Combatting Racism towards Indigenous Peoples through the Inclusion of Indigenous Perspectives in the Classroom
Combatting Racism towards Indigenous Peoples through the Inclusion of Indigenous Perspectives in the Classroom
Bachelor of Education Programs and Schools Working Together
Bachelor of Education Programs and Schools Working Together
Combatting Racism towards Indigenous Peoples through the Inclusion of Indigenous Perspectives in the Classroom
Combating Racism towards Indigenous Peoples through the Inclusion of Indigenous Perspectives in the Classroom
Bachelor of Education Programs and Schools Working Together
Bachelor of Education Programs and Schools Working Together
lesson plans
All lesson plans have been reviewed and edited by an Indigenous
Team Lead teacher to ensure authenticity.
Thank you to all the Alberta teachers who have
contributed lesson plans and podcasts to this project.
Education is the most powerful tool we have to combat
racism towards Indigenous peoples.
Our project is committed to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) 94 Calls to Action, particularly in education. We aim to create opportunities for all students, staff, and school communities to engage in practices that facilitate reconciliation.
Welcome to our lesson plans which act as a resource for teachers as the weave Indigenous knowledges into their classrooms. While authentic connections to Indigenous knowledges can be made without complete lesson plans, this resource provides options for teachers as the begin to weave Indigenous knowledge into their teaching.
Teachers can also connect learning with Indigenous knowledges in an authentic way by considering Indigenous perspectives on the topic they are teaching.
Welcome to our lesson plans which act as a resource for teachers as the weave Indigenous knowledges into their classrooms. While authentic connections to Indigenous knowledges can be made without complete lesson plans, this resource provides options for teachers as the begin to weave Indigenous knowledge into their teaching.
Teachers can also connect learning with Indigenous knowledges in an authentic way by considering Indigenous perspectives on the topic they are teaching.
Our project is committed to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) 94 Calls to Action, particularly in education. We aim to create opportunities for all students, staff, and school communities to engage in practices that facilitate reconciliation.
Welcome to our lesson plans which act as a resource for teachers as the weave Indigenous knowledges into their classrooms. While authentic connections to Indigenous knowledges can be made without complete lesson plans, this resource provides options for teachers as the begin to weave Indigenous knowledge into their teaching.
Teachers can also connect learning with Indigenous knowledges in an authentic way by considering Indigenous perspectives on the topic they are teaching.
Our team, comprising both non-Indigenous and Indigenous researchers, is dedicated to fostering understanding, respect, and equity in educational settings.
Through integrating Indigenous teachings, histories, and perspectives into our curriculum, we empower educators to create culturally responsive learning environments. Join us in nurturing critical thinking, empathy, and a deep appreciation for Indigenous cultures among students. Explore our free lesson plans and resources to embark on this transformative educational journey.
We encourage teachers to continue to learn, make connections and deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledges.
Welcome to our lesson plans which act as a resource for teachers as the weave Indigenous knowledges into their classrooms. While authentic connections to Indigenous knowledges can be made without complete lesson plans, this resource provides options for teachers as the begin to weave Indigenous knowledge into their teaching.
Teachers can also connect learning with Indigenous knowledges in an authentic way by considering Indigenous perspectives on the topic they are teaching.
Our team, comprising both non-Indigenous and Indigenous researchers, is dedicated to fostering understanding, respect, and equity in educational settings.
Through integrating Indigenous teachings, histories, and perspectives into our curriculum, we empower educators to create culturally responsive learning environments. Join us in nurturing critical thinking, empathy, and a deep appreciation for Indigenous cultures among students. Explore our free lesson plans and resources to embark on this transformative educational journey.
We encourage teachers to continue to learn, make connections and deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledges.
Our team, comprising both non-Indigenous and Indigenous researchers, is dedicated to fostering understanding, respect, and equity in educational settings.
Through integrating Indigenous teachings, histories, and perspectives into our curriculum, we empower educators to create culturally responsive learning environments. Join us in nurturing critical thinking, empathy, and a deep appreciation for Indigenous cultures among students. Explore our free lesson plans and resources to embark on this transformative educational journey.
We encourage teachers to continue to learn, make connections and deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledges.
Through integrating Indigenous teachings, histories, and perspectives into our curriculum, we empower educators to create culturally responsive learning environments. Join us in nurturing critical thinking, empathy, and a deep appreciation for Indigenous cultures among students. Explore our free lesson plans and resources to embark on this transformative educational journey.
We encourage teachers to continue to learn, make connections and deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledges.
Grade 4
Embracing Indigenous Stories through Language
Grade 7
Plants for Food and Fibre
Grade 5
Wetlands
Grade 4
nature mosaic
Grade 9
Conservation of Biodiversity
Grade 4
A Sense of Land
More Lesson Plans will be added
These resources may be subject to specific copyright requirements. Please use for their intended use only.
Grade 1
Indigenous Garden
Grade 4
COMMUNICATING IDEAS ABOUT THE LAND
Grade 2
wild word keepers
Grade 1
Métis Traditional Sashes
Grade 5
Art of Alex Janvier
Grades k - 5
Traditional Métis Plants
In this lesson, students explore how human action impacts species survival and variation.
This lesson connects Western science and Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing including caring for Mother Earth, relationality, and the impacts of colonialism on all living things. Students choose from a variety of case studies and examine why Indigenous partnerships are important to conservation efforts and minimizing the loss of biodiversity? The lesson plan includes slides, graphic organizers, case studies and videos. The lesson is supplemented by a podcast in which the teacher who designed the lesson describes how they use it and their approaches to integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing into their teaching.
Grade 9 Science
Conservation of Biodiversity
Grade 9
Science
Conservation of Biodiversity
Lesson plan
CASE STUDY
slides
Listen to podcast #9
Lessons on Integrating Indigenous Knowledge
into Science Curriculum
Listen to podcast #9
In this lesson, students explore the care of Mother Earth in protected spaces such as
parks. Students consider why Indigenous perspectives of land need to be included. This
lesson includes concepts of reconciliation, relationality and the significance of traditional
Indigenous place names. The lesson is supported by slides, an assignment template and
video. The lesson is supplemented by a podcast in which the teacher who designed the
lesson describes how they use it and their approaches to integrating Indigenous ways of
knowing, being and doing into their teaching.
Grade 4 social studies
A SENSE OF LAND
Lesson plan
slides
activity
In this lesson, students explore the care of Mother Earth in protected spaces such as parks. Students consider why Indigenous perspectives of land need to be included. This lesson includes concepts of reconciliation, relationality and the significance of traditional Indigenous place names. The lesson is supported by slides, an assignment template and video. The lesson is supplemented by a podcast in which the teacher who designed the lesson describes how they use it and their approaches to integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing into their teaching.
GRADE 4
SOCIAL STUDIES
A SENSE OF LAND
Listen to podcast #6
Empowering Students Through
Indigenous Knowledge Integration
Listen to podcast #6
In this lesson plan, students begin by exploring similarities and difference between plants and animals in Alberta. Students learn about plants and animals important to Indigenous peoples. Students design their own Indigenous garden featuring at least three Indigenous plants and three animals. The lesson plan includes a virtual hike (for days when students can't go outside), accompanying slides and an assessment activity.
Grade 1 science
Indigenous Garden
Lesson plan
slides
In this lesson plan, students begin by exploring similarities and difference between plants and animals in Alberta. Students learn about plants and animals important to Indigenous peoples. Students design their own Indigenous garden featuring at least three Indigenous plants and three animals. The lesson plan includes a virtual hike (for days when students can't go outside), accompanying slides and an assessment activity.
GRADE 1 S
CIENCE
INDIGENOUS GARDEN
Plants are essential to humans as sources of food, raw materials and as medicines. Students examine the uses of plants in their own lives and the significance of certain plants to Indigenous peoples. This lesson plan includes slides, activities, handouts, links to videos and an assessment activity.
Grade 7 science
Plants for Food and Fibre
Lesson plan
slides
Indigenous Plants Cards
Plants are essential to humans as sources of food, raw materials and as medicines. Students examine the uses of plants in their own lives and the significance of certain plants to Indigenous peoples. This lesson plan includes slides, activities, handouts, links to videos and an assessment activity.
GRADE 7
SCIENCE
PLANTS FOR FOOD AND FIBRE
This lesson provides students with the opportunity to recognize and learn about wetland
ecosystems found in Alberta including ponds, sloughs, marshes, bogs and fens. Students
are introduced to Indigenous worldviews including the interaction between living and
non-living things in a wetland. This lesson plan includes a slides, videos, handouts and
two assessments.
Grade 5 science
Wetland Ecosystems
Indigenous vs. Western Worldviews
my rubber boots worksheet
Lesson plan
slides
terminology
tree of life worksheet
This lesson provides students with the opportunity to recognize and learn about wetland ecosystems found in Alberta including ponds, sloughs, marshes, bogs and fens. Students are introduced to Indigenous worldviews including the interaction between living and non-living things in a wetland. This lesson plan includes a slides, videos, handouts and two assessments.
GRADE 5
SCIENCE
WETLAND ECOSYSTEMS
Storytelling is an important Indigenous pedagogy. This lesson plan provides links to
stories about the Indigenous peoples that inhabit Alberta. Teachers can choose from a
variety of storytelling resources depending on where they reside in the province. To
complete the assessment activity, students access Indigenous language dictionaries. The
lesson includes slides, an assessment activity, and links to a variety of resources.
Grade 4 social studies
Embracing Indigenous Stories through
Language
Lesson plan
slides
activity
Storytelling is an important Indigenous pedagogy. This lesson plan provides links to stories about the Indigenous peoples that inhabit Alberta. Teachers can choose from a variety of storytelling resources depending on where they reside in the province. To complete the assessment activity, students access Indigenous language dictionaries. The lesson includes slides, an assessment activity, and links to a variety of resources.
GRADE 4
SOCIAL STUDIES
EMBRACING INDIGENOUS STORIES THROUGH LANGUAGE
In this lesson, students examine differences between Western and Indigenous ways of knowing. Students consider two stories (The Keepers of Wild Words and Stolen Words) and identify a word that they don’t know. Next, students complete a graphic organizer to explore the meaning of the word. This lesson includes slides, videos, an assessment task, and a graphic organizer.
Grade 2 ELA and Literature
Wild Word Keepers
Lesson plan
slides
activity
Assessment
In this lesson, students examine differences between Western and Indigenous ways of knowing. Students consider two stories (The Keepers of Wild Words and Stolen Words) and identify a word that they don’t know. Next, students complete a graphic organizer to explore the meaning of the word. This lesson includes slides, videos, an assessment task, and a graphic organizer.
GRADE 2
ELA AND LITERATURE
WILD WORD KEEPERS
Listen to podcast #8
Nature's Classroom: Reimagining Education
with Indigenous Perspectives
Listen to podcast #8
Students consider the geography, climate, geology, and paleontology of Alberta to appreciate how land sustains life. Students engage in land based and/or classroom learning and the creation of a personalized land acknowledgments. This lesson plan comes with slides, links to videos, an assessment activity, and a rubric.
Grade 4 Social Studies/Art
nature mosaic
Lesson plan
slides
activity
example
Students consider the geography, climate, geology, and paleontology of Alberta to appreciate how land sustains life. Students engage in land based and/or classroom learning and the creation of a personalized land acknowledgments. This lesson plan comes with slides, links to videos, an assessment activity, and a rubric.
GRADE 4
SOCIAL STUDIES/ART
NATURE MOSAIC
Students explore their own connections with the land alongside Indigenous worldviews through storytelling. Through the creation of a visual and written response students represent the importance of the land. Students share their creation with the class. This lesson plan includes slides, links to videos, an assessment activity, and a rubric.
Grade 4 english language arts
Communicating Ideas About the Land
Lesson plan
slides
Students explore their own connections with the land alongside Indigenous worldviews through storytelling. Through the creation of a visual and written response students represent the importance of the land. Students share their creation with the class. This lesson plan includes slides, links to videos, an assessment activity, and a rubric.
GRADE 4
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
COMMUNICATING IDEAS
ABOUT THE LAND
rubric
Through these lessons, students will not only develop their understanding of patterning in
math but also gain insight into the cultural significance of patterns within the Métis
community. By exploring traditional Métis sashes and creating their own patterns, students
will engage in hands-on learning experiences, connecting math concepts to real-world
contexts.
Grade 1 Math
Exploring Patterning with Traditional Métis Sashes
Lesson plan
pattern
Through these lessons, students will not only develop their understanding of patterning in math but also gain insight into the cultural significance of patterns within the Métis community. By exploring traditional Métis sashes and creating their own patterns, students will engage in hands-on learning experiences, connecting math concepts to real-world contexts.
GRADE 1
Math
EXPLORING PATTERNING WITH TRADITIONAL MÉTIS SASHES
self-reflection
slides
In this holistic, integrated unit plan, students explore the role of traditional Métis plants in Alberta. Teachers have the flexibility to implement this plan either as a whole-class activity or across the entire school curriculum. The activities provided are diverse and adaptable, suitable for either a week-long immersion or sustained engagement throughout the academic year. Students will engage in activities such as crafting recipes, embarking on nature walks, journaling, engaging in artistic expressions and deepening their understanding of plants in Alberta. This plan includes slides, links to videos, handouts, activities, assessments and links to a variety of resources. It covers multiple subject areas and grades.
Grade k - 6
Traditional Métis Plants
rose hip jelly
nature walk
In this holistic, integrated unit plan, students explore the role of traditional Métis plants in Alberta. Teachers have the flexibility to implement this plan either as a whole-class activity or across the entire school curriculum. The activities provided are diverse and adaptable, suitable for either a week-long immersion or sustained engagement throughout the academic year. Students will engage in activities such as crafting recipes, embarking on nature walks, journaling, engaging in artistic expressions and deepening their understanding of plants in Alberta. This plan includes slides, links to videos, handouts, activities, assessments and links to a variety of resources. It covers multiple subject areas and grades.
GRADE k - 6
Traditional Métis Plants
fun facts
flashcards
my booklet
all about plants
traditional Métis Art
writing templates
exit ticket
choice board
In this bilingual lesson (English and French), students are introduced to the Indigenous artist,
Alex Janvier. While students explore the role of art in fostering reconciliation, they develop a
deeper appreciation for Indigenous art in Alberta. Students will infuse their own artistic
expressions with symbols drawn from their personal experiences, cultural heritage, and familial
connections. This lesson includes slides, video links, images and links to a variety of resources.
Grade 5 visual arts
The Art of Alex Janvier
Lesson plan
slides
In this bilingual lesson (English and French), students are introduced to the Indigenous artist,
Alex Janvier. While students explore the role of art in fostering reconciliation, they develop a
deeper appreciation for Indigenous art in Alberta. Students will infuse their own artistic
expressions with symbols drawn from their personal experiences, cultural heritage, and familial
connections. This lesson includes slides, video links, images and links to a variety of resources.
GRADE 5
visual arts
The Art of Alex Janvier
Lesson plan
slides
English:
French:
Series Introduction with Dr. Patricia Danyluk
episodes
Series Conclusion with
Dr. Patricia Danyluk
Series Introduction with
Dr. Patricia Danyluk
episode one
Series Introduction with
Dr. Patricia Danyluk
Exploring Indigenous Knowledge through the Lens of Broken Promises: An Educator's Experience
Braiding and Weaving Indigenous Knowledge - A Tool for Combatting Anti-Indigenous Racism
The Importance of Making Personal Connections with Indigenous Knowledge: A Music Teacher's Quest
Embracing Indigenous Pedagogy: Lessons from an Educator on a Central Alberta Reserve
Empowering Students Through Indigenous Knowledge Integration
Enseignante engagée pour l'intégration des savoirs autochtones en Alberta
Nature's Classroom: Reimagining Education with Indigenous Perspectives
Lessons on Integrating Indigenous Knowledge into Science Curriculum
podcasts
click to hear the alberta teachers who wrote these lesson plans sharing their journeys of integrating Indigenous knowledge into their classrooms.
click to listen
From Métis Plants to Classroom Plans - One Teacher's Journey
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we'VE RECEIVED YOUR INQUIRY,
AND WILL BE IN TOUCH WITHIN 48 HOURS.
