Understanding Indigenous Stories and Storytelling

The lesson plans on NCCIE.ca are not 'one-size-fits-all,' meaning that First Peoples' cultural practices and knowledges differ from one People to the next. Specifically, the cultural practices or knowledge that may be shared in a lesson plan relate principally to the Land and the People where the lesson plan originates. When using a lesson plan that does not originate in your geographic area, please respect the fact that traditions, protocols and cultures that are described in the lesson may differ where you live. You are welcome to use any of the lesson plans and videos while being cognizant of the distinct differences that exist among First Peoples across Canada (and around the world). You are encouraged to connect with the First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities and organizations where you live to learn about the diversity of cultures near you.

• The knowledge being shared in each lesson plan is specific to a Land and its People
  • Please respect and read the 'Acknowledgement Protocol' that communities have provided before beginning lessons and/or watching videos.
  • If you select a resource that is from someplace else, in addition to using it in its original form (with proper acknowledgements as provided), you are encouraged to contact community members in your area to learn how the resource may be augmented in ways that are connected to the Lands and Peoples where you live
  • NCCIE does not promote the idea of Pan-Indigeneity, meaning the knowledge being shared in each lesson plan is distinct to the Land and the People where that knowledge originates.
• These lesson plans are not intended to be prescriptive, meaning: If you wish to adapt a lesson to suit your class, grade or group, you are welcome to do so.
• If you have any questions about any of the lesson plans, each lesson plan includes a contact email for you to access.
• NCCIE.CA is, by no means, a replacement for the numerous and diverse, or region-specific, websites that exist on the internet, providing educators with lesson plans and other teaching resources. Click HERE for a list of links to other websites across the country supporting educators in their efforts to incorporate Indigenous perspectives in their teaching environments.

Indigenous Communities

These two words may mean different things to different people. NCCIE supports the following perspectives:

• The use of the word Indigenous is in no way intended to make generalizations about the distinctness and diversity of the original Peoples of Canada or the world. Indigenous is meant to be inclusive of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, non-status Indians and other rights holders classifications.
  • Peoples is capitalized to respect the distinctness and nationhood of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples.
• Communities refer to Inuit, Métis, and First Nation groups - on- or off-reserve, urban, rural or remote. Community partners involved in developing the videos and educational resources with NCCIE may be individuals, schools, First Nations, or organizations.

Giving Back

NCCIE regions across Canada have co-developed these resources with community partners in the spirit of reciprocity - to give back and feed communities, contributing to the ever-growing set of on-line educational resources that privilege Indigenous perspectives. First Nation, Métis, and Inuit community partners were asked by NCCIE if they would like to develop a learning resource of their choice, with the support of NCCIE teams - as a way of showing gratitude for their participation in NCCIE initiatives in years past. Communities have taken the lead in these projects, with NCCIE providing logistical, technical and financial support. To learn more about NCCIE, read About Us (located at the top of the page).