First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 9

Active learning ideas

Indigenous Excellence and Contributions

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

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

Activity 01

• Peer Teaching
• 50 min · Individual

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.

How do Indigenous leaders and role models inspire their communities?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Gallery Walk
• 40 min · Small Groups

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.

What are some significant contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian society?

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

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

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.

How does celebrating Indigenous excellence challenge stereotypes?

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

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

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

  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.

• Indigenous success is rare or 'exceptional.'

  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.

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Methods used in this brief

• Peer Teaching
• Gallery Walk
• Think-Pair-Share