See “Del’s Truck” by Guuduniia LaBoucan on pages 20 to 23 in the We Are All Treaty People issue of Kayak: Canada’s History Magazine for Kids.
Minds on
Use a priority pyramid to explain student judgments on a simple issue or topic. Build on this to explore historical significance as the process used by historians to evaluate what was important about particular events, people, and developments in the past.
Hands on
Provide an overview of the Douglas Treaties. Distribute character/player cards who took part in the Douglas Treaties [Nuuchah’nulth/Coast Salish/Kwakwaka’wakw peoples; First Nation chiefs; Sir James Douglas; Hudson’s Bay Company; Crown; settlers to BC]. Have students arrange them in a pyramid, putting who they believe is the most significant on top. Compare and share.
More classroom activities
Explore several places and occasions that mark the importance of Treaties and stories about the historic Treaty relationship between First Nations people and the Crown.
Focus on the importance of wampum belts for ceremonial and diplomatic purposes, as well as to mark agreements such as Treaties and covenants.
Explain and expand upon the concept of unceded land.
Explore the meaning and the significance of the phrase “We are all Treaty People.”
Explore the symbolism in the Treaty medal.
Have students create an invitation to an event celebrating Treaty Day.
Taking a historical perspective means understanding the social, cultural, intellectual, and emotional settings that shaped people’s lives and actions in the past.
Design a classroom Treaty with your students and use it throughout the year as the typical “class rules.”