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Neekna and Chemai

Elementary, Middle

Description

The special relationship between First Nations peoples and Mother Earth is honoured in this traditional story about two young girls discovering their cultural identity. As their community travels to seasonal food gathering camps, Neekna and Chemai share in intergenerational learning of ceremonies and practices that respect the land. This book provides an authentic introduction to the values that sustain indigenous stewardship of the natural world while encouraging students to examine personal beliefs about conservation.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

The story of Neekna and Chemai supports science and social studies outcomes related to traditional ecological knowledge, seasonal change and cultural identity. The story would be a valuable tool in National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations by providing the framework for hands-on activities where students experience indigenous customs with First Nations community members. 

The theme of caring for humans by caring for the land could also initiate a number of classroom action projects such as planting a “bee friendly” garden, advocating for reduced pesticide use or creating a school green space that supports mental health by providing a quiet meditation area for students and staff.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Languages and Cultures
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Blackfoot Language and Culture: Community Membership
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Exploring connections strengthens our understandings of relationships to help us make meaning of the world.
    • Grade 5
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Languages and Cultures
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Blackfoot Language and Culture: Community Membership
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Students investigate climate and describe the interactions between the Sun, water, air, and land.
  • British Columbia
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    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
  • Manitoba
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Languages and Cultures
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Other Cultures: Connections and Influences
        • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Specific Aboriginal Culture
    • Grade 5
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Languages and Cultures
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Other Cultures: Connections and Influences
        • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Specific Aboriginal Culture
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Languages and Cultures
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Other Cultures: Connections and Influences
        • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Specific Aboriginal Culture
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Diversity of Living Things
  • New Brunswick
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Wayfinding: Making sense of your world: Learning and Living Sustainably
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Diversity of Life
  • Northwest Territories
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Systems: Diversity of Living Things
  • Nova Scotia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 6: Diversity of Life
  • Nunavut
  • Prince Edward Island
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    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Diversity of Life
  • Saskatchewan
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    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 6: Life Science: Diversity of Living Things
  • Yukon Territory
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    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (1)

  • Appreciating the Natural World

Indigenous Knowledge (2)

  • Rituals, Spirituality and Worldviews
  • TEK -- Traditional Ecological Knowledge