First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 11

Active learning ideas

Social Justice and Systemic Inequities

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

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

Activity 01

• Inquiry Circle
• 50 min · Small Groups

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.

What are the root causes of systemic inequities facing Indigenous peoples?

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

Activity 02

• Gallery Walk
• 40 min · Individual

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.

How does the MMIWG crisis reflect broader societal issues?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

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.

What steps are needed to achieve social justice and equity?

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

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

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

  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.

• The MMIWG crisis is just a 'criminal' issue.

  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.

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Methods used in this brief

• Inquiry Circle
• Gallery Walk
• Think-Pair-Share