Topic 1 - Creation stories AND PROTOCOL
In this topic:
Required readings:
Four Worlds: The Dine Story of Creation
The Earth on Turtle's Back
Mi'kmaq Creation Story
Watch:
1. ORIGINS OF SQ’ÉWLETS SKYBORN AND STURGEON PEOPLE SXWŌXWIYÁM
2. The Origins of Culture: An Exploration of the Ktunaxa Creation Stories
Assignments:
1. Watch the videos and read all 3 stories in required readings and complete the Venn diagram. Make notes for 3 of the stories (you choose which 3 in the Venn diagram. When you notice a similarity between the stories write the similarity in the appropriate overlapping circle. Hand this in.
2. Read CHAPTER 2.6 (page 50-57) from Learning Little Hawk's Way of Storytelling (click HERE)
3. Watch THIS VIDEO on the importance of storytelling, THIS VIDEO on Storytelling: Understanding who we are and THIS VIDEO on "Do you need permission to tell a story?"
4. Land acknowledgement is important. We need to understand whose land we are on and acknowledge that in a way that doesn't just 'tick a box' but creates conversation. It is a call to action and an invitation to understand the deep connection to land and land-based cultural practices. A sketch comedy group made THIS VIDEO on how land acknowledgments are used incorrectly. And THIS VIDEO as well as THIS VIDEO does a wonderful job explaining how to acknowledge land as sacred and acknowledge our responsibility to the original peoples of this land. Watch the videos, learn what land you are on and create a land acknowledgment based on this knowledge. Record yourself reading your land acknowledgment, hand it in.
5. Choose a short story and memorize it. Record yourself telling the story and email the video to me.
** REMEMBER THE PROTOCOL FOR STORYTELLING, THE PROCESS OF LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, AND THE STEPS YOU NEED TO TAKE TO SAY WHO GAVE YOU THE STORY.
- Importance of storytelling as a way to teach and learn
- Understanding the past as a way forward
Required readings:
Four Worlds: The Dine Story of Creation
The Earth on Turtle's Back
Mi'kmaq Creation Story
Watch:
1. ORIGINS OF SQ’ÉWLETS SKYBORN AND STURGEON PEOPLE SXWŌXWIYÁM
2. The Origins of Culture: An Exploration of the Ktunaxa Creation Stories
Assignments:
1. Watch the videos and read all 3 stories in required readings and complete the Venn diagram. Make notes for 3 of the stories (you choose which 3 in the Venn diagram. When you notice a similarity between the stories write the similarity in the appropriate overlapping circle. Hand this in.
2. Read CHAPTER 2.6 (page 50-57) from Learning Little Hawk's Way of Storytelling (click HERE)
3. Watch THIS VIDEO on the importance of storytelling, THIS VIDEO on Storytelling: Understanding who we are and THIS VIDEO on "Do you need permission to tell a story?"
4. Land acknowledgement is important. We need to understand whose land we are on and acknowledge that in a way that doesn't just 'tick a box' but creates conversation. It is a call to action and an invitation to understand the deep connection to land and land-based cultural practices. A sketch comedy group made THIS VIDEO on how land acknowledgments are used incorrectly. And THIS VIDEO as well as THIS VIDEO does a wonderful job explaining how to acknowledge land as sacred and acknowledge our responsibility to the original peoples of this land. Watch the videos, learn what land you are on and create a land acknowledgment based on this knowledge. Record yourself reading your land acknowledgment, hand it in.
5. Choose a short story and memorize it. Record yourself telling the story and email the video to me.
** REMEMBER THE PROTOCOL FOR STORYTELLING, THE PROCESS OF LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, AND THE STEPS YOU NEED TO TAKE TO SAY WHO GAVE YOU THE STORY.
Topic 2 - Urban Legends
TOPIC TWO: URBAN LEGENDS
In this topic:
Required readings:
1. Watch THIS TedX VIDEO on the Myth of Aboriginal Stories being myths by Jacinta Koolmatrie
2. Listen to THIS PODCAST from The Secret Life of Canada podcast on the CBC called S3: Sasquatch in the Gift Shop (you may have to search it on the website a little)
3. Go through THIS POWERPOINT presentation on how to properly create an MLA style powerpoint. You will need to know this and reference it for the Assignment 4 research project
Assignments:
1. Write a paragraph on the biggest takeaway from Jacinta's TedTalk. What did you learn? What stood out to you? Hand this paragraph in.
2. Write a paragraph on the biggest takeaway from the CBC podcast. What did you learn? What stood out to you? Hand this paragraph in too.
3. The settler definition of an urban legend can be found HERE or HERE. Think about the difference between Indigenous storytelling and how we now define urban legends. Which one resonates with you?
4. Urban Legends research project HERE
In this topic:
- How to be a smart consumer of information on the Internet
- How to do research and how to cite sources
- How to create, edit and proofread presentations
Required readings:
1. Watch THIS TedX VIDEO on the Myth of Aboriginal Stories being myths by Jacinta Koolmatrie
2. Listen to THIS PODCAST from The Secret Life of Canada podcast on the CBC called S3: Sasquatch in the Gift Shop (you may have to search it on the website a little)
3. Go through THIS POWERPOINT presentation on how to properly create an MLA style powerpoint. You will need to know this and reference it for the Assignment 4 research project
Assignments:
1. Write a paragraph on the biggest takeaway from Jacinta's TedTalk. What did you learn? What stood out to you? Hand this paragraph in.
2. Write a paragraph on the biggest takeaway from the CBC podcast. What did you learn? What stood out to you? Hand this paragraph in too.
3. The settler definition of an urban legend can be found HERE or HERE. Think about the difference between Indigenous storytelling and how we now define urban legends. Which one resonates with you?
4. Urban Legends research project HERE
Topic 3 - The SEven Sacred TEachings
TOPIC THREE: THE SEVEN SACRED TEACHINGS
In this topic:
1. Seven Sacred Teachings book
2. Chapter 8 of The Mishomis Book read out loud
3. Dreamcatcher and the Seven Deceivers video
Assignments:
1. The first thing we need to think about in this unit is the words that we use to identify ourselves and others. Read THIS TERMINOLOGY package and answer the 3 questions on the last page. Send me your answers.
2. Listen to Chapter 8 The Seven Grandfathers and the Little Boy story and complete THIS WORKSHEET and THIS WORKSHEET. Hand these in. Then watch THIS VIDEO which overviews the 7 sacred teachings from the Ojibway Nation.
3. Respect - Read THIS legend of the eagle war feathers and answer THESE QUESTIONS in full sentences. Note this is a teaching from the Cheyenne nation in the USA. Watch THIS VIDEO on the Sacred Eagle Feather and the Manitoba Justice System. Then print THIS FEATHER and write about the name of people, places or things that you respect (these could be living or non-living things). Note, in a lot of Canadian Indigenous teachings the Buffalo is the animal that teaches us respect. Watch THIS VIDEO about the Buffalo teachings. No animal was more important to the existence of Indigenous families than the buffalo. A single buffalo could provide food, shelter, clothing and utensils for daily living. First Nations people were true conservationists for they lived in a sustainable relationship with the buffalo and they believed themselves to be true caretakers
of the great herds. Through this special relationship the true spirit of Respect was understood. The buffalo, through giving its life and sharing every part of its being, showed the deep respect it had for the people. This sustainable and mutual relationship with the buffalo resulted in a relationship that was a true expression of respect. This spirit of respect was shown toward all of life because Indigenous people saw the interconnectedness to all life. They saw very clearly their dependence on the land. Therefore, the land and its resources were to be given absolute respect. When this respect was abused, the buffalo were hunted for fun; therefore, we see no great buffalo herds in the wild any longer. Write a paragraph about why the Buffalo is a symbol of respect? What is the teaching?
4. Wisdom -The building of a community is entirely dependent on gifts given to each member of the community by the Great Spirit. These gifts must be utilized for the betterment of the community. The beaver represents that building. The beaver’s example of using his special gifts he has received, his sharp teeth for cutting trees and branches which he uses to build dams and lodges expresses this teaching. If the beaver did not use his gift to build, his teeth would grow and grow ultimately making it impossible for him to sustain himself and ultimately will lead to his demise. The beaver knows his gifts and uses them to the best of his abilities.
Read THIS children's story called "Macous Knows: The Sacred Eagle Feather" by Charlene Bearhead, Wilson Bearhead and Chloe Bluebird Mustooch. Record yourself retelling the story and its meaning OR write a paragraph about its meaning and connection to the teaching of respect. Send me your recording or paragraph.
5. Love -The Eagle is the animal spirit that was chosen to represent this teaching of love because it is the one who could reach the highest in bringing vision to the seeker. The Eagle is the most revered animal spirit in all of First Nations’ societies as it is the one that flies the highest and closest to the Creator. It is the one that can see the farthest and it is the animal that carries the prayers of the people to the spirits. The Eagle is also an animal guide as its feathers are utlized in most if not all spiritual practices and ceremonies. The Eagle is truly respected and loved to the utmost degree and loved unconditionally. Love is considered the greatest and most powerful medicine and healing agent. Love all people and all creatures of the world and this love will be returned to you.
Read THIS CHEROKEE STORY, called the Strawberry Legend. Answer THESE QUESTIONS in full sentences and send me your answers. Do THIS WORKSHEET to visually represent the strawberry teaching of love.
6. Bravery/Courage -The Bear provides many lessons in the way it lives, yet courage is the most important teaching it offers. Though gentle by nature, the ferociousness of a mother Bear when one of her cubs is approached is the true definition of courage. The Bear represents living of the heart – living your spirit. The Bear is very close to the land and it has brought many medicines to the people. Teachers, protectors, healers are all examples of living the Bear totem. When we have a hard me in our life, whether it be something we are going through or a decision that we have to make in our lives and we are afraid, we call on the spirit of the Bear to help us have the courage and strength to do the right thing in our lives. To have the mental and moral strength to overcome fears that prevent us from living our true spirit as human beings is a great challenge that must be met with the same vigour and intensity as a mother Bear protecting her cub. Living of the heart and living of the spirit is difficult, but the Bear’s example shows us how to face any danger with courage to achieve these goals
Before you listen to the story write down how you would define courage or bravery. Think about what this word means and how people and animals show their courage/bravery. Now listen to THIS STORY. Has your definition of bravery/courage changed?
7. Humility - Humility is represented by the wolf. In the natural world, the wolf expresses this humbleness very clearly. The wolf lives within a pack of other wolves. The pack operates as a team. Each animal has a role within this pack to play. Several animals may be the hunters, some may be the protectors, some may be the nurturers and others may be the pups that follow, learn and grow. Each animal is not more important than the others as each animal must perform the role that it has for the survival and betterment of the pack. Each animal within the pack is very important thus none is better than the other.When the wolf comes up to another larger creature, this animal will bow its head not out of fear, but out of humbleness. He humbles himself in your presence. A wolf that has hunted food will take this food back to the den to eat with the pack before he takes the first bite of food. The act of sharing from one animal to another is shown clearly with this example. The animal must share for the survival of the pack.
tobacco teachings
8. Honesty -The Sabe (or Sasquatch) which represents this law and teaching symbolically reflects the understanding of honesty. The elders say that when you are honest and have nothing to hide or be ashamed of, your spirit is the size of the Sabe. When you lie or do something bad and hide it from the people, it affects your spirit, not allowing it to grow strong. It does not feel good when you know you have done wrong and hidden it. When one does this, it eats away at your spirit [conscience], suppressing it and not allowing it to grow strong. So in order to have a strong spirit we must be honest to ourselves and to others. To be truly honest was to keep the promises one made to the Creator, to others and to oneself. Some tribes utilize the Raven as a symbol of honesty. Why do you think. Remember the podcast from Topic 2.....listen to it HERE again if you need to. Watch THIS VIDEO called Dreamcatcher and the Seven Deceivers.
9. Truth - Before you do any of the readings for this section write down what you believe to be the difference between honesty and truth. It is said that in the beginning, when the Creator made man and gave him the Seven Sacred Teachings, the Grandmother Turtle was present to ensure that the laws would never be lost or forgotten. The turtle also teaches us patience. As the turtle is one of the slowest moving creatures of Earth, it is her that seems to make it to her destination no matter the length of time that it may take her.Grandmother turtle carries all teachings with her because if you count the markings on her back you will find 13 inner markings and 28 outer markings. This represents an old calendar of the days where we followed the moon as our guide. During this me we had 13 months and with 28 days each. This represented the truth of one cycle of the earth’s rotaon around the sun [13 months] and the length of one month [28 days] with the cycle of the moon. Plus, it helped represent the cycle of a woman’s body as well. The turtle reminds us the cycles of the moon, the sun, the body and all of creation. Grandmother turtle also carries her home on her back. She teaches us that all of life is sacred. The shell of the turtle represents the body of real events as created by the Higher Power and serves as a reminder of the Creator’s will and teachings. These signs are a confirmation of the Truth which the turtle reflects. Truth is the first step towards reconciliation. In order to move forward we must be honest about our past.
Watch THIS MOVIE called "Picking Up the Pieces: The Making of the Witness Blanket" by Carey Newman.
TRIGGER WARNING: AT 43 MINUTES THERE IS A GRAPHIC STORY ABOUT SUICIDE.
Watch THIS VIDEO of Minister Alan Lagimodiere being confronted by Wab Kinew. Wab is the leader of the opposition party (NDP) in Manitoba and an honorary witness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Answer this question in a paragraph: What responsibilities do witnesses have?
In this topic:
- Character qualities
- How values create motivation and guide our actions
1. Seven Sacred Teachings book
2. Chapter 8 of The Mishomis Book read out loud
3. Dreamcatcher and the Seven Deceivers video
Assignments:
1. The first thing we need to think about in this unit is the words that we use to identify ourselves and others. Read THIS TERMINOLOGY package and answer the 3 questions on the last page. Send me your answers.
2. Listen to Chapter 8 The Seven Grandfathers and the Little Boy story and complete THIS WORKSHEET and THIS WORKSHEET. Hand these in. Then watch THIS VIDEO which overviews the 7 sacred teachings from the Ojibway Nation.
3. Respect - Read THIS legend of the eagle war feathers and answer THESE QUESTIONS in full sentences. Note this is a teaching from the Cheyenne nation in the USA. Watch THIS VIDEO on the Sacred Eagle Feather and the Manitoba Justice System. Then print THIS FEATHER and write about the name of people, places or things that you respect (these could be living or non-living things). Note, in a lot of Canadian Indigenous teachings the Buffalo is the animal that teaches us respect. Watch THIS VIDEO about the Buffalo teachings. No animal was more important to the existence of Indigenous families than the buffalo. A single buffalo could provide food, shelter, clothing and utensils for daily living. First Nations people were true conservationists for they lived in a sustainable relationship with the buffalo and they believed themselves to be true caretakers
of the great herds. Through this special relationship the true spirit of Respect was understood. The buffalo, through giving its life and sharing every part of its being, showed the deep respect it had for the people. This sustainable and mutual relationship with the buffalo resulted in a relationship that was a true expression of respect. This spirit of respect was shown toward all of life because Indigenous people saw the interconnectedness to all life. They saw very clearly their dependence on the land. Therefore, the land and its resources were to be given absolute respect. When this respect was abused, the buffalo were hunted for fun; therefore, we see no great buffalo herds in the wild any longer. Write a paragraph about why the Buffalo is a symbol of respect? What is the teaching?
4. Wisdom -The building of a community is entirely dependent on gifts given to each member of the community by the Great Spirit. These gifts must be utilized for the betterment of the community. The beaver represents that building. The beaver’s example of using his special gifts he has received, his sharp teeth for cutting trees and branches which he uses to build dams and lodges expresses this teaching. If the beaver did not use his gift to build, his teeth would grow and grow ultimately making it impossible for him to sustain himself and ultimately will lead to his demise. The beaver knows his gifts and uses them to the best of his abilities.
Read THIS children's story called "Macous Knows: The Sacred Eagle Feather" by Charlene Bearhead, Wilson Bearhead and Chloe Bluebird Mustooch. Record yourself retelling the story and its meaning OR write a paragraph about its meaning and connection to the teaching of respect. Send me your recording or paragraph.
5. Love -The Eagle is the animal spirit that was chosen to represent this teaching of love because it is the one who could reach the highest in bringing vision to the seeker. The Eagle is the most revered animal spirit in all of First Nations’ societies as it is the one that flies the highest and closest to the Creator. It is the one that can see the farthest and it is the animal that carries the prayers of the people to the spirits. The Eagle is also an animal guide as its feathers are utlized in most if not all spiritual practices and ceremonies. The Eagle is truly respected and loved to the utmost degree and loved unconditionally. Love is considered the greatest and most powerful medicine and healing agent. Love all people and all creatures of the world and this love will be returned to you.
Read THIS CHEROKEE STORY, called the Strawberry Legend. Answer THESE QUESTIONS in full sentences and send me your answers. Do THIS WORKSHEET to visually represent the strawberry teaching of love.
6. Bravery/Courage -The Bear provides many lessons in the way it lives, yet courage is the most important teaching it offers. Though gentle by nature, the ferociousness of a mother Bear when one of her cubs is approached is the true definition of courage. The Bear represents living of the heart – living your spirit. The Bear is very close to the land and it has brought many medicines to the people. Teachers, protectors, healers are all examples of living the Bear totem. When we have a hard me in our life, whether it be something we are going through or a decision that we have to make in our lives and we are afraid, we call on the spirit of the Bear to help us have the courage and strength to do the right thing in our lives. To have the mental and moral strength to overcome fears that prevent us from living our true spirit as human beings is a great challenge that must be met with the same vigour and intensity as a mother Bear protecting her cub. Living of the heart and living of the spirit is difficult, but the Bear’s example shows us how to face any danger with courage to achieve these goals
Before you listen to the story write down how you would define courage or bravery. Think about what this word means and how people and animals show their courage/bravery. Now listen to THIS STORY. Has your definition of bravery/courage changed?
7. Humility - Humility is represented by the wolf. In the natural world, the wolf expresses this humbleness very clearly. The wolf lives within a pack of other wolves. The pack operates as a team. Each animal has a role within this pack to play. Several animals may be the hunters, some may be the protectors, some may be the nurturers and others may be the pups that follow, learn and grow. Each animal is not more important than the others as each animal must perform the role that it has for the survival and betterment of the pack. Each animal within the pack is very important thus none is better than the other.When the wolf comes up to another larger creature, this animal will bow its head not out of fear, but out of humbleness. He humbles himself in your presence. A wolf that has hunted food will take this food back to the den to eat with the pack before he takes the first bite of food. The act of sharing from one animal to another is shown clearly with this example. The animal must share for the survival of the pack.
tobacco teachings
8. Honesty -The Sabe (or Sasquatch) which represents this law and teaching symbolically reflects the understanding of honesty. The elders say that when you are honest and have nothing to hide or be ashamed of, your spirit is the size of the Sabe. When you lie or do something bad and hide it from the people, it affects your spirit, not allowing it to grow strong. It does not feel good when you know you have done wrong and hidden it. When one does this, it eats away at your spirit [conscience], suppressing it and not allowing it to grow strong. So in order to have a strong spirit we must be honest to ourselves and to others. To be truly honest was to keep the promises one made to the Creator, to others and to oneself. Some tribes utilize the Raven as a symbol of honesty. Why do you think. Remember the podcast from Topic 2.....listen to it HERE again if you need to. Watch THIS VIDEO called Dreamcatcher and the Seven Deceivers.
9. Truth - Before you do any of the readings for this section write down what you believe to be the difference between honesty and truth. It is said that in the beginning, when the Creator made man and gave him the Seven Sacred Teachings, the Grandmother Turtle was present to ensure that the laws would never be lost or forgotten. The turtle also teaches us patience. As the turtle is one of the slowest moving creatures of Earth, it is her that seems to make it to her destination no matter the length of time that it may take her.Grandmother turtle carries all teachings with her because if you count the markings on her back you will find 13 inner markings and 28 outer markings. This represents an old calendar of the days where we followed the moon as our guide. During this me we had 13 months and with 28 days each. This represented the truth of one cycle of the earth’s rotaon around the sun [13 months] and the length of one month [28 days] with the cycle of the moon. Plus, it helped represent the cycle of a woman’s body as well. The turtle reminds us the cycles of the moon, the sun, the body and all of creation. Grandmother turtle also carries her home on her back. She teaches us that all of life is sacred. The shell of the turtle represents the body of real events as created by the Higher Power and serves as a reminder of the Creator’s will and teachings. These signs are a confirmation of the Truth which the turtle reflects. Truth is the first step towards reconciliation. In order to move forward we must be honest about our past.
Watch THIS MOVIE called "Picking Up the Pieces: The Making of the Witness Blanket" by Carey Newman.
TRIGGER WARNING: AT 43 MINUTES THERE IS A GRAPHIC STORY ABOUT SUICIDE.
Watch THIS VIDEO of Minister Alan Lagimodiere being confronted by Wab Kinew. Wab is the leader of the opposition party (NDP) in Manitoba and an honorary witness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Answer this question in a paragraph: What responsibilities do witnesses have?
Topic 4 - Metis Beadwork, stories through art
TOPIC FOUR: MÉTIS BEADWORK, STORIES THROUGH ART
In this topic:
- The exploration of text and story deepens our understanding of diverse, complex ideas about identity, others, and the world.
- Stories are a narrative text that shares ideas about human nature, motivation, behaviour, and experience; stories can record history, reflect a personal journey, or explore identity; stories can be oral, written, or visual, and used to instruct, inspire, and/or entertain listeners and readers
Required readings:
1. Indigenous People's Atlas of Canada: Métis
Assignments:
1. Watch THIS VIDEO on the history of the Métis People made by Métis Elders, Indigenous Support workers, students, teachers, administrators, Spruce City Wildlife Association, and parents of School District 57.
*Note: the ice bridge theory of Indigenous peoples is being re-examined*
2. The Métis People have a vibrant culture of decorative artwork including beadwork and embroidery. They have even been referred to as the "Flower Beadwork People". Watch THIS VIDEO on the Flower Beadwork People as an introduction to this artwork. Read THIS SECTION of the online Indigenous People's Atlas as well as THIS SHEET about the Métis Sash to get some background knowledge about the story behind this artwork. Read THIS WEBPAGE about the origin and history of Métis art from the Louis Riel Institute and THIS VIDEO from the Gabriel Dumont Institute on the importance of traditional Métis beadwork.
3. Some of the motifs that are beaded and embroidered have special meaning/interest. Two of these are the Heart Berry (strawberry) and the Métis Rose. Read through THIS WEBPAGE on the origins and meanings of some beadwork motifs and THIS INTERVIEW in which artist Katherine Boyer describes the symbolism behind her artwork.
4.Check out Lisa Sheppard's amazing contemporary work HERE.
5. Choose one of THESE MOTIFS by Dylan AT Miner to bead. Come and see me for a beading lesson and the supplies you will need to bead one of these designs.
In this topic:
- The exploration of text and story deepens our understanding of diverse, complex ideas about identity, others, and the world.
- Stories are a narrative text that shares ideas about human nature, motivation, behaviour, and experience; stories can record history, reflect a personal journey, or explore identity; stories can be oral, written, or visual, and used to instruct, inspire, and/or entertain listeners and readers
Required readings:
1. Indigenous People's Atlas of Canada: Métis
Assignments:
1. Watch THIS VIDEO on the history of the Métis People made by Métis Elders, Indigenous Support workers, students, teachers, administrators, Spruce City Wildlife Association, and parents of School District 57.
*Note: the ice bridge theory of Indigenous peoples is being re-examined*
2. The Métis People have a vibrant culture of decorative artwork including beadwork and embroidery. They have even been referred to as the "Flower Beadwork People". Watch THIS VIDEO on the Flower Beadwork People as an introduction to this artwork. Read THIS SECTION of the online Indigenous People's Atlas as well as THIS SHEET about the Métis Sash to get some background knowledge about the story behind this artwork. Read THIS WEBPAGE about the origin and history of Métis art from the Louis Riel Institute and THIS VIDEO from the Gabriel Dumont Institute on the importance of traditional Métis beadwork.
3. Some of the motifs that are beaded and embroidered have special meaning/interest. Two of these are the Heart Berry (strawberry) and the Métis Rose. Read through THIS WEBPAGE on the origins and meanings of some beadwork motifs and THIS INTERVIEW in which artist Katherine Boyer describes the symbolism behind her artwork.
4.Check out Lisa Sheppard's amazing contemporary work HERE.
5. Choose one of THESE MOTIFS by Dylan AT Miner to bead. Come and see me for a beading lesson and the supplies you will need to bead one of these designs.