First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 9 · Truth, Reconciliation, and the Future · 4.º Período

Indigenous Futures and Resurgence

Looking forward to the resurgence of Indigenous cultures, governance, and self-determination.

TL;DR:Indigenous resurgence is about the reclamation of culture, language, and governance. This topic looks forward, exploring how First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities are rebuilding their nations and asserting their self-determination. Students will examine examples of modern self-government agreements, the return to traditional birthing and food practices, and the vibrant growth of Indigenous media and technology. This aligns with Ontario's NAC1O expectations by focusing on the strength and future vision of Indigenous peoples.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• NAC1O D3.1
• NAC1O D3.2

About This Topic

Indigenous resurgence is about the reclamation of culture, language, and governance. This topic looks forward, exploring how First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities are rebuilding their nations and asserting their self-determination. Students will examine examples of modern self-government agreements, the return to traditional birthing and food practices, and the vibrant growth of Indigenous media and technology. This aligns with Ontario's NAC1O expectations by focusing on the strength and future vision of Indigenous peoples.

By studying resurgence, students move beyond the narrative of 'reconciliation' as a government-led process and see it as an Indigenous-led movement of cultural pride and political power. This topic is ideal for a collaborative project where students design a 'vision for the future' based on current trends in Indigenous resurgence. Students grasp this concept faster through hands-on modeling of how traditional values can be integrated into modern urban or political spaces.

Key Questions

1. What does Indigenous resurgence look like in practice?
2. How are communities rebuilding their nations and governance structures?
3. What is the vision for a reconciled future in Canada?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Indigenous resurgence is about 'going back to the past.'

What to Teach Instead

Resurgence is about using traditional values to build a modern future. Simulation activities where students design 'reconciled' modern spaces help them see how ancient wisdom can solve contemporary problems like climate change or urban isolation.

Common Misconception

Self-determination is the same as 'separatism.'

What to Teach Instead

Self-determination is the right of a people to choose their own political status and pursue their own development within or alongside Canada. Investigating modern self-government agreements helps students understand this as a legal and cooperative process.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle

Resurgence in Action

Small groups research a specific example of resurgence, such as the revitalization of the Haida Gwaii governance system or the growth of Indigenous-led clean energy projects. They create a 'Success Story' digital poster to share with the class.

50 min·Small Groups

Simulation Game

Designing a Reconciled City

Students work in teams to redesign a local park or public space to reflect Indigenous resurgence. They must incorporate Indigenous languages, traditional plants, and spaces for ceremony or community gathering, explaining how their design honors the local nation's future.

60 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

The Meaning of 'Resurgence'

Students reflect on the difference between 'survival' and 'resurgence.' They discuss with a partner how a community moving from just surviving to actively thriving changes the national conversation about Indigenous rights.

20 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Indigenous self-determination?

Self-determination is the inherent right of Indigenous peoples to govern themselves, make decisions about their lands and resources, and determine their own future. In Canada, this is often expressed through self-government agreements that move communities away from the control of the Indian Act.

What does 'resurgence' look like in everyday life?

It looks like a young person learning their ancestral language, a community reclaiming traditional fishing rights, or the creation of Indigenous-led schools and health centers. It is the act of living as an Indigenous person with pride and according to one's own cultural laws.

What is the 'vision for a reconciled future' in Canada?

A reconciled future is one where Indigenous sovereignty is fully recognized, the 'gap' in socio-economic outcomes is closed, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples live in a relationship of mutual respect and shared responsibility. It is a future where Indigenous cultures are seen as a foundational and thriving part of the country.

How can active learning help students visualize Indigenous futures?

Active learning, like the 'Designing a Reconciled City' project, shifts students from analyzing the past to imagining the future. By physically or digitally creating spaces that reflect Indigenous resurgence, students must apply everything they've learned about worldviews, treaties, and rights to a creative vision, making the concept of a reconciled future feel attainable and concrete.