First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 11 · Contemporary Issues and Realities · 3.º Período

Social Justice and Systemic Inequities

Address contemporary social justice issues facing Indigenous communities, including the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and disparities in healthcare and education.

TL;DR:This topic addresses the systemic inequities that continue to affect Indigenous communities in Canada, with a focus on social justice. Students will investigate the root causes of disparities in healthcare, education, and housing, tracing them back to colonial policies. A significant portion of the topic is dedicated to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and the findings of the National Inquiry.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• F1.1 Analyze systemic inequities affecting Indigenous communities
• F2.1 Evaluate responses to social justice issues like MMIWG

About This Topic

This topic addresses the systemic inequities that continue to affect Indigenous communities in Canada, with a focus on social justice. Students will investigate the root causes of disparities in healthcare, education, and housing, tracing them back to colonial policies. A significant portion of the topic is dedicated to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and the findings of the National Inquiry.

For Grade 11 students, this is a call to understand the human rights dimensions of Indigenous issues. It requires a high level of maturity and empathy. This topic is best approached through collaborative investigations into systemic barriers and reflective discussions on how to achieve equity and justice in Canada.

Key Questions

1. What are the root causes of systemic inequities facing Indigenous peoples?
2. How does the MMIWG crisis reflect broader societal issues?
3. What steps are needed to achieve social justice and equity?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Indigenous people get 'free everything' from the government.

What to Teach Instead

In reality, many services on reserves (like education and child welfare) have historically been funded at lower levels than those for non-Indigenous Canadians. Using budget comparison data helps students see the actual funding gaps.

Common Misconception

The MMIWG crisis is just a 'criminal' issue.

What to Teach Instead

The National Inquiry found that the crisis is a result of systemic racism, poverty, and the legacy of colonialism, not just individual crimes. Analyzing the 'Calls for Justice' helps students see the need for broad societal change.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle

The Social Determinants of Health

Groups are given data on health outcomes in Indigenous vs. non-Indigenous communities. They must work backward to identify the 'systemic' causes (e.g., lack of clean water, historical trauma, underfunded schools) rather than blaming individual choices.

50 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk

The MMIWG Calls for Justice

Students examine posters summarizing key 'Calls for Justice' from the MMIWG National Inquiry. They use a 'See-Think-Wonder' protocol to process the information and discuss why these specific changes are needed to ensure safety.

40 min·Individual

Think-Pair-Share

Equity vs. Equality

Students look at a visual representing the difference between 'equality' (giving everyone the same) and 'equity' (giving everyone what they need to succeed). They discuss how this applies to funding for First Nations schools, then share with the class.

20 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 'Calls for Justice'?

The Calls for Justice are 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 and human rights violations facing Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Why is there a 'water crisis' on some reserves?

Many First Nations have been under long-term boil water advisories due to underfunded infrastructure, lack of trained operators, and source water contamination. While progress is being made, it remains a major example of systemic inequity in basic human rights.

How can active learning help students understand systemic inequities?

Active learning strategies like collaborative investigations into the 'social determinants of health' help students move beyond stereotypes. By analyzing data and tracing the 'why' behind social issues, students learn to identify systemic patterns rather than individual failings, which is a key skill in social justice education.

What does 'systemic racism' mean in this context?

Systemic racism refers to the ways that societal structures, like the legal system, healthcare, and education, have been built in a way that disadvantages Indigenous people, even if the individuals working within those systems don't intend to be biased.