RICHMOND SCHOOL DISTRICT #38

DISTRICT CONVENTION, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2011

ABORIGINAL EDUCATION WORKSHOPS:

Engaging Aboriginal Perspectives in the Classroom: A Guide for Non-Aboriginal

Teachers (Jeannie Kerr) Target audience: Primary/ Intermediate ( Location: B114) Session #1 8:30-9:45
Description: Many teachers recognize the importance of bringing in Aboriginal knowledge and
perspectives into the classroom, but do not feel they have the background or experience to
implement Aboriginal curriculum in knowledgeable ways. This workshop considers how non-
Aboriginal teachers can begin to implement aboriginal content in the classroom in ways that honour
students and families.

Teaching BC First Nations Studies 12 (Andrea Davidson)

Target audience: Secondary ( Location: B114) Session #2 10:15-11:30
Description: The session will explain how the course meets a variety of graduation requirements as
well as university entrance requirements. A summary of the content will be presented and resources/
support services will be shared. There will be a Q & A at the end.

Community Connections: Aboriginal Communities and Schools (Jill Baird)

Target audience: Intermediate/ Secondary ( Location: A110) Session #2 10:15-11:30
Description: A presentation of the education programs offered at the Museum of Anthropology. A
guide to on-line resources at MOA and a discussion of the potential of working with the Aboriginal
community.

High Interest Theme Books: Strategies for Struggling Readers Using Authentic
Aboriginal Stories (Bertha Lansdowne) ( Location: B121) Session #2 10:15-11:30
Target Audience: Intermediate/ Secondary teachers, Support staff and Resource teachers.
Description: This session focuses on Aboriginal texts that are rich in imagery and contain distinctive
Aboriginal themes. The strategies are designed to allow teachers flexibility so that they can select
strategies that are most appropriate for their students. The content recognizes the values, beliefs,
traditions, history and language of Aboriginal peoples. This session is hands-on, and includes a
“Make and Take” component.

First Nations Talking Circle: Teachings of the Medicine Pouch (Roberta Price)
Target audience: all levels ( Location: A102) Session #3 11:45-1:00
Description: Beginning with a traditional Talking Circle, Ms. Price will share the historical teachings of
the medicine pouch. A short question and answer period will be followed by the creation of your own
medicine pouch.

Learning about First Nations: What's YOUR Big Idea? (Terry Rolph)
Target Audience: Grade 4/5 Teachers and EAs working in such a classroom ( Location: B121) Session #3 11:45-1:00
Description: The Grade 4/5 Social Studies curriculum offers so many opportunities to explore
Canadian history from different perspectives; one can never tire of it. The First Nations cultures are
rich in spiritual, environmental and technological wisdoms that are more and more relevant to present
day life. This session is one teacher's approach to the study of Early Canada, using Understanding by
Design principles.

Aboriginal Astronomy (Angus Stuart)

Target audience: K-12 ( Location: D148) Session #3 11:45-1:00
Description: Discover the connections between Aboriginal education and astronomy. The session will
include an overview of SD36’s Aboriginal Astronomy Kit, and ideas for connecting culture with
academic and behavioral learning.

WATCH FOR EXHIBITORS AND VENDORS:

Cedar Root Gallery: Aboriginal jewelry
Kidsbooks: Storybooks with Aboriginal content and themes
Directions 7: Aboriginal art and carvings
Debbie Hunt: Aboriginal jewelry

Aboriginal Tourism Association of B.C.