First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 9 · Contemporary Realities and Resistance · 3.º Período

Indigenous Excellence and Contributions

Highlighting the achievements and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals in various fields including politics, sports, and literature.

TL;DR:Celebrating Indigenous excellence is a vital counter-narrative to the deficit-based stories often found in history books. This topic highlights the significant contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals in fields such as science, politics, sports, literature, and the arts. From the political leadership of Murray Sinclair to the athletic achievements of Tom Longboat and the literary success of Cherie Dimaline, students will explore how Indigenous people have shaped and continue to shape Canadian society.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• NAC1O C3.1
• NAC1O C3.2

About This Topic

Celebrating Indigenous excellence is a vital counter-narrative to the deficit-based stories often found in history books. This topic highlights the significant contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals in fields such as science, politics, sports, literature, and the arts. From the political leadership of Murray Sinclair to the athletic achievements of Tom Longboat and the literary success of Cherie Dimaline, students will explore how Indigenous people have shaped and continue to shape Canadian society.

This study aligns with Ontario's NAC1O expectations by challenging stereotypes and fostering a deeper appreciation for Indigenous intellectual and creative leadership. By focusing on excellence, students move beyond seeing Indigenous peoples solely as 'victims' of history and instead recognize them as innovators and leaders. This topic is perfect for a 'Living Wax Museum' or a peer-teaching activity where students research and present the life and impact of an Indigenous role model.

Key Questions

1. How do Indigenous leaders and role models inspire their communities?
2. What are some significant contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian society?
3. How does celebrating Indigenous excellence challenge stereotypes?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Indigenous contributions are mostly in the past (e.g., helping explorers).

What to Teach Instead

Indigenous people are leading in every modern field, from space exploration to high fashion. Peer-teaching activities about contemporary figures help students see Indigenous excellence as a current and ongoing reality.

Common Misconception

Indigenous success is rare or 'exceptional.'

What to Teach Instead

There is a vast and diverse range of Indigenous excellence across all communities. A gallery walk featuring dozens of different leaders and creators helps students realize that excellence is a widespread and foundational part of Indigenous cultures.

Active Learning Ideas

Peer Teaching

Indigenous Innovators

Each student researches an Indigenous person who has made a significant contribution to a specific field (e.g., Dr. Donna May Kimmaliardjuk in medicine or Carey Price in sports). They create a 2-minute 'pitch' to teach their classmates about this person's impact and why they are a role model.

50 min·Individual

Gallery Walk

Excellence in Literature and Film

Set up stations featuring book covers, movie trailers, and quotes from contemporary Indigenous creators. Students rotate through the stations, noting themes of resilience and identity, and then vote on one creator they would like to study further as a class.

40 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

Challenging Stereotypes

Students are given a common stereotype about Indigenous people. They must find an example of an Indigenous person or achievement that directly challenges that stereotype, discuss it with a partner, and share how this new knowledge changes their perspective.

20 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Tom Longboat?

Tom Longboat (Onondaga) was one of the most famous long-distance runners in the world in the early 20th century. He won the Boston Marathon in 1907 and served as a dispatch runner in WWI. He is a prime example of Indigenous athletic excellence and resilience in the face of systemic racism.

How have Indigenous people contributed to Canadian politics?

Indigenous leaders have been instrumental in shaping Canadian law and human rights. For example, Murray Sinclair led the TRC, and Jody Wilson-Raybould served as Canada's first Indigenous Minister of Justice. Their work has pushed Canada to confront its past and strive for a more just legal system.

What is 'Indigenous Futurism' in art and literature?

Indigenous Futurism is a movement where Indigenous creators use science fiction and fantasy to imagine Indigenous people in the future. It challenges the stereotype that Indigenous cultures are 'stuck in the past' and asserts that Indigenous knowledge is vital for the future of humanity.

How can active learning help students appreciate Indigenous excellence?

Instead of just reading a list of names, active learning like peer teaching puts students in the role of the expert. When a student has to 'sell' the importance of an Indigenous scientist or artist to their peers, they engage more deeply with that person's story and achievements, making the concept of excellence more personal and memorable.