Mapping

Maps and Mapping







Maps and Mapping

Grades 5 - 6



Sometimes students need maps to accompany other work they are doing. And sometimes they

need maps to review in order to find out information. Other times they need to make maps. Here

are some resources that include useful maps with information pertaining to Aboriginal people.





Selected Resources with Useful Maps:



Alexander, Cherry. Inuit (Flashback History). 2010, 9781435855076. One of the better books on

Inuit. Includes map and timeline. Headings on each page are questions. Accessible format with

lots of photos and pictures and small amounts of text, all with sub-headings. Shows how Inuit

life today is a mix of contemporary and traditional.



Caduto, Michael J. and Bruchac, Joseph. Native Stories From Keepers of the Animals. 1993,

1895618193. Includes 24 illustrated stories about "our relations, the animals" demonstrating that

the power and importance of animals in Native American traditions and as relevant today as

ever.



Fox, L., Lavalee, E., and Poitras, L. Education is Our Buffalo: A Teachers’ Resource for

First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education in Alberta. 2006, 1897196105. Any teacher can use

this resource to acquire some of the necessary knowledge and understanding for working

successfully with Aboriginal learners. It’s full of information regarding Aboriginal history,

cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues with a specific focus on education. This resource

has a full-page map of Alberta First Nations (pg. 15). This is an essential addition to any

educator's professional resource shelf. Any member of the ATA can request a free personal copy

of this resource by calling the ATA. Others working in education, such as teaching assistants,

can purchase a copy of the resource for $7.00. Download .pdf file free from

http://www.ldaa.ca/assets/pdfs/freeResources/EducationIsOurBuffalo.pdf



Francis, Daniel. Discovering First Peoples and First Contacts. (Discovery series). 2000,

0195414888. Follows early European explorers and Aboriginal people as Canada opens up and

people search for furs, trade routes, and adventure. The first sections are about the different

Native groups on the coast, plains, and woodlands. Many photos, illustrations, maps and "Did

you know?" fact boxes. Format is easy to read and understand with short sections, many

subheadings. Excellent resource.



Glenbow Museum: Niitsitapiisini Our Way of Life: The Story of the Blackfoot People -

http://www.glenbow.org/blackfoot/. Information, photos, graphics and activities abound in this

interesting Web site.



Landon, Rocky. A Native American Thought of It: Amazing Inventions and Innovations.

Includes a map of the traditional territories of the various Native American groups. This book

shows a great deal of respect for Native Americans and offers a well-researched, well-planned

Maps and Mapping





and very interesting resource. Organized under such headings as food, shelter, transportation,

medicine, communication, fun, hunting and fishing.



Love, Ann and Jane Drake. The Kids Book of the Far North, 2000, 1550745638. The Far

North is home to many plants, animals and people who have developed remarkable ways of

adapting to one of the harshest climates on Earth. The book examines the region’s fascinating

history, modern life, and fragile ecosystem with facts, stories, legends, illustrations, timelines

and maps.



Munro, Ron. Canada’s First Peoples, 2005, 1550414437. An excellent resource – includes

eastern, plains, west coast and arctic people. Canada, A People’s History series. Very well

illustrated, excellent format



Silvey, Diane. Kids Book of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. 2005, 1550749986. Another in the

Kids Book series on Canada and Canadian history. With index, timeline and table of contents

this title has excellent colour drawings, accessible format, and lots of sidebars with quick facts

and added interest items. An important book to have, very well researched. Full sections on

people of the Plains, the Arctic and the Sub-arctic. This is one of the few resources that provide a

map of Canada showing the land areas of the various seven major groups and the only one to list

the various peoples of each of the major areas.



Turnbull, Andy. By Truck To The North: My Arctic Adventure. 1998, 1-55037-550-4. Andy

rides along in a big rig carrying produce from the B.C. lower mainland to the high arctic.

Traveling through the winter forest and across the Arctic Circle onto a road of ice, we learn to

appreciate the hazards and beauty of working in the harsh winter environment. Sidebars include

photos and descriptions of the truck interior and the sights of the journey. Well-marked, clear

maps show the journey throughout the book. A must-have book.



Our Words, Our Ways: Teaching First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learners. 2004,

0778543137. This resource leads teachers through 7 key areas necessary for Aboriginal student

success, including culture, definition, community of learners, sharing responsibility, learning

strategies, assessment elements, and learning disabilities. Here is a very useful resource to help

infuse Aboriginal perspectives into Alberta curricula. Page 158 has a Treaty Area Map of

Alberta and page 161 has a Métis Settlements and Regional Zones in Alberta map. A print

version of this resource is available for purchase from the Learning Resources Centre or may

be downloaded at no cost from http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/k_12/curriculum/OurWords.asp



Atlas of Canada Aboriginal Peoples circa 1630, 1740 and 1823,

http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/historical/aboriginalpeoples/1





Mapping Activities:



Make a map of the historical Aboriginal areas in Canada or Alberta.



Make a comparative map of current Treaty holdings and reserves in Alberta or in Canada.

Maps and Mapping





Map the Journey in a Story:



Sister to the Wolf:



On a map of eastern Canada, show places as they are mentioned in the story. As you read

through the novel, trace the route that Cécile, her father, and Lesharo traveled.



Places include:



 Québec (town)

 Fort Détroit (Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit)

 Lake Erie

 Lake St. Clair

 (Colony of) Canada

 New France (now mostly Québec province)



Willa’s New World:



Use a map of the three Prairie Provinces to show Willa’s Journey from York Factory to

Edmonton House. Show the possible route Amelia took. Identify York Factory, Hayes River,

North Saskatchewan River, Norway House, and Edmonton House.