Course Profile   Issues of Indigenous Peoples in a Global Context (NDW4M), Grade 12, University/College Preparation, Catholic

 

Unit 2:  Relationships

Time:  20 hours

 

Activity 1 | Activity 2 | Activity 3

 

Unit Description

Students focus on Indigenous peoples in an international context. Through the production of a report, students demonstrate their understanding of terminology, geographical location, concepts of identity, and world reactions to the affirmation of this identity. More specifically, the collaboration amongst Indigenous peoples facing common issues and their views on sovereignty are examined. Finally, students are expected to compare the histories of the interactions between different Indigenous peoples and their national governments and extend the comparison to the Canadian context. This unit examines issues of empowerment and common good where human dignity seeks to affirm itself. Students examine the nature and function of international organizations, documents such as the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the relationship between First Nations and their national government; students become aware of our interdependence, the destructive nature of exploitation, and the necessity for cooperation and human rights.

Unit Synopsis Chart

Activity

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Tasks

1
A Question of Identity…

 

6 hours

IDV.01, ID2.01, IDV.02, ID2.02, ID2.04, ID2.05, REV.04, RE2.06

CGE1d, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding

Communication

Application

·         read and respond to articles

·         write a report

·         transfer data onto a map

2
Collaboration in International Forum

 

7 hours

REV.01, RE2.01, RE2.02, SOV.01, SO2.06, SOV.04, CHV.01, CH2.01

CGE1d, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding

Thinking/Inquiry

Communication

·         research

·         oral presentations

·         presentation of report based on research

3
Common Ground? The Relationship Between Indigenous Groups and National Government

 

7 hours

REV.02, RE2.03, REV.03, RE2.04, SO2.01, SO2.03

CGE3b, 3f, 7f

Knowledge/Understanding

Thinking/Inquiry

Communication

Application

·         research

·         analysis of case studies

·         preparation of a board display

·         critical analysis essay

 

Activity 1:  A Question of Identity…

Time:  6 hours

Description

Students focus on the array of terms relating to Indigenous peoples. Different definitions are provided in order to reflect on the diversity of viewpoints. Through map work, students identify the location of various Indigenous peoples around the globe to gain a better understanding of where Indigenous peoples live. Because the definition of identity is complex, students are encouraged to reflect on this multi-layered concept through examination of a number of global case studies; after discussion, analysis of facts, and reflection, students produce a report. This summative report focuses on national and international reactions to the continuing struggle of the Indigenous people of Chiapas. By underscoring the pluralism of our global society, this activity encourages attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teachings.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE1d - develops attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity, and the common good;

CGE7g - respects and understands the history, cultural heritage and pluralism of today’s contemporary society.

Strand(s):  Identity, Relationships

Overall Expectations

IDV.01 - demonstrate an understanding of how certain terms relating to Aboriginal peoples change when they are used in an international context;

IDV.02 - identify where indigenous peoples are situated throughout the world;

REV.04 - demonstrate an understanding of the distinction between the terms indigenous people and indigenous populations.

Specific Expectations

ID2.01 - demonstrate an understanding of the term indigenous peoples, which is used instead of Aboriginal in international contexts;

ID2.02 - identify the location of various indigenous populations on a world map (e.g., the Karen in Thailand, the Maori in New Zealand);

ID2.04 - demonstrate an understanding of how different indigenous peoples affirm their identity (e.g., through indigenous non-governmental organizations);

ID2.05 - assess national and international reactions to indigenous people’s efforts to identify themselves as distinct peoples within the global community;

RE2.06 - demonstrate an understanding of the uses of the terms indigenous people and indigenous populations (language used in the Draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as quoted in Canadian Native Law Reporter, vol. 1 (1994), pp. 40-47).

Prior Knowledge & Skills

This activity expands on the terms used to define Indigenous peoples, which were introduced in Unit 1; students critically evaluate a variety of definitions and ideas. An ability to think in the abstract and an ability to identify key issues are essential skills. Proper style for social science reports is needed and, where necessary, reviewed.

Planning Notes

The teacher:

·         ensures that resources, such as world atlases, computers, and pertinent videos, are available and have been reviewed for suitability;

·         ensures social science skills, such as mapping and proper style for reports, are reviewed if necessary;

·         provides ample opportunity for regular discussion to encourage an exchange of ideas because of the complexity of the subject matter;

·         asks that all students bring colour pencils to class for map work;

·         may invite an elder or Aboriginal speaker to present a more specific viewpoint on identity.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

The teacher:

Students:

·         brainstorms on the terms relating to Indigenous peoples, reviewing definitions from Unit 1

·         participate in the brainstorming activity

·         presents a definition of Indigenous peoples as stated by The United Nations and the International Labor Organization (refer to the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples website)

·         take notes

·         presents the difficulty in achieving a definition of Indigenous peoples, Indigenous people, Indigenous population, and nation in an international context, when political, national, and economic agendas are at the fore (refer to explanations as offered in such books as Venne’s Our Elders Understand Our Rights, pp. 71-96)

·         take notes and participate in the discussion·

·         using an overhead of a blank world map divided into continents or regions, assigns one continent or region to a small group; Indigenous peoples, such as the Inuit of the Arctic, Mayans of central and South America, Maasai of Kenya, Karen of Thailand, and Maori of New Zealand, must be included (The Gaia Atlas of Indigenous Peoples can be used)

·         transfer overhead information to maps

·         in small groups, identify the Indigenous nations found in the assigned region or continent

·         using the overhead, each group presents its findings, being specific about country location and demographics

·         add the demographic information and locations of Indigenous nations from other presentations to their template

·         provides discussion points on the meaning of identity by referring to such resources as Taiaiake Alfred’s Peace, Power and Righteousness, pp. 110-113

 

·         invites a speaker to present a more insightful and relevant viewpoint on identity

·         participate by listening to presentation and asking questions

·         mediates a discussion with the class

·         participate by submitting ideas, thoughts, and understanding based on discussion points

·         selects a number of case studies, which could include the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN) of Chiapas (Mexico), the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) (Canada), and FAIRA (Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action), and distributes an article on each organization outlining its contribution to the identity of the nation it represents

·         read material and ask for clarification when necessary

·         briefly explains the difference in reactions at a national and at an international level (national reaction could be more antagonistic because of various internal tensions; international reaction could be more favourable because of the action of various international non-governmental organizations [NGOs]) to an Indigenous nation’s efforts to identify themselves as distinct peoples within the global community; the ramifications of such recognition at the national level are stressed

·         participate by asking questions, clarifying, and sharing ideas

·         shows documentary A Place Called Chiapas and provides students with a copy of Bishop Ruiz’s letter to the bishops and information on the EZLN Caravan to Mexico City in 2001.

·         assess the national and international reactions to the EZLN using the provided materials (Appendix 2.1a). A brief report is completed and submitted for summative evaluation.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Purpose

User

Tool

Task

Assessment Categories

Formative

Teacher/student

Checklist

Discussion

Thinking/Inquiry

Communication

Summative

Teacher

Rubric

Report

Knowledge/Understanding

Thinking/Inquiry

Communication

Application

Accommodations

·         Provide advance organizers to structure the content of notes and reports.

·         Provide extra time on assignment and for processing.

Resources

Print

Aboriginal Rights Coalition. Blind Spots: An examination of the Federal Government’s Response to the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Ottawa: Aboriginal Rights Coalition, 2001. ISBN 0-9694610-4-6

Burger, Julian. The Gaia Atlas of First Peoples – A Future for the Indigenous World. London: Anchor Books, 1990. ISBN 0-385-2653-7

Matthews, G. and R. Morrow. Canada and the World, An Atlas Resource. Toronto: Prentice Hall, 1995.

Ruiz, Garcia and Samuel Bishop. Lessons of the Zapatista Uprising (Chiapas, Mexico) Pastoral Letter, Lent, 1994.

Taiaiake, Alfred. Peace, Power and Righteousness. Don Mills: Oxford University Press, 1999.
ISBN 0-19-541216-8

Venne, Sharon Helen. Our Elders Understand Our Rights: Evolving International Law Regarding Indigenous Rights. Penticton, BC: Theytus Books Ltd, 1998. ISBN 0-919441-66-1 (contains the Draft Declaration of the UN as Agreed Upon by The Members of The Working Group at Its Eleventh Session)

Internet

Assembly of First Nations – www.afn.ca

EZLN and Chiapas – www.virtualschools.edu/mon/news/chiapasRevoltMexico.html

Indigenous and Tribal Peoples – www.ecouncil.ac.cr/indig/trad_index.htm (go to the Welcome to Indigenous Peoples Website)

Video

A Place Called Chiapas. Montreal: NFB, 1998, 49 min.

 


Appendix 2.1a

Zapatista/Chiapas Resources

 

This site gives a year-by-year timeline of the events in Chiapas.

www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/mexico/chiapas/timeline.html

 

General information about struggle and links to globalization

http://flag.blackened.net/revolt/zapatista.html

 

General article on issues

www.virtualschool.edu/mon/News/ChiapasRevoltMexico.html

 

Explains the peace process between government and Zapatistas from 1996 that was not honoured by the Mexican government.

www.usip.org/library/pa/index/pa_chiapas.html

 

EZLN’s formal declaration of war

http://anubis.science.unitn.it/services/blob/ezln/war.declare.html

 

List of books about the EZLN, Zapatistas, and Chiapas

www.neravt.com/left/ezlnbooks.html

 

 

 


Activity 2:  Collaboration in International Forum

Time:  7 hours

Description

Students focus their attention on the common issues facing the world’s Indigenous peoples and their local and global responses to these issues. Gaining a deeper understanding of the issues and the importance of representation through oral presentations from assigned groups, students research an international Indigenous organization and its achievements, as well as the roles and responsibilities of permanent international organizations involving Indigenous peoples, and present a report to their peers. The modern obligations of an independent, environmentally aware and just global society become evident and clarify the crucial role of the individual and of the international institution.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE1d - develops attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity, and the common good;

CGE7f - respects and affirms the diversity and interdependence of the world’s peoples and cultures;

CGE7g - respects and understands the history, cultural heritage, and pluralism of today’s contemporary society.

Strand(s):  Relationships, Sovereignty, Challenges

Overall Expectations

REV.01 - describe some of the international indigenous peoples’ organizations developed by indigenous peoples throughout the world;

SOV.04 - describe the importance of international forums for advancing the rights of indigenous peoples around the world;

CHV.01 - identify the common issues facing the world’s indigenous peoples.

Specific Expectations

RE2.01 - demonstrate an understanding of the issues and events that led to global collaboration among indigenous peoples (e.g., the response to the Rio Declaration);

RE2.02 - describe the achievements (e.g., the Inuit Circumpolar Conference) of an international indigenous organization;

SO2.06 - describe the roles and responsibilities of permanent international organizations involving indigenous peoples around the word (e.g., organizations established by the United Nations);

CH2.01 - demonstrate an understanding of the issues that are of common interest to the world’s indigenous population (e.g., resource development, self-determination, the preservation of culture).

Prior Knowledge & Skills

The knowledge base acquired in previous activities is important for understanding the issues and reactions to issues. Students are also asked to synthesize and apply knowledge and analyse new information. They should therefore refer to their course notes when analysing and discussing.

Planning Notes

·         The teacher performs initial research and locates pertinent Internet sites to communicate specific and current information to students, enabling them to research an organization and providing a basis for Activity 3.

·         The teacher uses resources, such as Julian Burger’s Gaia Atlas of First Peoples, to locate information on the issues as outlined in Appendix 2.2a.

·         Students are required to read and process information individually, as well as in groups; the teacher schedules adequate lead time to complete research and readings.

·         The teacher books the library/resource centre and computers with Internet access as required.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

The teacher:

Students:

·         brainstorms issues faced by First Nations in Canada and certain Indigenous peoples around the world

·         participate in the brainstorming

·         opens up the discussion to identifying general areas of issues faced by Indigenous peoples worldwide and briefly identifies local, regional, national, and international solutions that have been proposed or implemented

·         take notes to prepare for the group work

·         suggests a study of the identified issues

·         divides the class into groups and provides instructions as to the research, format, and evaluation of the presentation (Appendix 2.2a)

·         hands out some information to initiate discussion and orientation of research

·         undertake the research and prepare a handout for peers to complete during the presentation

·         give the presentation and receive feedback on the presentation from peers

·         gives a seminar on how the commonality of issues faced by Indigenous peoples have led to similar conclusions and reactions, created inter-nation links (poverty – sustainable resource development: a reassertion of nationhood – self-determination: pride in identity – preservation of culture) and collaboration through international Indigenous organizations

·         participate in the discussion using notes and handouts from the presentations

·         take notes

·         focuses the discussion on self-determination by examining the Doctrine of Discovery, decolonisation, and the reason and need for sustained international support; reading and discussing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Covenant on the Rights of Indigenous Nations and its genesis, and understanding the need for the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Peoples

 

·         having established the importance of these international bodies, assigns international organizations (Appendix 2.2c) to predetermined groups and provides information as to format of presentation and evaluation (Appendix 2.2b)

·         research and prepare presentation on an international organization/international Indigenous organization

·         prepare and present a report of research to class

·         submit the report for evaluation

·         facilitates a brief plenary session where the discussion centres on the necessity of international Indigenous organizations and international organizations involving Indigenous peoples.

·         participate in the discussion.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Purpose

User

Tool

Task

Assessment Categories

Formative

Student

Rubric

Anecdotal comments

Oral presentation

Knowledge/Understanding

Communication

Summative

Teacher

Checklist

Plenary session

Knowledge/Understanding

Thinking/Inquiry

Communication

Accommodation

Summative

Teacher/student

Rubric

Written report

Thinking/Inquiry

Communication

Accommodations

·         Provide organizers to structure content of notes to be taken during the discussion.

·         Provide extra time for processing of information.

Resources

Print

Aboriginal Rights Coalition. Blind Spots: An examination of the Federal Government’s Response to the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Ottawa: Aboriginal Rights Coalition, 2001. ISBN 0-9694610-4-6

Burger, Julian. The Gaia Atlas of First Peoples – A Future for the Indigenous World. London: Anchor Books, 1990. ISBN 0-385-2653-7

Brizinski, Peggy. Knots in a String: An Introduction to Native Studies in Canada, 2nd ed. University of Saskatchewan: University Extension Press, 1993. ISBN 0-88880-294-3

Churchill, Ward. Struggle for the Land. Winnipeg: Arbeiter Ring, 1999. ISBN 1-894037-04-9

Rich, Bruce, et al. The Ecologist Report: Globalising Poverty. London: Think Pub., September 2000. ISBN 0261-3131

Venne, Sharon Helen. Our Elders Understand Our Rights: Evolving International Law Regarding Indigenous Rights. Penticton, BC: Theytus Books Ltd, 1998. ISBN 0-919441-66-1

Internet

Aboriginal Rights Coalition – www.aboriginalrightscoalition.ca

Amazon Watch – www.amazonwatch.org

Assembly of First Nations – www.afn.ca

Cultural Survival: promotes the human rights, voices, and visions of Indigenous Peoples – www.cs.org

Evolving New International Laws from the Fourth World: The Covenant on the Rights of Indigenous Nations – www.cwis.orgéicrinsum.html

The Forum for Friends of Peoples Close to Nature – www.fpcn-global.org

The Indigenous Environmental Network – www.ienearth.org

The International Covenant on the Rights of Indigenous Nations – www.cwis.org/icrin-94.html

The International Indian Treaty Council – www.treatycouncil.org

The International Labour Organization – www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/ent/coop/indisco.htm

Indigenous Peoples’ Secretariat (IPS) – www.arcticpeoples.org

L’Auravetl’an Indigenous Information Center – www.indigenous.ru

Minority Rights Group International – www.minorityrights.org

Native Web – www.nativeweb.org

The New Internationalist: back issue magazines examine many issues including institutions such as the IMF, the World Bank, and the United Nations – www.newint.org

Terralingua – www.terralingua.org

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights – www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/ind_main.htm

 


Appendix 2.2a

First Research:  Issues of Indigenous Peoples

 

The purpose of this research is:

·         to define and analyse an issue;

·         to find one specific example of an environmental/social/political or economic issue that impacts directly on an Indigenous nation, such as the military presence in Nitassinan (low-level flying impact on animals and people, economic repercussions of military presence, social upheaval);

·         to examine its impacts on the social fabric of that nation.

 

You are to prepare a well-constructed, concise handout that will serve as a reference source for your peers. Indicate all materials used in an appended bibliography.

The evaluation will be formative and is designed to provide you with feedback from your peers concerning coherence, depth of information, and clarity of presentation.

The general categories of issues:

·         modern colonialism (trans-nationals, World Bank, World Trade Organization [WTO]);

·         invasions (issues of transmigrations);

·         deforestation;

·         impact of damming rivers;

·         mining;

·         militarization;

·         environmental threat;

·         poverty;

·         language/culture maintenance.

Some information will be provided to you and will serve to initiate discussion and orient your research.

 

Timeline

Research: 2 periods

Presentation length: 10 to 15 minutes

 


Appendix 2.2a  (Continued)

Report Evaluation

Categories

Level 1
(50-59%)

Level 2
(60-69%)

Level 3
(70-79%)

Level 4
(80-100%)

Knowledge/ Understanding

- knowledge of facts

 

- understanding of concepts

 

 

 

- understanding of relationships between concepts

- demonstrates limited knowledge of facts

 

 

- demonstrates limited understanding of concepts

 

- demonstrates limited understanding of relationships between concepts

- demonstrates some knowledge of facts

 

 

- demonstrates some understanding of concepts

 

- demonstrates some understanding of relationships between concepts

- demonstrates considerable knowledge of facts

 

- demonstrates considerable understanding of concepts

 

- demonstrates considerable understanding of relationships between concepts

- demonstrates thorough knowledge of facts

 

- demonstrates thorough understanding of concepts

 

- demonstrates thorough and insightful understanding of relationships between concepts

Thinking/Inquiry

- critical- and creative- thinking skills

 

 

- analysis and interpretation of information; formation of conclusions

 

- uses thinking skills with limited effectiveness

 

 

- applies few of the skills involved in an inquiry process

 

- uses thinking skills with moderate effectiveness

 

- applies some of the skills involved in an inquiry process

 

- uses thinking skills with considerable effectiveness

 

- applies most of the skills involved in an inquiry process

 

- uses thinking skills with a high degree of effectiveness

 

- applies all or almost all the skills involved in an inquiry process

Communication

- communication of information and ideas

 

- use of language

 

 

 

- use of the reporting process

 

- communicates information with limited clarity

 

- uses language with limited accuracy and effectiveness

 

- demonstrates limited command of the reporting process

 

- communicates information with some clarity

 

- uses language with some accuracy and effectiveness

 

- demonstrates moderate command of the reporting process

 

- communicates information with clarity

 

- uses language with considerable accuracy and effectiveness

 

- demonstrates considerable command of the reporting process

 

- communicates information with clarity and insight

 

- uses language with a high degree of accuracy and effectiveness

 

- demonstrates extensive command of the reporting process

Note: A student whose achievement is below Level 1 (50%) has not met the expectations for this assignment or activity


Appendix 2.2b

Second Research: International Organizations

 

The purpose of this research is to describe the roles, responsibilities, and achievements of international Indigenous organizations, permanent international organizations, and non-governmental organizations focused on the advancement of the rights of Indigenous peoples.

You will present the results of your research in a report to the class. This report will be evaluated for depth of research and coherence (see rubric).

Following your presentation, our discussion will focus on purpose and commonality of issues represented by each of these organizations.

Timeline

Research time: 1 period

Presentation length: 10 minutes

 

 

 

 

Appendix 2.2c

International Organizations

 

Amazon Watch – www.amazonwatch.org

Cultural Survival – www.cs.org

The Forum for Friends of Peoples Close to Nature – www.fpcn-global.org

The Indigenous Environmental Network – www.ienearth.org

The International Indian Treaty Council – www.treatycouncil.org

International Labour Organization – www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/ent/coop/indisco.htm

Indigenous Peoples’ Secretariat (IPS) (umbrella group for several northern Indigenous org.) – www.arcticpeoples.org

L’Auravetl’an Indigenous information center – www.indigenous.ru

Minority Rights International – www.minorityrights.org

Survival International – www.survival-international.org

Terralingua – www.terralingua.org

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights – www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/ind_main.htm

 


Activity 3:  Common Ground? The Relationship Between Indigenous Peoples and                          National Government

Time:  7 hours

Description

This activity focuses on the relationships among Indigenous people, national governments, and international non-government organizations and their positions regarding common issues, including sovereignty. In groups, students utilize both primary and secondary sources to develop a three-panel display outlining the various policies and positions of the pre-selected global examples, including an examination of Canada’s relationship with Aboriginal peoples. Individually, students produce a critical analysis of the case studies, comparing and contrasting the various approaches presented on sovereignty. A round-table discussion at the conclusion of the activity allows students to share their conclusions. This activity allows students to examine power structures and the importance of empowerment and participation in the global political realm. Empowerment concentrates on ending the cycle of dependency and marginalization that many Indigenous peoples face throughout the world.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

CGE3b - creates, adapts, and evaluates new ideas in light of the common good;

CGE3f - examines, evaluates, and applies knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political, ethical, socio-economic, and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society;

CGE7f - respects and affirms the diversity and interdependence of the world’s peoples and cultures.

Strand(s):  Relationships, Sovereignty

Overall Expectations

REV.02 - describe similarities and differences in the relationships between the world’s indigenous populations and their national governments;

REV.03 - describe the current dialogue concerning renewed relationships between indigenous peoples and various national governments.

Specific Expectations

RE2.03 - compare the histories of the interaction between different indigenous peoples and their national governments (e.g., the Aborigines and the government of Australia, the Manobos and the government of the Philippines, the Maasi and the government of Tanzania) and extend the comparison to the Canadian context;

RE2.04 - compare the key features of a policy developed by at least two national governments to govern their relations with their indigenous peoples (e.g., the United States’ Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act, 1975; Canada’s Indian Act, 1985);

SO2.01 - explain a variety of views on indigenous sovereignty (e.g., as outlined in the Draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples or in International Labour Organizations Convention No. 169 on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Populations);

SO2.03 - demonstrate an understanding of the place of indigenous nations within the global political system.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

Students should have a basic understanding of common issues facing Indigenous peoples, including sovereignty, and the roles that national governments and international non-government organizations have in the political process. The effective use of critical analysis to gain a better understanding of the issues is a key skill for students during this activity. Prior courses that would prepare the student include Geography of Canada, Civics, and Canadian History in the Twentieth Century, as well as any of the Grade 10 and 11 Native Studies courses.

Planning Notes

The teacher:

·         provides a variety of sources outlining the positions and policies regarding key common issues for a variety of Indigenous groups, their national governments, and international organizations, such as the United Nations. These resources can be in printed form or as a list of relevant websites.

·         conducts a review and prepares notes on the political spectrum, outlining the characteristics of left, centre, and right-wing political ideologies, to gain a more thorough understanding of the variety of positions taken regarding sovereignty.

·         provides opportunities to further develop critical-analysis skills and to understand the importance of supported opinion writing.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

The teacher:

Students:

·         introduces this activity with a review of the term sovereignty

·         are presented with different definitions and decide which one fits best with their own knowledge and perceptions about sovereignty

·         produce a brief supported opinion assignment explaining their choice

·         explains the different political systems and ideologies that are found around the world (democracy, communism, and fascism)

·         take notes and engage in discussion

·         draws upon historical and modern examples to explain democracy, communism, and fascism

 

·         through above examples, explains and distributes information on the political spectrum – left, centre, and right-wing political ideologies

·         read all the information provided

·         divides the class into groups of four and provides them with an outline of the research to be conducted

 

·         provides necessary primary and secondary resources to help students in their research

·         examine three case studies – assigned global example, Canada and the United Nations – and research their respective policies and positions about identified issues – land rights, health care, preservation of culture and sovereignty from the Indigenous and national government perspectives

·         produce a three-panel display board outlining the policies and positions of the two country case studies and the United Nations. The country case studies should include both Indigenous and national government positions, as well as a historical timeline identifying major events that have occurred between the two groups

·         provides guiding questions for students to consider when completing their supported opinion assignment:

·         What are the similarities and differences between the three approaches to sovereignty researched?

·         How does the United Nations ideas about sovereignty differ with what we see in practice around the world?

·         What are some possible reasons for these similarities and differences? (historical, political ideologies)

·         Which group, if any, most reflect the definition chosen by the student at the beginning of the activity?

·         Is true sovereignty achievable for the Indigenous groups researched? Why or why not?

·         individually, develop a five-page critical analysis of the current status of Indigenous sovereignty around the world

·         in the analysis, examine the research gathered from the previous group assignment and assess the progress that each of the two countries has made on Indigenous sovereignty and how closely related the countries’ position are with that of the United Nations

·         mediates a round-table discussion of the information revealed during the research and the opinions of the class regarding sovereignty

·         discuss their opinions and share information about the individual case studies researched

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Purpose

User

Tool

Task

Assessment Categories

Formative

Student/teacher

Rubric

Supported opinion writing

Thinking/Inquiry

Summative

Teacher

Rubric

Display board

Knowledge/Understanding

Communication

Summative

Student/teacher

Rubric

Supported opinion writing

Knowledge/Understanding

Thinking/Inquiry

Communication

Application

Formative

Teacher

Checklist

Round-table discussion

Knowledge/Understanding

Communication

Accommodations

·         Provide additional time to complete individual assignment.

·         Provide organizers to structure written work.

Resources

Print

Aboriginal Rights Commission. Blind Spots, An Examination of the Federal Government’s Response to the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Ottawa: ARC, 2001. ISBN 0-9694610-4-6

Burger, Julian. The Gaia Atlas of First Peoples – A Future for the Indigenous World. London:Anchor Books, 1990.

Goehring, B. Indigenous Peoples of the World: An Introduction to their Past, Present and Future. Saskatoon: Purich Publishing, 1993.

Krotz, Larry. Indian Country – Inside Another Canada. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1990.

Lutz, Hartmut. Contemporary Challenges: Conversations with Canadian Native Authors. Saskatoon: Fifth House Publishers, 1991.

Palmer, P. “Listening for the Reindeer’s Heartbeat: An interview with Harald Gaski.” Winds of Change, V. 13(2) (Spring, 1998): pp. 14-24.

O’Brien, Pires. “Indian Land Rights and Land Conflicts in Brazil: A critical essay.” Contemporary Review, V. 275 (September 1999).

Richardson, Boyce, ed. Drum Beat – Anger and Renewal in Indian Country. Toronto: Summerhill Press, 1989.

Sigurdson, R. “First Peoples, New Peoples and Citizenship in Canada.” International Journal of Canadian Studies, 14 (Fall 1996).

Wadden, Marie. Nitassinan The Innu Struggle to Reclaim Their Homeland. Vancouver: Douglas and McIntyre, 1991.

Ward, S. “Indian Education Policy and Politics 1972-1982.” Canadian Journal of Native Education,
V. 13(2) (1986).

Watson, D. “Indigenous People and the Global Economy.” Current History 96(613) (November 1997):
p. 389.

Internet

Assembly of First Nations Canada – www.afn.ca

Australia – www.academicinfo.net, www.aad.wa.gov.au

Center for World Indigenous Studies – www.cwis.org

Cofan Guardians of the Rainforest – www.cofan.org

Earth Island Journal – http://earthisland.org/eijournal

Forging a New Relationship: Proceedings of the Conference on the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. 1997 (D.B. Smith, ed.) – www.arts.mcgill.ca

Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action – www.faira.org.au

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada – www.ainc-inac.gc.ca

Latin American Indigenous Organizations – www.bloorstreet.com

New South Wales Department of Aboriginal Publications – www.daa.nsw.gov.au/daa/publications.html

Peru: A Country Study – http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/petoc.html

Sami Culture in a New Era (introduction and resources) – www.utexas.edu/courses/sami/papers/Gaski.pdf

The Sami in Finland – http://virtual.finland.fi/finfo/english/saameng.html

UNESCO – www.unesco.org/education/hst

United Nations – www.unhchr.ch/html/menu6/2/fs9.html, www.hookele.com

United States Bureau of Indian Affairs – www.doi.gov

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) – www.wipo.org

 

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