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They Take Care of Us

Secondary

Description

 "They Take Care of Us" is a short film that examines how Indigenous communities are revitalizing traditional land management practices to tackle the climate crisis. The film highlights the restoration of buffalo on the Blackfeet reservation in Montana, illustrating how this reintroduction is healing the land and the people while also strengthening cultural and ecological connections. It emphasizes the benefits of buffalo as a resilient food source and a more sustainable alternative to cattle ranching.

 In the early 1700s, the Great Plains of North America were home to between 20 and 30 million buffalo. As a keystone species, the North American buffalo played a critical role in maintaining the health of the prairies and supporting the spiritual and cultural lives of the Indigenous people who depended on them for survival. However, industrial farming and the absence of free-roaming buffalo herds have led to significant reductions in the North American tallgrass prairie, making it one of the most endangered landscapes in the world. Several initiatives have been launched to help restore buffalo to the landscape. The goal is to conserve traditional lands, protect Blackfeet culture, and create a home for buffalo to return to.

The film is one of five companion films that accompany the lesson plan on Indigenous Perspectives for Restoring Our World, which explores the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

Bringing the buffalo back is healing the land, the people, and strengthening the cultural, spiritual, and ecological connections between the buffalo and the Blackfeet people. Along with bringing a locally available healthy meat supply back to the tribe and creating jobs for tribal members, the herd is also proving to be a resilient option for coping with the challenges of cattle ranching brought on by climate change. 

This film can be integrated into the classroom by using it as a springboard for discussions on Indigenous land management, climate change solutions, and the importance of traditional ecological knowledge. Teachers can utilize the film's segments to explore specific Indigenous practices and their benefits, while also examining the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism. 

Suggested activities:

  • Discuss how these Indigenous practices demonstrate sustainable and climate-resilient land management. 
  • Analyze how colonialism disrupted these practices and the ongoing impacts on Indigenous communities. 
  • Examine the role of Indigenous knowledge in addressing the global climate crisis. 
  • Seek guidance from Indigenous educators, community members, or organizations to enhance the learning

As a class, explore the complete "Inhabitants" film and related resources from the Global Oneness Project. Connect the themes of the films to current environmental issues and climate change.

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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  • British Columbia
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    • Grade 9
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      • Social Studies
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        • 1750 to 1919: Disparities in power alter the balance of relationships between individuals and between societies.
    • Grade 11
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Explorations in Social Studies 11(Human Geography, Contemporary Indigenous Studies, Social Justice) : Indigenous peoples are reclaiming mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being despite the continuing effects of colonialism
    • Grade 12
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      • Social Studies
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        • Contemporary Indigenous Studies: The identities, worldviews, and languages of indigenous peoples are renewed, sustained, and transformed through their connection to the land.
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      • Indigenous Languages and Cultures
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        • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Other Cultures: Connections and Influences
        • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Specific Aboriginal Culture
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        • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Other Cultures: Connections and Influences
        • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Specific Aboriginal Culture
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        • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Other Cultures: Connections and Influences
        • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Specific Aboriginal Culture
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      • Indigenous Languages and Cultures
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        • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Other Cultures: Connections and Influences
      • Social Studies
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        • Citizenship and Sustainability: Area of Inquiry: Environment
        • Citizenship and Sustainability:Area of Inquiry: Indigenous Peoples
        • Global Issues
        • Global Issues
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    • Grade 9
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        • 1750 to 1921: Disparities in power alter the balance of relationships between individuals and between societies.
    • Grade 11
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Explorations in Social Studies 11: Indigenous peoples are reclaiming mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being despite the continuing effects of colonialism
  • Nova Scotia
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    • Grade 11
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      • Social Studies
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        • Contemporary Canadian Studies 11: Canadian Indigenous Cultures
  • Ontario
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    • Grade 10
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      • Indigenous Studies
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        • First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Canada (Open): 1763 -1876: Settler and State Expansion and Indigenous Resistance
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        • Contemporary Indigenous Issues and Perspectives in a Global Context, (Univ./College prep.): Indigenous Peoples and Perspectives
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        • Native Studies 10: Economies: Aboriginal Perspectives
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    • Grade 9
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        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • 1750 to 1919: Disparities in power alter the balance of relationships between individuals and between societies.
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Explorations in Social Studies 11: Indigenous peoples are reclaiming mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being despite the continuing effects of colonialism
    • Grade 12
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      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • B.C. First Peoples: The identities, worldviews, and languages of B.C. First Peoples are renewed, sustained, and transformed through their connection to the land

Themes Addressed

Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)

  • Climate Change

Ecosystems (2)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity

Indigenous Knowledge (2)

  • Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing
  • TEK -- Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Land Use & Natural Resources (1)

  • Habitat Restoration

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