The Grandfather Teachings (JUNE)
Exploring the Grandfather Teachings
June is National Indigenous History Month. Perhaps you are looking for an entry point for the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, or culture in your classroom? Are you hesitating because you aren’t sure what is accurate and appropriate? “The Grandfather Teachings” is a collection that can act as a first step for teachers who are uncertain of where to start.
This Collection introduces the Grandfather Teachings, a set of traditional laws and values held by the Anishinaabeg of Turtle Island. These teachings are followed by many other First Nations. You may see slight variations of these teachings depending on who is sharing and what teachings they received.
How to Use This Collection
One of my family teachings is to share, especially knowledge and wisdom. I wanted to help create a collection that teachers could use without hesitation in the classroom that honours Indigenous culture in an accessible way. As the Grandfather Teachings are foundational in Anishinaabe culture, this is a great place to start exploring Indigenous perspectives in the classroom and to help re-build relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Teachers can use this collection to inspire students to look inwards at their own sets of values and family teachings in English class. Students can create their own stories, songs, videos, or graphics to express their personal culture and identity.
During Social Studies, students can investigate how Indigenous peoples, especially youth, reclaimed their traditional identities after residential schools forcefully deprived Indigenous children of their culture and ceremonies. This includes reclaiming cultural teachings like the Grandfather Teachings.
The Grandfather Teachings can springboard research by looking at traditional teaching lodge structures and materials in Science. Last year, the Indigenous community in Winnipeg built a teaching lodge at The Forks. The building of this particular lodge is also an example of cultural reclamation.
My Favourite Collections
If students have more questions about Indigenous culture, look to the following collections and Learning Objects in Edwin:
Appreciate Cultural Diversity - Explore the value of appreciating other cultures and creating a more peaceful future in this collection. Explore Collection
Gaming to Learn About Culture - Students learn about the Minecraft world that was created by educators and Elders to teach Anishinaabe culture in this collection. Explore Collection
What Were the Spiritual Practices and Beliefs of Indigenous Peoples? Explore Collection
How was the Environment Important to First Nations Peoples? Explore Collection
What Was Life Like for Inuit Before European Contact? Explore Collection
Under One Sun: The Kinship Edition. Explore Collection
