This document is a guide for educators to use in planning a three credit course designed to give secondary school students in the Northwest Territories (Canada) the knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the historical, cultural, and social foundations of their Northern society; to help them appreciate the importance and uniqueness of the Northwest Territories as a distinct region in Canada and in the world; and to promote informed, rational, and tolerant citizenship in a rapidly-changing society. The content of the course is divided into three core modules. Module A deals with Northern heritage, culture, and history. Module B covers the study of Northern language and development of communication skills in an aboriginal language. Module C focuses on contemporary Northern life, including current issues and events. This curriculum guide conveys the rationales for the course, the major understandings, key concepts, skill areas, and student attitudes to be developed in the instructional process. The general learning experiences to which all students should be exposed are defined and suggested classroom activities through which the teacher can gather information needed for assessing student progress are presented. Finally, it suggests the kind of teaching and learning resources that would be appropriate for the course and presents guidelines for their selection and development. (DB)