Active learning ideas
While the history of colonialism is heavy, this topic focuses on the incredible strength and agency of Indigenous peoples. Students explore the diverse ways First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities have resisted assimilation and fought for their rights. From the Métis Resistances led by Louis Riel to the Oka Crisis and the Idle No More movement, students see a consistent thread of activism and cultural preservation.
Activity 01
Students research a figure like Gabriel Dumont or Shannen Koostachin and participate in a 'meeting of minds' to discuss their strategies for protecting their people's rights.
How have Indigenous peoples historically resisted assimilation?
Activity 02
Groups analyze different perspectives of the 1990 standoff (media, government, Mohawk warriors) and create a presentation on how the event changed Indigenous-settler relations in Canada.
What are some key examples of Indigenous resilience in Canada?
Activity 03
Students examine protest posters, songs, and poems from various Indigenous movements, identifying the core messages and the emotions they evoke.
How do historical resistance movements inform contemporary activism?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Indigenous people were passive victims of colonization.
Indigenous peoples have a long history of sophisticated political, legal, and physical resistance. Role-playing different historical events helps students recognize the agency and strategic thinking of Indigenous leaders.
Resistance is always violent.
Most resistance has been through legal challenges, art, education, and peaceful protest. A collaborative investigation of different movements will show students the wide variety of tactics used.
Methods used in this brief
Treaties and the Indian Act
Students critically analyze the historical context and ongoing legacy of the Indian Act and the treaty-making process in Canada. The focus is on the shift from nation-to-nation agreements to assimilationist policies.
8 methodologies
The Residential School System and Sixties Scoop
This topic explores the devastating impacts of the residential school system and the Sixties Scoop on Indigenous families and communities. Students examine the intergenerational trauma caused by these assimilationist policies.
8 methodologies