Culture and Language Resources
See The Six Components: Culture and Language for creative ideas on how to implement this component in your program.
- Aboriginal Language Program Planning Workbook
- (Booklet; First Nations Education Steering Committee, 1999).
Companion workbook to the Handbook for Aboriginal Language Program Planning in British Columbia [see below]. Cost: $10 (or free download on-line) Order from FNESC.
http://www.fnesc.ca/ - Aboriginal Language Teacher Education in BC: Education and Certification Needs
- (Document, First Nations Education Steering Committee, 1998)
Review of Aboriginal language teaching and teacher training programs in B.C. Cost: $5. Order from FNESC.
http://www.fnesc.ca/ - BC Aboriginal Child Care Society
- The BC-ACCS library collection includes First Nations storybooks suitable for use with young children as well as First Nations ECE resource kits with hands-on materials specifically developed for loan to Aboriginal childcare programs. Kits contain puzzles, activities, artwork, matching games, videos, books, hints and information for caregivers on each topic, learning objectives, and suggestions for language activities and community/parent involvement. Kit themes: Animals and the Environment, Family and Community. Food and Nutrition, School Readiness, Music and Movement. Available for loan and no shipping charges. Search catalogue on-line or call the librarian for assistance.
http://www.acc-society.bc.ca/files_new/library.html - British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF) Lesson Aids Service
- The First Nations Education section of the BCTF Lesson Aids Service has over 30 resources for the primary age level with a First Nations focus. Go to the BCTF Lesson Aids section of the web site to search the on-line catalogue for titles and descriptions, or call for assistance. At the primary level, books for children written by aboriginal authors from B.C. include: Little Bear’s Vision Quest, Spirit Quest, Wait for Me!, and Whale Girl. Cost: $10 – $17 for titles above.
http://wsp.www.bctf.ca/cgi-win/LessonAidsDb.exe/ - Caring For Our Children: A Resource and Training Kit for Aboriginal Children’s Programs in British Columbia
- (Booklet, 400 pages; BC Aboriginal Child Care Society, 2002). Very detailed information on how to develop a culturally-focused child care program
Developing Culturally Focused Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Programs: A Handbook
(Booklet, 24 pages; Darrel McLeod/BC Aboriginal Child Care Society). Excellent guide which provides both an important theoretical framework and many practical ideas for integrating First Nations culture into ECE programs. The discussion “What is Culture?” is an important one, and opens up the concept of “culture” beyond common stereotypes. Highly recommended reading for all Head Start projects.
Cost: $5. Also available for loan from BC-ACCS library.
http://www.acc-society.bc.ca/ - Eaglecrest Books
- ABORIGINAL FOCUS. Levelled early literacy books featuring Native American/First Nations/aboriginal children and families.
http://www.eaglecrestbooks.com/ - Educational Resources for Aboriginal Head Start Programs
- (Binder, 592 pages; Ball & Moselle Consulting, 2001). List of program resources (books, videos, toys, musical instruments, and more) specifically researched and compiled for B.C. Head Start programs. Listings give short description of item and borrowing/ordering contact info. Topics include: Animals, Art, Celebrations, Cognitive Skills, Contemporary Life, Cultural Identity, Elders, Environment, Family Involvement, History, Legend, Numeracy, Reading Readiness, Social Knowledge, Stories, Traditional Dwelling, Traditional Language, and more.
Available for loan from: BC-ACCS
http://www.acc-society.bc.ca/ - First Nations Education Division Brittney Diana Mini-Readers Series
- (Mini-books; First Nations Education Division, Victoria School District, 1995 – 98) Excellent, B.C.-written simple rhyming stories with First Nations subject matter, suitable for toddlers and preschool age. The story format is highly adaptable. Using these as a sample, create your own stories (a great project for teaming up with parents or older children in the community to help write and illustrate them). Cost: $51 – $110, depending on series.
Order from: BCTF Lesson Aids
http://wsp.www.bctf.ca/cgi-win/LessonAidsDb.exe/
Available for loan from: BC-ACCS
http://www.acc-society.bc.ca/ - First Nations Full Day Kindergarten: From Our Treasure Box
- (Book, 311 pages; First Nations Education Division, Greater Victoria School District, 1993). Excellent source of ECE information for First Nations programs. First Nations curriculum themes, First Nations background and traditions, equipment, ideas etc. Cost: $43. Order from: BCTF Lesson Aids Service.
http://wsp.www.bctf.ca/cgi-win/LessonAidsDb.exe/ - First Nations Full Day Kindergarten: From Our Treasure Box Video
- (Video, 40 minutes; First Nations Education Division, Greater Victoria School District, 1993). Three puppet plays/legends based on the dramas in the First Nations Full Day Kindergarten book (above): Raven and Eagle, Raven and Coyote See Their True Reflections, Raven and Little Boy Deer. Cost: $17. Order from: BCTF Lesson Aids Service.
http://wsp.www.bctf.ca/cgi-win/LessonAidsDb.exe/ - First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council
- FPHLCC administers two grant programs—the BC Language Initiative and the Federal Aboriginal Language Initiative (ALI). Full details on funding eligibility and the application process from FPHLCC web site.
http://www.fphlcc.ca/ - Good Minds
- ABORIGINAL FOCUS. Ontario-based educational resources for Native American Studies, First Nations Studies, Indigenous Studies, and Aboriginal Studies/ Children’s fiction and non-fiction. Aboriginal music. Great detail in the catalogue, with cover photos and excellent descriptions of the stories.
http://www.goodminds.com/ - Handbook for Aboriginal Language Program Planning in BC
- (Booklet, 110 pages; Dr. Marianne Ignace/First Nations Education Steering Committee, 1998) Extensive literature review, as well as suggestions and information related to implementing successful language programs. Cost: $10 (or free download on-line). Order from FNESC.
http://www.fnesc.ca/ - Handbook of Best Practices in Aboriginal Early Childhood Programs
- (Booklet, 124 pages; BC Aboriginal Child Care Society, 2003)
First two chapters of this resource look at culturally-focused curriculum, traditional languages, and language development. Includes a resource index with listings of relevant books. Free. Order from BC-ACCS.
http://www.acc-society.bc.ca/ - Incorporating Language and Culture: A Holistic Approach to Head Start Programs
- (Booklet, 44 pages; First Nations Training and Consulting Services, 2004). Suggestions for language and culture components, review of the Maori language model, reporting to parents, and funding suggestions.
Cost: $45.90 ($39.95 + $5.95 shipping/handling)
Order from: First Nations Training and Consulting Services
http://www.firstpeoplescanada.com/ - The Learning Circle: Classroom Activities on First Nations in Canada Ages 4 – 7
- (Booklet; INAC, 2000)
Developed for non-First Nations educators, however stories and many good activities that can be used as-is or adapted. Chapters include: Storytelling, Seasons, Sharing, Colors. Cost: free. Order from: INAC Public Enquiries Contact Center (Ref # QS-6127-000-EE-A2)
Email: InfoPubs@ainc-inac.gc.ca
Toll-free: 1-800-567-9604 - Our Children, Our Ways
- (Video and curriculum series; Red River College Early Childhood Education, 2000). Six videos on childcare programs in First Nations and Inuit communities in Canada. Excellent accompanying guidebooks with lots of practical planning and activity ideas, including many easy curriculum activities which can be adapted and don’t require fancy supplies.
Childcare in Our Communities
Speaking Our Languages
Exploring the Natural World
Music and Dance
Telling Stories, Reading Books
Supporting Children's Art
Cost: $399 for complete series ($75 per individual video and accompanying guide)
Order from: Duval House Publishing (Edmonton)
http://www.duvaleducation.com/
Toll-free: 1-800-267-6187 - Pemmican Publications
- ABORIGINAL PUBLISHER. Cultural and educational publishing house in Manitoba. Excellent picture books for young children, with aboriginal characters and settings.
http://www.pemmican.mb.ca/ - Roots and Wings: Affirming Culture in Early Childhood Programs
- (Book, 272 pages; by Stacey York, Red Leaf Press, revised edition 2003). Heart-felt discussion on how children develop, how prejudice is formed, and how to teach children to accept and value differences. Over 100 activities, practical examples, and staff training recommendations. Cost: approx. $40. Order from: Amazon.ca or independent bookstores.
http://www.amazon.ca/
Available for loan from BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (BC-ACCS)
http://www.acc-society.bc.ca/ - Theytus Books
- ABORIGINAL PUBLISHER. Aboriginal literature published in British Columbia, mostly for older audiences, but some children's titles.
http://www.theytusbooks.ca/