Mi'kmaq artist uses Art as vehicle for change

"Art is a very powerful way to send a message"
http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/alan-syliboy-mikmaq-artist-st-francis-xavier-university-1.3601875

"Alan Syliboy has been appointed as the 2016 Coady Chair of Social Justice at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, N.He plans to use his art to address environmental issues, missing and murdered Indigenous women and First Nations' housing issues. The Coady Chair of Social Justice was founded five years ago and looks to foster ways of solving local and global problems through different disciplines."

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Kids Learn Culture and Language at Surrey's Indigenous Preschool

Many families are hungry for cultural experiences
http://thetyee.ca/News/2015/02/13/Surrey-Indigenous-Preschool/

"Growing up, Terri Shouting, a member of southern Alberta's Blood Tribe, received little education about her Aboriginal background. Today as a mother of three young children in Surrey, B.C., she feels lucky to have a free preschool nearby where her kids have gained exposure to Coast Salish culture and its Halq'eméylem language.

"We never had any of the Aboriginal aspect growing up," said Shouting. All three of her children have attended Awahsuk Aboriginal Head Start program in Surrey's North Whalley neighbourhood.

"It just feels right," she said. "It's somewhere you belong to -- I'm never uncomfortable here."

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Visiting the Mattie Mitchell Monument

Ta'n me'j jilaptoq Mattie Mitchell
Some pictures of our great-great-grandfather's monument, taken by my cousin Matt.

Canada's History - Aboriginal History

Intriguing and informative books on FNMI peoples and issues
http://www.canadashistory.ca/Books/Reading-Lists/Aboriginal-History


A selection of  titles, many of which have been reviewed in Canada's History magazine.

"Among the Culture and Society titles, you'll find books on art and literature, the histories of particular peoples, and the challenges faced by Native peoples and cultures across the continent. Biographies tell of well-known historical figures such as Big Bear and Louis Riel, but also the stories of key personalities such as Frank Calder and the unique lives of people such as Marie Rose Delorme Smith. Other books examine how First Peoples have been impacted by and, sometimes, have in turn helped to shape political decisions, legal processes, and the education system."

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Mi’kmaq Creation Story - lesson activity

How life began for all things

http://www.fourdirectionsteachings.com/mikmaq_junior.pdf

Learn about the Mi'kmaq Creation Story as it describes how life began for all things. This process occurred in seven stages or levels of creation and is described by Stephen Augustine, a  Mi'kmaq elder.

Suggestions are included for how to integrate other subject areas into this lesson.

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Expressions: Canadian Aboriginal Artists.

An overview of the breadth and range of Aboriginal art

http://canadacouncil.ca/~/media/files/resources/expressionscanadacouncilsm.pdf

"The Canada Council for the Arts is pleased to present Expressions: Canadian Aboriginal Artists. This publication aims to honour the work of First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists in each region of the country. The success of these artists speaks to their creativity, innovation and strength as Aboriginal peoples: authors, musicians, filmmakers, dancers, actors and visual artists."

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First Nations Principles and the Circle of Courage

The Science of Raising Courageous Kids

 http://martinbrokenleg.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/12_1_Brokenleg_Van_Bockern.pdf

"The Circle of Courage is a holistic approach to reclaiming youth, which is grounded in resilience science and in values of deep respect for the dignity of children and youth. This article identifies the core assumptions of the Circle of Courage model and its research foundation in positive youth development. In order to thrive, all children need the opportunity to be reared in schools and communities that cultivate belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity."

Other articles: http://martinbrokenleg.com/articles

A video summary of the first article:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PgrfCVCt_A

Dr. Martin Brokenleg's presentation of the Circle of Courage at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings held May 17 2013 in Williams Lake. Produced for School District 27 Cariboo-Chilcotin.

(9 min)

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Indian Reading Series: Stories and Legends of the Northwest

140 culturally relevant stories

http://apps.educationnorthwest.org/indianreading/index.html

Written and illustrated by First Nations authors and artists from the US, these short "readers" are a source of traditional stories. (Note: in Canada, the phrase "First Nations" is preferred over the term "Indian".)

"In 1972, the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory received funding from the National Institute of Education for the development of a community-based reading and language arts program especially for Indian children. Twelve Northwest Indian reservations actively participated in the program from its beginning. For the next 11 years, the NWREL Indian Reading & Language Development Program produced 140 culturally relevant stories written by local Indian authors and illustrated by Indian artists."

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People of the Beautiful River

The Maliseets of Viger

https://vimeo.com/123337433

Trailer to a documentary:

"This documentary recreates an important historical event, a plot by the Langevin brothers that caused the Maliseets of Viger to lose their ancestral lands. At that time, the Maliseets of Viger lived a nomadic lifestyle and survived by fishing and hunting on their land. Following the loss of their land, the Maliseets of Viger dispersed and their population slowly decreased."

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APTNDigitalNations - YouTube Channel

Short clips on FNMI customs and practices

https://www.youtube.com/user/APTNDigitalNations/videos

Learn more about First Nations, Métis and Inuit customs and practices via these short video clips from APTN Digital Nations.

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