Aboriginal Beliefs, Values, and Aspirations in Contemporary Society

The course is organized into five units of study that weave traditional, historical, and contemporary
beliefs and experiences into a structured examination of Aboriginal world views. The learning
expectations contained within the strands of identity, relationships, sovereignty, and challenges are
clustered for a clear approach to exploration of beliefs, thoughts, and practices. Prior knowledge for the
course is contained in The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 and 10, Native Studies (Grade 9 Expressing
Aboriginal Cultures and Grade 10 Aboriginal Peoples in Canada).
The Grades 9 and 10 Canadian and World Studies programs in geography and history introduce students
to regional, historical, and contemporary Aboriginal issues.
Each unit allows for an investigation of traditional, historical, and contemporary practices, which have
sustained Aboriginal peoples’ strong sense of identity, in spite of serious challenges from European
explorers, fur traders, missionaries, churches, settlers, industrial development, and government policies
that evolved over the past 500 years. The culminating units, Pride, Power and Accomplishments and
Renewal and Reconciliation, focus on achievement and current challenges that Aboriginal people are
celebrating and overcoming within contemporary Canadian society.
Units: Titles and Times
Unit 1 Aboriginal Identity: Perceptions and Realities 10 hours
* Unit 2 Aboriginal Beliefs and Value Systems: The Impact of Colonialism 25 hours
Unit 3 Leadership, Responsibilities, and Aboriginal Knowledge 25 hours
* Unit 4 Pride, Power, and Accomplishments 25 hours
Unit 5 Renewal and Reconciliation 25 hours
* These units are fully developed in this Course Profile.
Unit Overviews
Unit 1: Aboriginal Identity: Perceptions and Realities
Time: 10 hours
Unit Description
Students investigate the meaning and significance of ways Aboriginal peoples identify themselves.
Students also explore their own ancestry. The significance of such terms as First People, Founding
Nations, First Nations, “Indian,” Inuit, Métis, nations, communities, and clans are investigated by
students. This unit promotes cross-cultural awareness and examines important concepts, such as values,
beliefs, culture, spiritual values, and Aboriginal world views. Statistical data are introduced to show
where Aboriginal Peoples are located, and demographic data is examined. The diversity of cultures and
the challenges facing Aboriginal peoples to maintain their identities within Canada and a global economy
are explored. Students are encouraged to probe into their own family and community history in order to
recognize their origins and roots within the context of Aboriginal and Canadian society.
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