1. Weaving Aboriginal Content into the Classroom
Created by
Corissa Campbell
Katie Winterbottom
Lauren Geneau
MaryDawn MacWatt

3. Introductions Corissa Campbell Katie Winterbottom Lauren Geneau
MaryDawn MacWatt

4. Welcome
Aboriginal culture and content is an important part of North America’s history and future, it is vitally important that we as teachers respectfully share our knowledge to students. We must weave Aboriginal content into our everyday practice, but we must do so respectfully by following diverse local protocols. Our wish for our colleagues is that you will leave this presentation with the resources and confidence you need to weave Aboriginal content into your classroom.

5. First Steps
and Protocols

6. Community
You have to recognize that protocols are different from community to community, therefore it is important to talk to local community elders or the Aboriginal support workers.
Make it a priority to connect with the local Aboriginal community: volunteer at local events, research the area, attend public gatherings, participate in cultural class with students, be genuine, don’t make assumptions.

7. Build Relationships
Introduce yourself to Aboriginal Educational staff at your school, Aboriginal Education coordinator, Aboriginal support worker, cultural teacher, language teacher. Collaborate and create lessons and units together. Be invitational.   
As with all your students, build relationships with the students families. Invite family members, such as weavers, carvers, storytellers, drummers and dancers into your classroom.
Make local connections. Become informed about local traditions, languages, and events students maybe involved in. Your efforts will be acknowledged.

8. Be Mindful
“Recognize and embrace the important role that you as educator can play in addressing the need for reconciliation and overcoming the legacy of colonialist/assimilationist schooling.”                    
“Expect criticism from time to time. Having your own network of knowledgeable and supportive community and professional contacts will give you somewhere to turn for advice.”

9. Additional Support
Look to the school/district Aboriginal support worker/s for additional support and resources.  
Invite an Elder/guest to share their knowledge and connections to the surrounding environment. (This invitation should be done in person and with the utmost respect if you would like the Elder to consider the invitation)

10. Additional Support
If an Elder or guest agrees to join you be sure to speak to the Aboriginal Support worker at your school to see if there are protocols in place for Elder/guest. (Honorarium, lunch, gift)
Prepare students prior to the visit. (Remind students to be respectful, to listen quietly without interrupting…)
Show appreciation for Elder/guest with a thoughtful gift and gratitude.

11. Fully Embrace Display local art in the classroom.
Participate in cultural teachings. (Language lessons, drum and dance, beading, weaving, carving, cooking, story telling, field trips)
Honor the local language.
Incorporate words and phrases into your classroom routines.
Display words and phrases in classroom.
Participate in language lessons.
Learn songs.

12. Language Lessons

13. Basic Phrases in Nuu-chah-nulth
Show the territory where the language is spoken.
Learn about the people who speak the language.
Invite someone who speaks the language if possible.
Learn how to pronounce the words you will be using.
Use the Nuu-chah-nulth website to listen to the proper pronunciation of the words.
Play games to learn the language and have fun!
Acknowledge anyone who helped you with the lesson.

15. Learning numbers 1-5 in Uummarmiutun
Show the territory where the language is spoken
Learn about the people who speak the language
Invite someone who speaks the language if possible
Learn how to pronounce the words you will be using
Use a language app for proper pronunciation
Play games and have fun while learning
Acknowledge anyone who helped you with this lesson

16. Inuvialuktun One App

17. Inuvialuktun One App

18. Inuvialuktun One App

19. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByO_GZNgYa PsRHFwOHU1dHB6MWM
Lessons to Share
PsRHFwOHU1dHB6MWM
Contact Information

20. Thank you
Join us in this exciting new time in education. Let us celebrate and honour the knowledge of the Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. Please feel free to contact us for more information about our presentation and the lessons we shared today.