The purpose of this unit is to provide students with an opportunity to learn about water and how it is viewed from an Aboriginal perspective. Water is one of the four sacred elements; the other three are Earth, Wind, and Fire. Water is extremely important as all forms of life are unable to exist without water.
Students will be able to read over various First Nation Creation stories. Students will look for the commonalities within the Creation Stories. Students will be made aware that there is more than one theory of how First Nations people came to the Americas rather than the traditional scientific theory of the Bering Strait.
Students will be able to review various case studies regarding water issues of First Nations people. Students will be able to identify water issues within the media and provide the classroom with current events and facts regarding water in their area. Students will monitor media outlets for current events regarding water (floods, river flows, tsunami, etc.).
Students will be able to reflect upon the use and importance of water in Native American ceremonies and practices. Students will be able to understand that water and honouring water was an important part of First Nations' culture before and after European contact. Students will be able to research and present on various ceremonies and practices regarding water.
