Lesson Plan: Current Aboriginal Issues

Lesson Plan

Introduction

In 1928, church-run, government-funded residential schools for native children were supposed to prepare them for life in white society. Instead, life in these schools meant separation from family, denigration of aboriginal culture, and in many cases, physical and sexual abuse. Dealing with the horror of residential schools is only one of many issues that face Canada's aboriginals today.

The Task

Students will investigate issues currently being discussed and resolved in the aboriginal community and prepare a presentation for a symposium on those issues. Students will do their research individually, then come together as groups on similar topics to share their research and discuss proposed solutions. The download sheet Aboriginal Issues will serve to focus the students' research and thinking.

The Process

Students should begin their research on the topic A Lost Heritage: Canada's Residential Schools on the CBC Digital Archives website. Students should review the site thoroughly and make full use of the Related Topics from CBC's Digital Archives. Students should then expand their research to include other Internet resources they find relevant and helpful. While researching the material, students should take notes on the download sheet and must note all resources they consult and cite all resources they quote.

Conclusion

After groups have prepared their presentation for the symposium, allow students to present and discuss their findings. You might invite a member of a local aboriginal community to attend and comment on the issues and his or her responses to them. Students should be encouraged to listen and ask questions.