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Four Directions Teachings

Secondary

Description

Four Directions Teachings is a visually stunning, audio narrated resource for learning about indigenous knowledge and philosophy from five diverse First Nations in Canada.

Four Directions Teachings honours oral tradition by creating an environment where visitors are encouraged to listen as each elder/traditional teacher shares a teaching from their perspective on the richness and value of cultural traditions from their culture.

Teachers may select any combination of videos representing the traditions of the five First Nations and further explore their chosen focus with the help of the accompanying age-appropriate lesson plans.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

Four Directions Teaching has particular relevance for those courses that focus on Aboriginal language and culture and will help to instill cultural pride in Aboriginal communities, especially among Aboriginal youth. It also may be used to introduce a broader student audience to the Aboriginal worldview. 

Teachers have considerable flexibility in using the resource as it provides insight into particular cultural elements of five First Nations and supports the interactive video component with lesson plans. 

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.

  • Step 1Select a province
  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Social Studies 10 -Canada and the World: 1914 to the Present : The development of political institutions is influenced by economic, social, ideological, and geographic factors.
        • Social Studies 10 -Canada and the World: 1914 to the Present: Historical and contemporary injustices challenge the narrative and identity of Canada as an inclusive, multicultural society
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • B.C. First Peoples: Cultural expressions convey the richness, diversity, and resiliency of B.C. First Peoples.
        • Contemporary Indigenous Studies: The identities, worldviews, and languages of indigenous peoples are renewed, sustained, and transformed through their connection to the land.
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Aboriginal Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Indigenous Studies 120: History Culture of Wabanaki
        • Indigenous Studies 120: Worldview
  • Northwest Territories
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Northern Studies 10: Module 1: Northern Identity
  • Nova Scotia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Aboriginal Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Mi'Kmaq Studies: Culture
        • Mi’Kmaq: Spituality
  • Nunavut
  • Ontario
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Aboriginal Languages and Cultures
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Native Languages Level 2 (Open): Oral Communication
        • Native Languages, Level 1, (Open): Oral Communication
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Aboriginal Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Issues and Perspectives (univ./college prep.) Cultural Identity and Cultural Continuity
        • World Views and Aspirations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities in Canada ( Workplace prep.):Reclamation and Reconciliation
        • World Views and Aspirations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities in Canada (College prep.): Understanding and Respecting World Views and Cultural Diversity
        • World Views and Aspirations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities in Canada (College prep.):Reclamation and Reconciliation
        • World Views and Aspirations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities in Canada (Workplace prep.) Understanding and Respecting World Views and Cultural Diversity
      • Religious Education
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • World Religions and Belief Traditions in Daily Life (Open): Sacred Stories and Writings
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Aboriginal Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Contemporary Indigenous Issues and Perspectives in a Global Context, (Univ./College prep.): Indigenous Peoples and Perspectives
  • Prince Edward Island
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Canadian Studies 401A: Canada's Cultural Mosaic
  • Saskatchewan
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Aboriginal Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Native Studies 10: Identity and Worldviews, Aboriginal Perspectives
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Aboriginal Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Native Studies 20: Development
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Social Studies 10 -Canada and the World: 1914 to the Present : The development of political institutions is influenced by economic, social, ideological, and geographic factors.
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • B.C. First Peoples: Cultural expressions convey the richness, diversity, and resiliency of B.C. First Peoples.
        • Contemporary Indigenous Studies: The identities, worldviews, and languages of indigenous peoples are renewed, sustained, and transformed through their connection to the land.

Themes Addressed

  • Indigenous Knowledge (2)

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