First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 10

Active learning ideas

Self-Determination and Governance

This topic examines the concepts of Indigenous self-determination and the transition toward self-governance models. Students explore how Indigenous nations are working to move beyond the Indian Act and regain control over their own affairs, including education, health care, and land management. The Ontario curriculum focuses on different models of self-government, such as the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and the Westbank First Nation Self-Government Act.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• D1.2 Describe models of Indigenous self-governance
• D2.1 Evaluate the importance of self-determination for community well-being

• 20–50 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Stations Rotation
• 50 min · Small Groups

Stations Rotation: Models of Governance

Stations feature different examples of self-governance (e.g., a public government like Nunavut, a sectoral agreement like the Mi'kmaq Education Agreement). Students rotate to identify who has authority over what services and how the model differs from the Indian Act.

What does self-determination mean for Indigenous communities?

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The Meaning of Sovereignty

Students reflect on what it means for a community to 'govern itself.' They pair up to discuss why control over education or child welfare is often a top priority for nations seeking self-determination, then share their thoughts with the class.

How do modern self-government agreements work?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 03

• Inquiry Circle
• 45 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Success Stories

In small groups, students research a specific community that has achieved a self-government agreement. They create a 'Success Profile' highlighting the improvements in community health, economy, or culture that have resulted from taking back control.

What challenges exist in transitioning away from the Indian Act?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Self-government means Indigenous nations will become completely separate countries.

  Most self-government agreements operate within the framework of the Canadian Constitution, creating a 'third order' of government alongside federal and provincial/territorial levels. Station rotations help students see how these governments interact with Canada.

• Indigenous communities aren't 'ready' to govern themselves.

  Indigenous nations governed themselves successfully for thousands of years before the Indian Act. Collaborative investigations into modern successes help students see that the 'challenges' are often the result of colonial interference, not a lack of capability.

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Methods used in this brief

• Stations Rotation
• Think-Pair-Share
• Inquiry Circle