Grade 11 Lesson: Interdependence and First Nations

General Learner Expectations

Generalization: Prior to European contact, Aboriginal nations were interdependent with one another for a variety of means

Rationale: It is imperative when developing a complete understanding of Aboriginal Peoples' history in Canada to understand how Aboriginal nations were sovereign prior to European contact. However, Aboriginal nations did rely on one another for trade alliances, sharing of technology, communication and migration.

Knowledge:

• Analyze the political systems of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Dene, Plains Indians and Woodland Cree
• Research the trade relationships between the above mentioned groups
• Examine methods of transportation, communication and migration

Skills

• Develop a detailed chart based on research findings of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Dene, Plains Indians and Woodland Cree
• Illustrate differences in decision making and trading patterns
• Develop search and retrieval skills

Attitude

• Develop an appreciation for the sovereignty of Aboriginal peoples and the methods they used to communicate and form trade alliances
• Participate, in a positive manner, in group discussion

Intro Activity

Begin the class discussion by showing a map of Alberta as an overhead (as well as distributing a map) that highlights the regions/territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Dene, Plains Indians, and Woodland Cree. The intent of this activity is for students to recognize the boundaries between groups and identify who would have been most likely to interact, whether it was positive or negative contact.

Main Lesson

Divide students into four groups: Blackfoot Confederacy, Dene, Plains Indians and Woodland Cree. In their groups students will research politics (decision making), economics (trade relationships and allies), the kind of technology being utilized (such as canoe or dog travois), communication forms (language, art, methods) and migration patterns. Allow students to chose the method of delivering their information based on the following choices

1. Live presentation where the students act out the information in the form of a skit that includes diagrams and charts
2. Written format (research paper) that includes diagrams, charts, and complete bibliography
3. Artistic interpretation such as posters or a model that includes facts and data

Students should focus on recognizing that while each group was sovereign they were also interdependent on other Aboriginal groups.

Each group will be responsible for developing a method for sharing their discoveries with their fellow classmates in a manner that will allow for comparison, contrast and future study purposes.

Students will also be responsible for working together in a group setting and participating equally in the project. Students will have an opportunity to grade one another based on their performance within the group. Incorporate these marks into the final grade for each student to increase individual accountability within the group.