ETFO Introduces New Science Curriculum Resources at Aboriginal Festival

November 17, 2011

Toronto – New elementary school resources that focus on the sciences and the Aboriginal Curriculum were introduced at the Canadian Aboriginal Festival's Education Day today by the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO).

The resources, written for primary, junior and intermediate classrooms, use Aboriginal concepts such as community circles, mask-making, and seventh generation stewardship to help students explore topics including sustainable living, life systems, and human and animal habitats.

"These guides will assist teachers to deliver Ontario’s school curriculum for Native Studies in ways that encourage scientific inquiry and build excitement among students," said ETFO President Sam Hammond. "This is also an excellent way to develop a deeper understanding between cultures as well as a deeper respect for the traditional teachings of the Aboriginal people."
 
The curriculum resources were prepared by ETFO's Aboriginal Education Committee. Members of that committee hosted a teaching tent at the Festival’s Education Day focussing on water, including water conditions in First Nations’ communities.

Billed as the 'world's largest classroom', upwards of 3,000 students and teachers were expected at the Aboriginal Festival’s Education Day held at the Better Living Centre at Toronto's Exhibition Place. The event featured other teaching stations on topics including heritage, arts and culture, traditional games, and dancing.

"The Festival’s Education Day offers so many opportunities for teachers and students to learn more about Aboriginal peoples," said Hammond. "We really want to ensure that every teacher, not just those who visit the Festival, has access to this and other teaching guides we've prepared to assist them in teaching Native Studies." The new science resources are also available at http://www.etfo.ca/advocacyandaction/socialjusticeandequity/caf/Pages/default.aspx.

ETFO has been a major sponsor of the Festival’s Education Day for over seven years. Along with professional development for teachers, ETFO continues to support initiatives to create equity and social justice for First Nations peoples such as the Ontario Lieutenant Governor’s Aboriginal Summer Reading Camps.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 76,000 elementary public school teachers and education professionals across the province and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.