First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 11

Active learning ideas

Contemporary Indigenous Leadership and Innovation

This final topic highlights the contributions of contemporary Indigenous leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are shaping the future of Canada. Students will explore how Indigenous youth are driving change in fields like technology, fashion, and social justice, often by blending traditional values with modern innovation. The curriculum emphasizes the role of Indigenous leadership in creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• J1.1 Describe the contributions of contemporary Indigenous leaders
• J2.1 Analyze the role of Indigenous youth in community innovation

• 25–60 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Simulation Game
• 60 min · Small Groups

Simulation Game: The Indigenous Innovation Challenge

In small groups, students develop a business or social project idea that solves a community problem while incorporating an Indigenous value (e.g., sustainability or intergenerational connection). They 'pitch' their idea to the class, focusing on its social impact.

Who are some key contemporary Indigenous leaders and innovators?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 02

• Inquiry Circle
• 45 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Profiling Modern Leaders

Groups are assigned a contemporary leader (e.g., Autumn Peltier, Sheila Watt-Cloutier, or an Indigenous tech founder). They create a 'leadership profile' that highlights their achievements and the specific Indigenous values that guide their work.

How are Indigenous entrepreneurs integrating traditional values into modern business?

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

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 25 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The Power of Youth Leadership

Students reflect on a time they saw a young person lead a change. They discuss with a partner why youth voices are particularly important in Indigenous communities today, then share their insights with the class.

What role do Indigenous youth play in driving positive change?

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

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Indigenous leadership is only about 'Indigenous issues.'

  Indigenous leaders are making significant contributions to global issues like climate change, human rights, and economic innovation that benefit everyone. Highlighting leaders in diverse fields like space science or international law helps correct this.

• You have to choose between 'traditional' and 'modern.'

  Many Indigenous innovators are 'two-eyed seeing', using the strengths of both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. Using examples of Indigenous-led tech companies helps students see how these worlds integrate.

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Methods used in this brief

• Simulation Game
• Inquiry Circle
• Think-Pair-Share