer. Somehow, I feel that we are being watched and she knows what is there. "I will go and see what it might be." And then I add, "I'll be careful." Although I try to sound brave, I don't want to go into the dark corner where the fire does not glow. I remind myself that I have been in the woods many times and was never afraid before. I walk toward the huge white pine that hides what could be there. Again, I feel a wind tapping my back. I look behind me. There is nothing. As night sets in and the fire crackles, a young native girl is amazed when he grandmother invokes the spirits of their ancestors. She learn the mystical firedance and creates a bond with her people and their heritage that will last a lifetime.”
ISBN: 0773731385
Suggested Grade Levels: 2-5 (ages 6-10)​
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RECOMMENDED LITERATURE (MÉTIS)
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1. Relatives With Roots: A Story About Métis Women’s Connection to the Land (Author/Illustrator: Leah Dorion)
“Relatives With Roots: A Story About Métis Women’s Connection to the Land is a heartfelt story about a Métis grandmother who takes her granddaughter out into the bush to teach her how to pick traditional medicines. As the granddaughter learns the traditional beliefs and stories about how the Métis people use the plants for food and medicine, she feels happy to be a Métis child with access to such wonderful cultural knowledge. This charming and vibrant book introduces young readers to key concepts in the traditional Métis worldview while focusing on the special relationship between a young Métis girl and her grandmother.”
ISBN: 978-1-926795-00-3
Suggested Grade Levels: 3-6 (ages 6-11)
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2. The Giving Tree: A Retelling of a Traditional Métis Story (Author/Illustrator: Leah Dorion)
“This charming story, richly steeped in Métis culture, focuses on the boyhood reminisces of Moushoom as he describes finding the “great giving tree” with his mother and father. This vibrantly illustrated children’s book is a beautiful retelling of a traditional Métis story. Both Leah Marie Dorion and the Gabriel Dumont Institute are very pleased to share this story with the Métis and larger communities since it emphasizes Métis core values and beliefs including strength, kindness, courage, tolerance, honesty, respect, love, sharing, caring, balance, patience, and most of all, the important connection with the Creator and Mother Earth.”
ISBN: 978-0-920915-90-5
Suggested Grade Levels: 3-6 (ages 6-11)
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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1. Get to Know Program. (2013, February 13). An Ojibway Story of Creation - Pic River First Nation [YouTube Video]. Canada. Retreived from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX4GJTtSigY
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2. David Bouchard - Speaker, Author, Educator
http://davidbouchard.com/welcome
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