First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 10 · Contemporary Issues and Reconciliation · 4.º Período

Contemporary Social and Economic Issues

Investigate current challenges such as housing, clean water access, and the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

TL;DR:This topic investigates contemporary social and economic issues facing Indigenous communities, such as housing shortages, lack of clean drinking water, and the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Students examine how these issues are not isolated problems but the result of systemic racism and the long-term impacts of colonial policies. The Ontario curriculum encourages students to look at the root causes and the ways communities are working to find solutions.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• D2.2 Analyze contemporary social issues affecting Indigenous communities
• D3.1 Assess the impact of systemic racism on Indigenous populations

About This Topic

This topic investigates contemporary social and economic issues facing Indigenous communities, such as housing shortages, lack of clean drinking water, and the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Students examine how these issues are not isolated problems but the result of systemic racism and the long-term impacts of colonial policies. The Ontario curriculum encourages students to look at the root causes and the ways communities are working to find solutions.

By analyzing these current challenges, students develop a deeper understanding of the work still needed for true reconciliation. This unit requires sensitivity and a focus on both the gravity of the issues and the strength of the people addressing them. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, where they can connect historical policies (like the Indian Act) to modern-day outcomes.

Key Questions

1. Why do many Indigenous communities lack access to clean drinking water?
2. What are the root causes of the MMIWG crisis?
3. How are communities working to overcome economic disparities?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Indigenous people get 'everything for free' from the government.

What to Teach Instead

Indigenous communities often face significant underfunding in essential services like education and child welfare compared to non-Indigenous communities. Collaborative investigations into federal funding gaps help students see the reality of the 'fiscal gap'.

Common Misconception

The MMIWG crisis is just a 'criminal' issue.

What to Teach Instead

The National Inquiry found that the crisis is the result of systemic human rights violations and a legacy of colonization. Using gallery walks of the Inquiry's findings helps students see the social and political roots of the violence.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle

The Water Crisis

Small groups research why specific First Nations have been under long-term boil water advisories. They investigate the roles of federal funding, infrastructure challenges, and environmental factors, then propose a 'Path to a Solution' poster.

50 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk

MMIWG Awareness

Students view a series of infographics and art pieces (like the REDress Project) related to the MMIWG crisis. They use a guided reflection sheet to identify the systemic factors, such as poverty and policing, that contribute to the high rates of violence.

40 min·Individual

Think-Pair-Share

Economic Disparities

Students examine data comparing economic outcomes on and off-reserve. They pair up to discuss how factors like the 'permit system' in the Indian Act historically hindered economic growth and how that legacy continues today.

25 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Jordan's Principle'?

Jordan's Principle is a child-first principle named after Jordan River Anderson. It ensures that First Nations children can access all public services (like healthcare and education) when they need them, without delays caused by disputes between federal and provincial governments over who should pay.

Why is there a housing crisis in many northern Indigenous communities?

High costs of shipping materials, a short building season, and a lack of federal investment have led to severe overcrowding and mold issues. This crisis is linked to poorer health outcomes and makes it difficult for communities to retain professionals like teachers and nurses.

How can active learning help students understand contemporary issues?

Active learning moves students from being passive consumers of 'bad news' to active investigators of systemic problems. By researching the 'why' behind a water advisory or the 'how' of Jordan's Principle, students see the policy failures and the advocacy work of Indigenous leaders. This approach fosters empathy and a more sophisticated understanding of how systems of power affect daily life.

What are 'Calls for Justice'?

The 'Calls for Justice' are the 231 specific recommendations from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. They are directed at governments, institutions, and all Canadians to end the systemic violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.