Discovering Indigenous Peoples in Canada

Social Studies Grades 1st Grade 2:28 Video
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Lesson Description

This lesson introduces first-grade students to the concept of Indigenous peoples in Canada, focusing on their history, diversity, and cultural contributions.

Video Resource

The word Indigenous — explained l CBC Kids News

CBC Kids News

Duration: 2:28
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Indigenous peoples are the first people to live in a place.
  • Canada has different groups of Indigenous peoples: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
  • Each Indigenous nation has its own unique culture, language, and traditions.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define 'Indigenous' and explain that Indigenous people were the first inhabitants of Canada.
  • Students will be able to identify the three main Indigenous groups in Canada: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
  • Students will be able to recognize that different Indigenous nations have unique cultures and languages.
  • Students will be able to identify contributions of Indigenous cultures on Canada such as the word Canada, canoes and kayaks.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they know what the word 'Indigenous' means. Explain that 'Indigenous' means the first people to live in a place. Tell them we will be learning about the Indigenous peoples of Canada.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the YouTube video 'The word Indigenous — explained l CBC Kids News'. Encourage students to pay attention to the different Indigenous groups mentioned and what makes them unique.
  • Discussion (10 mins)
    After the video, facilitate a class discussion about what the students learned. Use the discussion questions below to guide the conversation.
  • Interactive Activity: Map It Out! (15 mins)
    Using a map of Canada, point out the areas where First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities are located. Have students color or label these areas to reinforce their understanding. If time allots, have students draw a picture of an item or tradition they learned about from the video.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson. Remind students that Indigenous peoples have a rich history and culture that continues to shape Canada today.

Interactive Exercises

  • Indigenous Word Search
    Create a word search puzzle with key terms like 'Indigenous,' 'First Nations,' 'Métis,' 'Inuit,' 'Canada,' and 'Culture.'
  • Drawing Indigenous Contributions
    Have each student draw their favorite contribution that Indigenous people have made to Canada and write a sentence about what they drew.

Discussion Questions

  • What does the word 'Indigenous' mean?
  • Who are the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit?
  • Why is it important to respect the different cultures and languages of Indigenous peoples?
  • What contributions have Indigenous cultures had on Canada?

Skills Developed

  • Listening Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Cultural Awareness

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does 'Indigenous' mean?

Correct Answer: The first people in a place

Question 2:

Which group is NOT an Indigenous group in Canada?

Correct Answer: Canadians

Question 3:

What makes each Indigenous nation special?

Correct Answer: Their culture and language

Question 4:

Where do the Inuit people live?

Correct Answer: In the Arctic

Question 5:

Canada is called what by some of the First Nation's people?

Correct Answer: Kanata

Question 6:

What is a traditional boat that has Indigenous origins?

Correct Answer: A canoe

Question 7:

The descendants of First Nations peoples and the European settlers who came to Canada are called what?

Correct Answer: Metis

Question 8:

If you don't know someone's nation, what is a good word to describe them?

Correct Answer: Indigenous

Question 9:

Which of the following is a First Nation?

Correct Answer: Algonquin

Question 10:

About how many people identify as Indigenous in Canada?

Correct Answer: 1.4 million

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The first people to live in a place are called ________ people.

Correct Answer: Indigenous

Question 2:

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit are three different ________ groups in Canada.

Correct Answer: Indigenous

Question 3:

Each Indigenous nation has its own unique ________ and language.

Correct Answer: Culture

Question 4:

The Inuit live in the ________ part of Canada.

Correct Answer: Arctic

Question 5:

The word Canada comes from the ________ First Nations word kanata.

Correct Answer: Iroquois

Question 6:

Some First Nations would rather be called by their ________ name.

Correct Answer: Nation

Question 7:

The ________ group is the largest and most varied Indigenous group.

Correct Answer: First Nations

Question 8:

The Metis are descendants of First Nations people and ________ settlers.

Correct Answer: European

Question 9:

There are over 50 different ________ with 50 different languages.

Correct Answer: Nations

Question 10:

Indigenous people have lived in Canada for over 12,000 ________.

Correct Answer: Years

Educational Standards

SOC.1.1.2.5:Describe community customs and traditions as basic elements of culture. SOC.1.1.3.2:Describe the contributions of people and groups who have shaped our history and ways we commemorate important places and events of the past.

Teaching Materials

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