Active learning ideas
This topic examines the legal and historical foundations of the relationship between Indigenous nations and the Crown. Students analyze the transition from the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and early nation-to-nation treaties to the restrictive and assimilationist Indian Act of 1876. The focus is on how the Canadian government's interpretation of these agreements often diverged from the oral understandings of Indigenous signatories.
Activity 01
Students are divided into 'Crown' and 'Indigenous' negotiators for a fictional treaty, discovering the challenges of language barriers and differing concepts of land ownership.
What was the original intent of the treaties versus their implementation?
Activity 02
Small groups are assigned specific decades to research amendments to the Indian Act, creating a visual timeline of how the law became increasingly restrictive over time.
How has the Indian Act impacted Indigenous identities and governance?
Activity 03
Students examine images of treaty medals and written texts, using a graphic organizer to compare the symbolism of partnership versus the language of surrender.
What are the contemporary implications of these historical policies?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Treaties were 'real estate deals' where land was sold.
Indigenous nations viewed treaties as sacred covenants of sharing and co-existence, not permanent sales. Role-playing negotiations helps students see the fundamental clash in worldviews regarding land.
The Indian Act is a thing of the past.
The Indian Act is still the primary piece of legislation governing First Nations in Canada today. A collaborative investigation of current headlines can show students its ongoing impact on daily life.
Methods used in this brief
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
Resistance and Resilience
Students highlight the historical and ongoing resistance of Indigenous peoples against colonial policies. The topic focuses on key historical figures, movements, and the enduring resilience of communities.
8 methodologies