Link to the NAC Ontario Curriculum
Please reach out to the Arts Consultant, Curriculum-Indigenous Ed Consultant, or Josh Lewis (Indigenous Education Cultural Advisor) with questions or concerns.i
NAC educators gathered to share ideas for theme-based interdisciplinary arts lessons that could be used to spark student-centered discussions, lessons, or units.
This slidedeck was constructed by Bernie Leger to share some themes, ideas, and resources that came from that collaboration.
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Start with the curriculum. Create a long-term plan (themes, lesson ideas, cultural teachings, materials needed) and review the guest list and protocols.
Choose and Click: SEMESTER 1: Budget 2025/26 or SEMESTER 2: NAC Budget 2026 You will see tabs at the bottom. Write your name on one tab and then write your budget requests on this sheet.
Please bring the new entry to the attention of Alanna Trines (Indigenous Ed Coordinator) so she can respond promptly. She will highlight the item in green if approved or yellow if clarification is needed (Alanna will follow up to discuss with you to determine the next steps).
Once the request is highlighted in green, you can move forward with the next steps (inviting a guest, booking an excursion, or ordering a resource)
Send the form, invoice, or receipt to marissa.good@ocsb.ca and copy alanna.trines@ocsb.ca and melanie.champigny@ocsb.ca
Hosting Indigenous Guests
**click any image to be redirected to the link
Seek funding approval prior to booking Indigenous Guests
*For new Indigenous guests not on the OCSB list, please contact the Indigenous Education Coordinator before classroom visits to ensure appropriate welcoming protocols.
While all educators can help students explore authentic Indigenous histories and voices, leave culturally or spiritually significant teachings to Indigenous knowledge carriers.
Use the 4Rs of Indigenous Education (developed by Kirkness and Barnhardt) to guide your learning:
✔️ Relevant – How is the learning connected to the curriculum/SAP/ 'own voices'?
✔️ Respectful – Are you honouring local protocols, Indigenous ways of knowing, and the Land?
✔️ Responsible – Is the learning environment a space'r' safe ?
✔️ Reciprocal – How are you engaging in mutually beneficial, long-term relationships with Indigenous communities?
Explore this Self-Reflection 4 Rs Tool to guide your planning
General NAC Resources
**click any image to be redirected to the link
Resilience: 50 Indigenous Art Cards and Teaching Guide
This project uses 50 art cards from contemporary Indigenous art to animate discussions and inspire activities in all subjects, from kindergarten to grade 12. TEACHER GUIDE PROJECT TEMPLATES PDF
Nature-based Art
**click any image to be redirected to the link
Visual Arts
**click any image to be redirected to the link
Art Canada Institute "Learn About" series shown here is written by experts, reviewed by teachers, and developed in consultation with cultural advisors. Each resource is available in both French and English, and includes learning activities, step-by-step lesson plans, supplemental digital resources, and a ready-to-download PowerPoint slide deck.
Contemporary Indigenous Artists Who Share Work Online
Click this link to hear from JP Longboat
(Mohawk: Art and Storytelling)Indigenous Dance & Movement
Contemporary Indigenous Musicians
Dr. Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair - Presentation during Summer Institutes 2021
Marlene Souliere - (Métis) Indigenous Medicines (Show & Tell). Marlene speaks of her experience learning about traditional medicines and then (at minute 10) explains 5 medicines that are found in the Ottawa area.
Albert Dumont - (Algonquin First Nation) Speaks of the seasons of life, Canoe paddle teachings and more!
Robert McDonald - (Métis) Speaks of Métis history in Canada (briefly), the importance of knowing family roots & his family history.
Rhonda Doxtator - (Oneida First Nation) Speaks of Art as medicine, how art has influenced her & Self-care.
Rhonda Doxtator - (Oneida First Nation) Speaks of Mental Health, Ribbon skirts and Oneida community structures.
Kirk Brant - (Mohawk - Tyendinega) Kirk speaks of the Woodlands style of art, his artistic influences and his family history.
Marie Battiste (Mi'kmaq) shares her perspectives and answers questions about Decolonizing Education.
Kelly Diabo (Algonquin) shares Beaver teachings (how Beaver inspired the canoe)
Interviews
Niigaan Sinclair presents on the critical role of teachers in Reconciliation.
This is a presentation geared toward teachers. Louise invites teachers into a story sharing experience as a means for modeling the oral tradition for teachers who wanted insight and understanding.
Justin Holness shares music and his own life experiences. He weaves hard truths with advice on actions we can all take to contribute to Reconciliation.
Niigaan Sinclair on Treaties - Gr.4-7
Niigaan Sinclair on Treaties - Gr. 7-12
Exploration of the intent of treaties, history or treaties, and how we can behave as Treaty people. Also teachings about tobacco offerings.
Teachings about the sacred fire and relationship with land.
Teachings about Residential schools and Reconciliation
Marie Battiste: Decolonizing Education
Information about pedagogy associated with Indigenous Education and systemic solutions.
Alignments Between Decolonizing Education and Deep Learning
Information about how Marie Battiste’s vision as outlined in her book Decolonizing Education aligns with the Deep Learning Framework. Examples from Kelly Diabo (from Kitigan Zibi) of land based education that aligns with decolonizing education and deep learning.
Please remember, this site is under construction so come back often. Changes will be added daily to the shared resources document.
Do you have resources to share with other NAC educators?
If yes, please email them to melanie.champigny@ocsb.ca