Duration: 60 minutes
Subjects: Social Studies, Science, Language Arts
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Recognize that the land where they live and learn is part of the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples.
- Explain why it’s important to respect Indigenous stewardship and knowledge of local ecosystems.
- Demonstrate listening, observation, and reflection as ways of learning from the land and its original caretakers.
- Identify simple actions to show respect for Indigenous knowledge and conservation efforts.
Materials
- Map showing local Indigenous territories
- Books, videos, or recorded teachings from Indigenous knowledge keepers or educators
- Journals, clipboards, or worksheets for student reflection
- Optional: Website native-land.ca/resources/territory-acknowledgement (AI that
thelps people reflect on their personal connection to the land, going beyond a land acknowledgement to explore what the place means to you.) - Optional: Guest speaker from a local Indigenous nation or community organization
Curriculum Connections
Science:
- Habitats and Communities: Interconnections among living things and ecosystems.
- Inquiry and Observation: Learning from nature and diverse knowledge systems.
Social Studies:
- Indigenous peoples and communities in Canada, past and present.
- Understanding relationships to land and environment.
Language Arts:
- Listening and Reflecting: Understanding oral traditions and storytelling.
- Writing and Journaling: Expressing respect, gratitude, and personal reflection.
Terms
- Territory: The land and waters that belong to and are cared for by Indigenous peoples.
- Stewardship: Taking care of the land, water, and all living things.
- Knowledge Keeper: An Indigenous person who carries cultural teachings and traditional knowledge.
- Land Acknowledgement: A way to recognize the original caretakers of the land we are on.
Instructions
Introduction
Begin by saying: Every place we visit, even our schoolyard, has a history. Long before we were here, Indigenous peoples lived on and cared for this land.
Show a map of Indigenous territories and locate your school or trip destination.
Name the nations, peoples, or communities connected to that territory.
Discuss why it’s important to acknowledge and thank those who have cared for the land for generations.
Discussion: Respect and Stewardship
Ask:
- What does it mean to take care of a place?
- How do you think Indigenous peoples show respect for the land?
Explain that Indigenous knowledge includes careful observation, respect for all living things, and balance within ecosystems.
Link to science learning: Many Indigenous teachings help scientists today understand how everything in nature is connected.
Activity: Discovering Our Place
Take students outside using the BioKit (schoolyard, park, or field trip site).
Have them use their senses and journals to quietly observe:
- What sounds do you hear?
- What plants, animals, or water sources can you see?
- How does being quiet and still help you notice more?
Encourage students to think: If this land could speak, what stories would it tell?
Emphasize respect – no picking plants or disturbing animals, just observing and listening.
Learning from Indigenous Voices
Share a story, teaching, or video from a local Indigenous knowledge keeper, elder, or community resource. Example topics: The importance of balance, respect for animals, or seasonal changes.
Before listening, remind students that stories are a gift. They are meant to be listened to with care and gratitude.
Afterward, discuss what message or feeling stood out to them.
Reflection
Back in class or at the end of the trip, invite students to write or draw in their journals:
- What did I learn about this land today?
- How can I be a respectful visitor?
Extensions
Language Arts: Write a thank-you letter or poem to the land.
Social Studies: Create a classroom territory map showing Indigenous nations across your region or province.
Science: Explore Indigenous ecological knowledge (TEK) – for example, traditional fire management, seasonal cycles, or sustainable harvesting.
Art: Have students illustrate ‘The Story of This Land’ using natural colours or symbols inspired by local ecosystems.
