Aboriginal Beliefs, Values, and Aspirations in Contemporary Society

Renewal and Reconciliation
SO3.01 – identify how the beliefs and teachings of contemporary elders support political, social, and
economic growth (e.g., environmental protection to ensure survival of future generations) as a
framework for Aboriginal self-determination;
SO3.02 – identify values of Aboriginal peoples (e.g., respect, sharing, honesty, harmony) that enhance
identity and self-confidence and that promote self-determination;
SO3.03 – describe examples of initiatives and projects that reflect Aboriginal beliefs, values, and
aspirations, and also provide Aboriginal peoples with some personal autonomy (e.g., Voyage of
Odeyak, EAGLE Project, Aboriginal Bank of Canada, Native Child and Family Services agencies);
SO3.04 – describe the importance of customs, rituals, and ceremonies (e.g., the role of sweat lodges and
ceremonial dances, traditional hunting practices) in renewing and reaffirming Aboriginal cultures and
thereby promoting self-esteem;
SO3.05 – describe Aboriginal beliefs and values (e.g., relationship to the land) that may affect future
directions of treaties and agreements.
Challenges
Overall Expectations
CHV.01 · identify the obstacles that Aboriginal peoples must overcome to protect and maintain their
cultures and languages;
CHV.02 · describe how the values and beliefs of Aboriginal cultures are affected by the media and
information technology;
CHV.03 · describe how Aboriginal peoples are attempting to rectify the stereotypical images of
themselves that are portrayed in print and other media and how they use the media to their advantage;
CHV.04 · demonstrate an understanding of the challenges facing Aboriginal youth;
CHV.05 · describe competing values between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal societies on issues of
ecological sustainability.
Specific Expectations
Aboriginal World View
CH1.01 – demonstrate an understanding of how the cultural heritage of Aboriginal peoples is being
challenged (e.g., continued use of the assimilative policies of the past, the failure of public
institutions to reflect to Aboriginal peoples positive images of themselves and their cultures);
CH1.02 – identify how Aboriginal peoples promote their beliefs and values through technology (e.g.,
CD-ROMs, websites, Kids from Kanata Project, Aboriginal television and radio stations);
CH1.03 – demonstrate an understanding of how Aboriginal peoples use the media to inform Canadian
society about challenges facing their communities;
CH1.04 – describe how cross-cultural experiences can have an impact on the maintenance of Aboriginal
values, attitudes, and beliefs.
Aboriginal and Canadian Relations
CH2.01 – describe the challenges of accommodating both Aboriginal and business corporation values
concerning ecological sustainability in such areas as logging, mining, and the production of hydroelectric
power);
CH2.02 – identify the challenges presented by Canadian perceptions of Aboriginal beliefs and values as
portrayed through various media;
CH2.03 – demonstrate an understanding of some of the challenges to Aboriginal self- government in the
twenty-first century.
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