The resources outlined here are aimed at guiding teachers to be more knowledgable about Idle No More and the issues First Nations peoples are seeking to find solutions for.
This is by no means a complete list of the resources available on these topics, and I hope to continue to add to this list in the furture.
TEACHER RESOURCES
Resources to help you be informed and teach the content better!
Books for educators
Caduto, M., and Bruchac, J. (1989). Keepers of the Earth: Native Stories and Environmental Activities for Children. Saskatoon: Fifth House Pubishers.
This book offers a wealth of knowledge, stories, and activities on First Nations cultures and their connections to the land. This resource has activities geared towards all grade levels, so there is sure to be something that would work for your classroom, or you could adapt those aimed at lower or higher grades to suit your needs. Activites come from a variety of First Nations groups, which could also lend itself to examining the similarties and differences of perspeactives within the First Nations culture.
Kino-nda-niimi Collective. (2014). The Winter We Danced: Voices from the Past, the Furture, and the Idle No More Movement. Winnipeg: ARP Books.
In this book you'll find a collection of stories, poems, artwork, song lyrics, and photographs from the Idle No More movement. As this book is assembled as a collection, as opposed to a typical book of chapters of information, it is easily accessible to any reader wishing to learn more about the Idle No More Movement. Authors and Artists featured in this book may also spark interest in the reader, which could then be brought to the classroom as items to further investigate by the students.
Coates, K. (2015). #Idlenomore and the Remaking of Canada. Regina: University of Regina Press.
In this book you'll be taken on a reflective of the Idle No More movement, and how it has sparked a genuine change in the First Nations peoples of Canada. While examining the history, the public perception, and actions of the movement, Coates explores how and why this movement is still continuing and what is behind it all. This is a fantastic book for educators as it truly gives the whole story about what Idle No More is all about. Though it would be difficult to directly integrate this book into the classroom, the information gained by the teacher will surely aid in creating a more equitable view, as the teacher will be more knowledgable about the issues.
Goulet, L., and Goulet, M. (2014). Teaching Each Other: Nehinuw concepts & Indigenous pedagogies. Vancouver: UBC Press.
This is an exceptional book that offers new views on the pedagogies of teaching Indigenous education in our classrooms, attempting to get teachers to move beyond the surface, and somewhat cliche, format that is often seen in schools. The authors specifically address how to teach First Nations students, which is often problematic in today's classrooms when a great majority of teachers are not from a First Nations background. This is a great book to look at how you can begin to decolonize your own teaching, bring in honest Indigenous identity, and providing appropriate accommodations and adaptations to students.
This first part of the 8th Fire series has a lot of "basic" information about the history of First Nations in Canada. Broadcaster, Wab Kinew, will take you on a journey of all that you thought you knew about our country. A great place to start!
Check out the Classroom Resources page for more great ideas!
Lee, M. (2012). Enbridge Pipe Dreams and Nightmares The Economic Costs and Benefits of the Proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline. Vancouver: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
Online Document
Despite its title, this resource does examine both sides of the BC Pipeline issue and lays out the facts. The document is easy to read, and could easily be used by students to find factual information.
Walden, Z. & Rozhon, J. (2012) Oil Spills and First Nations: Exploring Environmental and Land Issues Surrounding the Northern Gateway Pipeline. Canadian Energy Research Institute.
If you're looking to be informed on what exactly the whole controversy regarding the BC Pipeline is, this e-book is your source. Produced in a fairly unbiased tone, this resource sheds light on the issues, and also provides a wealth of information about the pipeline process. While the document as a whole is not suitable for student use, there are portions which could be utlized in student research.