Lesson 1: The Link between Dance and Identity Lesson 2: The New Aboriginal Games

Lesson 2: The New Aboriginal Games

Teacher Information:

Please see the Teacher Resource material North American Indigenous Games.

Main Lesson:

Share the above information with students in the form of an overhead, notes, or a handout. Reiterate the concept of culture and identity and its link with sport and recreation.

Show the video The North American Indigenous Games 1995. Available from ACCESS The Education Station. This is an approved Alberta Learning resource and is only available through ACCESS. Preview the video and develop an appropriate activity to lead the students through the concepts and organization of this resource.

You may also choose to show, Circle of Victory: The Official Documentary of the 1993 Indigenous Games. This video is available through Partners in Motion. This is also an approved Alberta Learning resource.

Decide if you would like students to work individually or in small groups. Students will be responsible for creating a marketing package to promote the 2008 North American Indigenous Games in BC. The marketing package must include a poster, leaflet, bookmark, and short written essay. Information that must be included in the marketing package is:

1. A description of the Games (what they are about, when did they start and why, what sports and activities are involved, what is the mandate of the Games)
2. What is the cultural significance of the Games
3. How do the Games promote Aboriginal cultural identity for individuals and the collective whole
4. How do the Games benefit Aboriginal Youth
5. Research two of the traditional games that are played at the Games (what is the traditional name of the game, who played it, how has it changed over time, what was the purpose of the game, what materials were involved)
6. At minimum, five pictures that depict the Games in action or pictures of traditional games being played

Students may begin their research in the Student Zone section. They will also want to explore the Virtual Museum of Canada’s website:
http://www.museevirtuel.ca/Exhibitions/Traditions/index.html

Concluding Activity:

Students will create a Venn Diagram or a chart that depicts the connection between traditional sport and recreation with Aboriginal culture and its link to developing individual and collective identity and a sense of nationalism.