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First Nations of Alberta

A Web site for the Summer Intensive ESL Program at NorQuest College

 
 

For this project, you will work with a partner to produce a poster and make a presentation to the class on ONE topic related to the First Nations of Alberta.

Choose your topic from the list of topics below. They are divided into Challenging, More Challenging and The Most Challenging. Those topics that are more complex or that have more difficult readings are the more challenging ones.  You should choose a topic that interests you but also one that is somewhat challenging for you. If you wish to choose a topic that is not listed here, talk to your teacher to get permission.

Each topic has some links to Web sites that will help you get started. You may find other resources on the Web, in the library, or from the media to help you. You will also find the links on the Treasure Hunt page helpful.

Produce a poster: Together, you and your partner will make a poster that visually portrays your topic. You may use pictures, drawings, and words to help others to understand the topic you have chosen. All the posters will be judged by a panel of judges and a prize will be awarded to the best one. The posters will be judged on creativity, effectiveness and accuracy.

Make a presentation: You and  your partner will make a presentation to the class. In  your presentation you will share what you have learned about your topic and help your classmates to know a little more about the First Nations of Alberta. Each of you will present on a different part of the topic and so you each should speak for half of the time. You will provide your classmates with  4-5 comprehension questions that cover the main ideas of your presentation. You will each be graded on your part of the presentation. As well you will both be graded on the overall presentation, so you will need to work together.
 
 
 

Challenging

The Tipi: 

Learn more about what the First Nations homes were like. What were they made of? How did they make them? How is the space inside used? What is the significance of the paintings on the outside?

http://collections.ic.gc.ca/luxton/sect_3/3c.htm

http://www.glenbow.org/blackfoot/intro_eng.htm

http://www.shelterpub.com/_shelter/www_teepee.html

http://www.kstrom.net/isk/maps/houses/tipi.html
 

Storytelling

Storytelling was an important part of the First Nations cultures. Find out why. Who were the storytellers? When did they tell stories and what were their stories about? Read some of their stories. 

http://www.civilization.ca/aborig/storytel/introeng.html (click on Metis-Cree)

http://www.atc97.org/kids/Stories.htm

http://www.kstrom.net/isk/stories/Plainsmyths.html

More Challenging

Clothing

What did the First Nations people wear? What did the hunters wear? How did they make their clothes? How did they decorate them?

http://www.civilization.ca/aborig/mocasin/mocmaine.html

http://collections.ic.gc.ca/luxton/sect_3/3d.htm

http://collections.ic.gc.ca/luxton/sect_3/3e.htm

http://collections.ic.gc.ca/luxton/sect_2/2c.htm
 

The Blackfoot

The Blackfoot tribe was one of the main First Nations in what is now Alberta. Read about their society, their customs, their lifestyle.

http://ccins.camosun.bc.ca/~conklin/pages/martin/html/blackfoot.htm

http://www.head-smashed-in.com/black.html

http://www.ammsa.com/buffalospirit/2003/footprints-crowfoot.html

http://www.native-languages.org/blackfoot.htm
 

The Most Challenging

Native Spirituality

First Nations people did not have a religion. Their spiritual beliefs were an integral part of their daily life. Find out more about what they believed and how it affected their activities and their celebrations. 

http://collections.ic.gc.ca/luxton/spirit.htm

http://www.religioustolerance.org/nataspir.htm

http://www.rcmp.ca/ccaps/spirit_e.htm
 
 

The Fur Trade

The fur trade brought the Europeans to Western Canada. How did the business of trading furs begin? What did they trade? What were the benefits and problems for the Europeans? For the First Nations?

http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/firstnations/encounters.html

http://www.canadiana.org/hbc/intro_e.html

Treaties

The government of Canada made agreements, or treaties,  with the First Nations people in what is now Alberta. Why did they do this? What did they want? What did the First Nations want? Did they get what they wanted?

http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/firstnations/treaty.html

http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/pr/trts/hti/site/imindex_e.html (pictures)

http://www.otc.ca/library.html (choose streaming media to see a video)
 
 

Residential Schools

In the late 1800s the government began a program of education for First Nations children. They took children from their families and communities and forced them to live in schools. Why did they do this? What were these schools like? What was it like for the children?  What is happening today because of these schools?

http://www.schoolnet.ca/aboriginal/issues/schools-e.html

http://www.irsr-rqpi.gc.ca/english/questions.html#1

http://generalsynod.anglican.ca/ministries/rs/overview.html