Interactive Map Orientation
Total Time: Approx. 2 to 3 hours
Participants are introduced to the concept of place by watching two videos and discussing the influence of our personal histories on our concepts of place. A guided exploration of the Interactive Map focuses on local First Nation and Métis communities. Participants then explore the Interactive Map using one of several optional activities.
Setting: Internet access for participants
Activity 1: Introduction to Concept of Place
Introduce presenters using traditional Indigenous introductory model of “who” not “what.” A “who” introduction would involve giving your name and telling something about the community you are from and a bit of family history if you are comfortable with that. Your “what” introduction would be your title or corporate position and organization you represent.
Participants view chapters of two videos to explore the concept of place and the importance of land.
Beyond a Pedagogy of Fort, Chapter 3: Place (located in Observing Practice section of Indigenous Pedagogy). Dr. Dwayne Donald, University of Alberta, and four students from a spring session course on Indigenous curriculum and pedagogy discuss a field trip to Edmonton’s river valley that helps them experience connection to place.
Kahsinnooniksi: Learning from Place, Chapter 3: Writing on Stone (located in Exploring Connections section of Connection to Land). Dr. Leroy Little Bear explains stories associated with Writing on Stone; he points out that traditional territory is identified by stories, ceremonies and songs associated with sacred sites.
Discuss the concept of place by considering this question: How is our concept of place influenced by where we are from?
Activity 2: Guided Exploration of Interactive Map
Demonstrate how to use the Interactive Map to determine where you are and how to find the name of the First Nation and Métis communities relative to your location.
Demonstrate to participants the use of backgrounds and overlays. Use these questions in the guided exploration:
- What treaty governs this area? Where was it signed?
- In which Métis region is this treaty area?
- Who is the closest First Nation to you? Where is their community?
- Which significant site is closest to this location?
Activity 3: Participant Exploration of Interactive Map
Handout: Linking the Interactive Map to Topic Areas 
Choose one of the following options for this part of the workshop.
Option 1: Explore communities represented in Respecting Wisdom videos.
Ask participants to select any topic area and go to the Respecting Wisdom section. Participants choose two speakers, watch the interviews and answer the following questions.
- Where is their community located in terms of the Treaty areas? Métis regions?
- Where is their home community?
- Who are the other First Nation and Métis communities in their area?
- What is the closest place of significance to the home community of the speaker in the video?
Option 2: Explore interactive map and topic areas.
Demonstrate the use of the handout Linking the Interactive Map to Topic Areas. After the demonstration, participants use the handout to explore the connections between the map and the topic areas.
Option 3: Explore natural and cultural places.
Explore lists of natural and cultural places that are significant to First Nation and Métis people on the map:
- What significant places have you visited?
- What significant places are in your area?
- Determine what the difference is between the natural list and the cultural list.
- Use the Internet to search for information about two or three places of interest to you.
Option 4: Explore residential schools.
Use these questions to guide an exploration of residential schools in Alberta:
- Determine where the closest residential school was located in relation to your area.
When did it open? When did it close? How many children do you think attended that school over its lifespan? Use the Internet to find more information.
- Which was the last residential school to close in Alberta? In Canada?
(In Alberta, Immaculate Conception Boarding School in Cardston closed in 1975.
In Canada, White Calf Collegiate in Lebret, or Gordon’s Indian Residential School, Punnichy, Saskatchewan; both closed in 1996.)
- Which residential school in Alberta was in operation the longest?
(Convent of Holy Angels Indian Residential School, Fort Chipewyan; 100 years)
- Track the change in location of Blue Quills Indian Residential School. If time, view all or part of Blue Quills Acimowin (47 minutes) located in Exploring Connections of Healing Historical Trauma.
Activity 4: Discussion and Closure
Share connections you found between Interactive Map and the Respecting Wisdom sections. How do you see this Interactive Map being used as you explore Walking Together?
Share what was new for you and what you learned. Explore how your new learnings might impact your teaching and learning practice.
