This paper reports on a study exploring ways in which five experienced teachers interpreted and responded to a curricular initiative in Alberta calling for teachers to help students see social studies through multiple perspective lenses representing Aboriginal (and Francophone) communities. Over the course of the study, which focused primarily on…

Argues for the integration of aboriginal content into social studies by teaching First Nations history as Canadian history. Provides an overview of this integrated history, focusing on Atlantic Canada. Addresses such topics as extending the coverage 10,000 years prior, the parallel between human history and environmental change, and cultural…

Discusses inequitable learning opportunities of Canada Natives. Finds that rules and expectations of schools often create feelings of shame in Native learners that lead to withdrawal and failure. Asserts that when teachers become cultural brokers they can eliminate the inequalities and develop an environment conducive to learning. (CMK)

Explains that sentencing circles are a form of traditional Canada Native justice in which the entire community is involved to combat offenders. Provides a unit plan on sentencing circles for social studies in order to teach students about the need for sentencing circles in Native communities. Provides sample lesson plans and an example worksheet.…

Suggests that geography instruction is an ideal opportunity for reinforcing culture and identity among First Nations people. Discusses the issue of culture and some sources of opposition to teaching culture on Indian reserves. Points to themes that can subtly integrate cultural lessons with geography lessons. (DSK)

Identifies differences between Canada Native religions and Christianity in order to explore the true definition of spirituality. Believes that nature should be considered the equal of humans and deems the natural world as sacred. Concludes that students in social studies classrooms should learn about Native perspectives to help them understand…

Discusses the feelings of displacement and alienation suffered by members of aboriginal groups who must leave their communities to attend institutions of higher education. Notes specific problems encountered by these individuals and suggests some solutions that can ameliorate the lack of cultural support in urban areas. (DSK)

Reviews books on Canadian Indian history for use by history teachers. Argues that this selection of books will help stimulate student interest in history by making the curriculum more relevant and by using seldom-presented materials. Provides ideas for further sources of information about Canadian Indian history. (DSK)

Discusses the shift in thinking among the current generation of young Canadian Indians. Political attitudes have moved from an accommodating stance (Kiyam) to a more committed and confrontational position (Semac). Briefly addresses why some Indians prefer to stay on reservations. (MJP)

Examines the dichotomy between Canada's excellent record of social programs, educational attainment, and income and Canadians' continued negative perceptions of their country. Explores issues that particularly vex the Canadians including decentralization and the separatist movement in Quebec. Concludes that Canada's penchant for self-criticism…

Considers the effects of commercialism and the current mania for name brand clothing on the lives of Canada's young Native Americans. Argues that the adoption of assimilationist and mainstream cultural values grows from the Indians' lack of any real political power. Postulates that young Indian women are particularly vulnerable to this tendency.…

Addresses some of the frustration felt by Canada's indigenous Indian population regarding the lack of attention afforded them in recent federal elections. Discusses Indian reaction to the Canadian Government's White Paper on Aboriginal peoples. Canadian natives felt this document actually represented a step backward in their struggle for equality.…

Characterizes various people involved in education in the Canadian Native American community of Saddle Lake. These people are Seers (risk-taking visionaries), Doers (pragmatic realists), and Watchers (suspicious reactionaries). Discusses the decline in the community's dropout rate and the growth of a prosocial and optimistic attitude among the…

Summarizes Canadian Native Indian's objections to recent health care budget cuts. For many years Canadian Indians enjoyed subsidized health care that included therapy, prescriptions, eyeglasses, dental, and medical transportation. Details the programs to be cut and laments their passing. (MJP)

Presents interesting and concise background material on an 1874 treaty between Canadian Indians and colonists concerning hunting and fishing rights. Includes a copy of the treaty as well as learning activities utilizing document analysis. The activities ask pertinent questions of each paragraph in the document. (MJP)