Lesson Class #: 1 Course Social Studies 5

Title/Focus Blackfoot Peoples Mar 8, 2023

PROGRAM OF STUDY OUTCOMES

● What do the stories of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples tell us about their
beliefs
regarding the relationship between people and the land? (I, CC, TCC, LPP)
● How are the Aboriginal cultures and ways of life unique in each of the western,
northern,
central and eastern regions of Canada? (I, CC, TCC)
● How were the natural environment and geography of each region of Canada
determining factors of the diversity among Aboriginal groups (e.g., languages,
symbolism)? (LPP, TCC)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson students will be able to:
• Students will be able to describe the beliefs of Blackfoot peoples regarding
the relationship between people and the land.
• Students will be able to identify the unique cultural aspects of Aboriginal
groups in the western, northern, central and eastern regions of Canada.
• Students will be able to explain how the natural environment and geography
of each region of Canada shaped the diversity among Aboriginal groups.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

● • Blackfoot creation story
● • Map of Canada
● • Pictures of different regions of Canada
● • Art supplies (paper, pencils, markers, crayons)

PREPARATION AND LOGISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

● Research and preparation: Before teaching this lesson, it's important to do

thorough research on Blackfoot beliefs, culture, and history. This can include
reading books and articles, watching videos, and consulting with Blackfoot
 elders or other community members. This will ensure that the lesson is
accurate and respectful.
● Sensitivity and respect: It's important to approach this topic with sensitivity
and respect for Blackfoot culture and history. Emphasize the importance of
cultural understanding and appreciation, and encourage students to ask
questions and engage in open dialogue.

PROCEDURE
Introduction Time

● Begin the lesson by asking students to share what they know 10 min
about the Blackfoot people and their relationship with the land.
● Explain that today, they will learn more about the Blackfoot people
and their beliefs about the land.
● Introduce the essential question: "What do the stories of First
Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples tell us about their beliefs
regarding the relationship between people and the land?"

Body Time

Story 15 min

1. Share the Blackfoot creation story with the

students:

According to Blackfoot legend, the creator, Napi, was walking on the earth when
he saw a great buffalo bull. The buffalo bull spoke to him and told him that he was
going to create a beautiful land for the Blackfoot people. Napi was excited to hear
this and asked the buffalo bull how he was going to create this land. The buffalo
bull told Napi to gather up some soil from the ground and bring it to him.

Napi did as he was told, and the buffalo bull took the soil and began to knead it
with his hooves. As he did this, the soil began to grow and grow until it became a
great land with rolling hills, deep valleys, and rushing rivers. The buffalo bull then
told Napi to go and find a special rock, which he did. The buffalo bull took the rock
and broke it into smaller pieces, creating the mountains and the stones that dot
the landscape.

The buffalo bull then told Napi that he was going to create the plants and animals
that would inhabit this beautiful land. Napi watched as the buffalo bull created the
grasses and the trees, the birds and the animals, each one perfectly suited to the
land that had been created.
 Finally, the buffalo bull turned to Napi and told him that he was going to create the
Blackfoot people to live on this land. The buffalo bull took a piece of the earth and
shaped it into the first Blackfoot man. He then took another piece of the earth and
shaped it into the first Blackfoot woman. The buffalo bull breathed life into the
man and the woman, and they were alive.

The Blackfoot people were grateful to the buffalo bull for creating this beautiful
land for them. They believed that the land and all the plants and animals on it were
gifts from the creator, and that it was their duty to take care of them. They lived in
harmony with the land and all its inhabitants, knowing that it was their
responsibility to protect and preserve this gift for future generations.

2. , and have them draw a picture of what they

think the story represents.

Slideshow 1. This will help provide students information 20 min

on how unique Blackfoot people are
compared to other groups and how not
indigenous people are the same.
2. https://www.canva.com/design/
DAFcX2ec1lY/Zr7hc-pFQ_-lOyNPEOg8IQ/
edit?
utm_content=DAFcX2ec1lY&utm_campaign=
designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_sourc
e=sharebutton

Conclusion Time

15 min

● Summarize the main points of the lesson, and remind students of

the essential question.
● Ask the students to reflect on what they learned and how they can
apply their knowledge of the Blackfoot people and their
relationship with the land to their own lives. With an exit slip on
 slide show, only have them do two questions .

Assessment
● Students' drawings of the Blackfoot creation story will be assessed for their
creativity and accuracy.
● • Students' reflections on how they can apply their knowledge of the Blackfoot
people and their relationship with the land to their own lives will be assessed
for their thoughtfulness and understanding.