Cite

Lesson Plan: Indigenous Peoples in Canada

By: Charlene Camillo

Charlene Camillo

Education Collaborator

Charlene Camillo is from the Moose Cree First Nation and of Italian heritage.  She is a teacher and coach in the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB).  

From 2016-2022, Charlene was the Learning Coordinator in TVDSB for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education.  In this role, she led professional learning for staff and helped to develop various opportunities for Indigenous students.  She also created lesson plans and resources for use in classrooms, and shared best practices in bringing Indigenous content into schools.  

Charlene taught multiple subjects from 2010-2016 at Saunders Secondary School in London, ON.  In 2022, she returned to Saunders and has been teaching History and Indigenous Studies while coaching Girls Basketball and Girls Hockey, and supporting the Indigenous Student Association.

Charlene has been fortunate to work with multiple First Nations as a teacher and a coach.  She continues to take feedback and learning from Indigenous students and families to provide opportunities for staff and students to enhance their knowledge of Indigenous experiences. 

Materials

• Printed copies of handout – Indigenous Peoples in Canada Student Chart (Option 1 or option 2)
• Activity station posters and tape (take time ahead to place them in the classroom or tape them in separate locations within the school)
• Computer, projector, and speakers to play a YouTube video (available in slideshow)

Indigenous Peoples in Canada Slideshow*

*On slide 15, only play until 1:33 as the remaining portions of the video contain traumatic content that requires student consent to viewing prior to sharing, considering cultural safety and trauma-sensitive approaches.

Indigenous Peoples in Canada Student Charts

Indigenous Peoples in Canada Station Posters—Option 1

Indigenous Peoples in Canada Station Posters—Option 2

1. Review and print station posters and student charts before class.
   
   
   • If you choose option 1 for the posters, you can print and place them or tape them up in class.  If you have a large number of students, you may want to print 2-3 copies of each poster for students to use.  If you have students who prefer to do their work at their desk, provide the opportunity for the posters to be circulated to student desks.
     
   • If you choose option 2 for the posters, you will need to place the posters up within the school and you have the option of placing the posters near select staff members who will have time to quickly introduce themselves to the students as they encounter the posters.  This is a great opportunity for students to build connections with adults within the school.
     
     
2. To start the class —welcome students and complete any opening routines you usually do as a class.
   
   
3. Use the slideshow included above to introduce the Indigenous Peoples in Canada activity.  Ask students to return to their seats upon completing their charts. 
   
   
4. Circulate the posters as students complete their charts.
   
   
5. Once students are back in their seats, allow students to share their responses for each station. Ensure you have reviewed their responses prior to the students sharing to ensure cultural safety. Use the slideshow and videos provided to help students add to their charts as needed. You may decide to change the images on the stations prior to this activity. Ensure to avoid cultural appropriation when selecting images and sharing information. For example, the information shared about the qulliq (Inuit lamp) in the slideshow is provided in a video by an Inuk woman.  
   
   
6. Provide time in class for students to complete the exit questions, or share the question with students to consider and provide time in the next class for them to generate their responses.