Aboriginal Beliefs, Values, and Aspirations in Contemporary Society

Activity 4: Social, Economic, and Political Implications of Colonial Beliefs
and Practices
Time: 540 minutes
Description
Students examine how behaviours and attitudes toward land, living things, and the environment alter and
adapt over time. Students investigate how certain residential school practices affected individual’s
beliefs, families, and community structures. Students explore the rationale and impact of recent apologies
by churches and the federal government’s Statement of Reconciliation in Gathering Strength: Canada’s
Aboriginal Action Plan.
Strand(s) & Learning Expectations
Strand(s): Identity, Relationships, Sovereignty, Challenges
Overall Expectations
IDV.01 - describe traditional and contemporary beliefs and values of Aboriginal cultures that influence
present-day activities and behaviours;
IDV.04 - describe the efforts of and actions of Aboriginal communities and individuals to maintain their
cultures and languages within traditional land bases, on reserves, and in urban settings;
CHV.01 - identify the obstacles that Aboriginal peoples must overcome to protect and maintain their
cultures and languages.
Specific Expectations
RE3.04 - identify efforts of Aboriginal peoples towards cultural revitalization (e.g., reinstituting
ceremonial practices, providing native language classes for adults);
SO2.03 - explain how Aboriginal communities have maintained their autonomy at the same time as crosscultural
interactions with Canadian society have changed the traditional roles, responsibilities, and
occupations of Aboriginal men and women (e.g., the evolution of jobs and responsibilities within
Aboriginal communities);
SO3.03 - describe specific healing practices that promote individual and community renewal (e.g., sweat
lodges in prison environments, traditional uses of tobacco);
CH1.03 - describe the challenges facing Aboriginal communities in sustaining their languages,
ceremonies, and beliefs;
CH1.04 - describe life experiences that may influence the formation of values, attitudes, and beliefs (e.g.,
as related in autobiographical writings by Maria Campbell, Drew Hayden Taylor, Ruby Slipperjack, and
Lee Maracle);
CH3.01 - demonstrate an understanding of the challenges various Aboriginal peoples face in preserving
their distinct cultures;
CH3.05 - identify physical and spiritual survival methods practised by Aboriginal peoples to maintain
their cultural distinctiveness (e.g., vision quests, dream interpretations, naming ceremonies).
Prior Knowledge & Skills
Students may have some awareness of Indian residential school experiences from the Grade 10 course,
Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. Teachers should be aware of issues and recommendations in Volume 4,
Perspectives and Realities, of the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Previewing of
appropriate videos on residential schools is necessary. Strong reading skills are an important part of this
activity.
Unit 2 - Page 10
• Aboriginal Beliefs, Values, and Aspirations in Contemporary Society - College Preparation