November is Indigenous Education Month, a time to learn more about Indigenous perspectives, histories and cultures. This month, we encourage you to take time in your schools and communities to understand and uplift Indigenous perspectives. Indigenous communities have and continue to protect and care for the environment. As educators, you have an important role to facilitate these crucial teachings in your classroom. Listed below, we have highlighted different resources to help you and your students discover more!
Resources for in The Classroom
Sila and the Land is a powerful book written by three Indigenous youth who share a common goal: to offer their unique perspectives on climate change. The authors, Shelby Angalik from Nunavut, Ariana Roundpoint from Akwesasne and Lindsay DuPré, invite readers to explore the relationship between people, land, and the environment. The book also includes incredible illustrations by Halie Finney.
This book provides an opportunity for learners to dive into different important lessons about the land’s significance and our shared responsibility to protect it, guided by Indigenous teachings. This book can be purchased from the Outdoor Learning Store.
Additionally, GreenLearning has developed a range of lessons that can deepen learners' engagement with the book. These lessons are tailored for grades 1 to 8 and expand on broader messages about climate change and the environment. The lessons can be found here.
Climate Change Policy and Indigenous Relations
This activity is perfect for students in grades 9-12! Learners will understand policy in the context of Indigenous relations, be able to think critically about engagement when designing policies and much more. The full list of learning outcomes and curriculum connections can be found here!
Attend Upcoming Events
Braiding Sweetgrass for Educators
The 4 session course starts this January with the award-winning and best-selling Indigenous author, Monique Gray Smith, who adapted Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults! Monique will take educators on a learning journey, exploring the 6 sections of Braiding Sweetgrass for Youth Adults and the chapters within each of them, including key content for students. Make sure to sign up here!
The Gathering is Indigenous Clean Energy’s annual pinnacle event that brings together energy leaders from across Turtle Island to catalyze meaningful conversations and partnerships for a just energy transition. Participants from coast to coast are invited to join this unique event to connect and re-energize. Learn more about this incredible event here!
Whispers of the Earth: A Journey through Indigenous Wisdom - Virtual Book Launch
In this short and sweet 30 minute book launch you will get to meet the authors, Launa Purcell and Carl Sam, and listen to the Whispers of the Earth. Experience learning from many of our other relatives and experiencing Indigenous language and wisdom as you journey through this beautiful book. Learn more here.
4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning
Beginning in the Fall and running until the Spring, the 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning course is offered in partnership with over 50 non-profit organizations. It supports participants in deepening their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives while strengthening connections with the local Land and supporting more respectful, reciprocal relationships. Make sure to register by November 30th here!
More Ways To Learn
In partnership with Indigenous Clean Energy, Six Nations of the Grand River, and Plug ‘N Drive, we had the opportunity to witness electric vehicles and the level three charging station being installed in the Six Nations of the Grand River Community. Watch the video Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations with Six Nations of the Grand River to learn more about this exciting project.
We also partnered with Indigenous Clean Energy for the amazing video Solar Energy Transition with Six Nations of the Grand River. In this video, we connected with Matt Jamieson and the Six Nations Development Corporation to discuss their experience in solar energy and the opportunities that lie within.
This month gives up the opportunity to honour Indigenous histories, amplify Indigenous community voices and address structural inequalities. We encourage you to take time this month and every month to incorporate Indigenous teachings into your classroom to help build a better future for all.