Aboriginal Beliefs, Values, and Aspirations in Contemporary Society

Resources
Print
Berry, T. The Dream of the Earth. San Francisco: Sierra Club, 1988.
Bruchac, J. and D. Landau, eds. Singing of the Earth: A Native American Anthology. Berkeley: The
Nature Company, 1993.
Cajete, G. Look to the Mountain: An Ecology of Indigenous Education. Durange: Kivaki Pres, 1994.
Gerber, P.R. Indians of the Northwest Coast. New York: Facts on File, 1987. (This text illustrates how
salmon and ceremony have provided inspiration for west coast artists.)
Knudtson, P. and D. Suzuki. Wisdom of the Elders. Toronto: Stoddart Publishing, 1992.
Miller, J.P. The Holistic Teacher. Toronto: OISE Press, 1993.
Reed, K. Aboriginal Peoples: Building for the Future. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1999.
Roberts, E. and E. Amidon. Earth prayers from around the world. San Francisco: Harper Collins, 1991.
Video
“The Salmon People,” 25 min. In Native Indian Folklore. NFB, 1987, 71 min. 113C 0186 144
Activity 3: Oral Traditions: Maintaining A Culture
Time: 180 minutes
Description
Students explore why many Aboriginal peoples cannot enjoy their stories in their own languages.
Students listen to and observe a storyteller or knowledgeable Aboriginal person who has survived
hardships and then compare stories that relate to their experiences and can be shared. Students record
their observations and compare their stories to those of others depicted in videos or autobiographical
accounts.
Strand(s) & Learning Expectations
Strand(s): Identity, Sovereignty, Challenges
Overall Expectations
IDV.04 - describe the efforts and actions of Aboriginal communities and individuals to maintain their
cultures and languages within traditional land bases, on reserves, and in urban settings;
SOV.01 - demonstrate an understanding of how traditional teachings and contemporary beliefs are the
foundation of Aboriginal self-determination;
CHV.01 - identify the obstacles that Aboriginal peoples must overcome to protect and maintain their
cultures and languages.
Specific Expectations
ID3.03 - explain ways in which artists, healers, elders, women, and politicians define and promote
Aboriginal peoples’ aspirations (e.g., in the briefs and submissions as recorded in the Final Report of the
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, 1996);
SO1.02 - describe ways in which practices based on traditional beliefs and values sustain autonomy and
promote self-determination within families (e.g., parenting practices, experiential learning, sharing
responsibilities);
SO2.02 - identify places, people, and events that are associated with success in maintaining the autonomy
of Aboriginal peoples (e.g., First Nation schools, maintenance of the Confederacy Council on the Six
Nations Reserve after its “overthrow” by the RCMP in 1924);
Unit 4 - Page 8
• Aboriginal Beliefs, Values, and Aspirations in Contemporary Society - College Preparation