Middle Years
Health Education

Middle Years Health Education from a First Nations Perspective: Video Series and Lesson Guide offers a journey into a First Nations holistic perspective on health and well-being.

The resource includes a five-part video series that connects Traditional Health Knowledge of First Nations with Manitoba Education’s Physical Education and Health curriculum for Grades 5–8.

Each five- to ten-minute video features excerpts of interviews with Elders and Knowledge Keepers from each of the five First Nations in Manitoba: Cree, Dene, Dakota, Ojibwe, and Ojibwe-Cree.

Providing a “living library,” this resource also includes the full interviews in their entirety, which share the unique history and culture of Manitoba’s First Nations as related to health studies.

MFNERC and Manitoba Education partnered to create this resource.

Lesson Guide

For each video’s specific topic area, the lesson guide includes discussion questions, activity suggestions, and further resources.

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Teachers will find this resource useful for exploring health topics
from a First Nations perspective in the middle years’ grades (Grades 5–8 in Manitoba). Educators in various settings can use this resource with discretion for all middle years’ age levels (adolescents aged 10–14).

Teachers can easily incorporate the videos into the classroom through use of the lesson guide, which includes activities based on interviews with First Nations Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers. In keeping with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, incorporating First Nations Traditional Knowledge into all classrooms is of utmost importance. In Manitoba, there are 63 First Nations representing five language groups. First Nations students attend schools across the province, and it is important to have First Nations culture and ways of life reflected in the classroom.

Educators have an opportunity to incorporate video content into health education in a way that ignites conversation, inspires curiosity, and extends engagement within the classroom.

Following the videos with face-to-face conversation encourages students to reflect, dig deeper, and further explore their thoughts. Whole-class discussions may not allow every student to share their opinions, so the use of journaling, talking circles/small- group discussions, and other forms of communication will help each student get involved and express themselves. Encouraging students to explore their thoughts and opinions in a safe, inclusive space enhances overall learning. Educators may want to involve Elders and Knowledge Keepers in the learning process, as they excel at sharing knowledge and teachings in an effective way that encourages intergenerational learning in the classroom.

The Elders and Knowledge Keepers interviewed focused on five health areas within the Manitoba Physical Education and Health Education curriculum. The five health areas will provide students with a broad exploration of First Nations’ perspectives on health and well-being. Furthermore, there are specific learning outcomes identified for each GLO for Grades 5–8 to help students learn about an active, holistic lifestyle. Most of the video content focuses on three specific GLOs: Safety, Personal and Social Management, and Healthy Lifestyle Practices.

Community forms the centre of strength for First Nations Peoples. Manitoba First Nations are rich in language, culture and traditions based upon five diverse language groups. This map shows the Locations of First Nations in Manitoba (Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada).

Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and other community members provide
a vital link to First Nations Traditional Knowledge. Educators in First Nations can incorporate visits and sharing from those in the community to support and enhance health studies.

Educators working in provincial school divisions and other settings can also develop relationships with First Nations when possible to gain a greater understanding of the culture and history of the area. Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members are often happy to visit classrooms and share their knowledge with students.

Studies relating to health and well- being cover challenging and sensitive topics, such as the Human Sexuality and Substance Use/Misuse strands. Though vital, such learning, and any discussion involved, may be particularly triggering and possibly harmful for First Nations students. Educators will benefit from speaking with a First Nations community member or colleague to seek clarity on the best way to share content with students. See Manitoba Education’s Treatment of Potentially Sensitive Content (pages 3–5) for alternative delivery suggestions.

Educators should have prior knowledge of First Nations Peoples, their histories, and the colonial history of Canada before introducing the videos in the classroom. If necessary, educators can consult It’s Our Time: First Nations Education Tool Kit, Teacher’s Guide (National and Manitoba), and other recommended materials in Additional Resources, for further learning. Also, as a health teacher, it is important to have the contact/website information for surrounding supports and resources for students, such as the nursing station/health centre and help agencies. See recommended Resources at the end of each health area/video section.

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Elders and Knowledge Keepers

When you are approaching an Elder or Knowledge Keeper, explain who you are and what you are asking of them. If you are asking them for guidance, knowledge, teachings and/or their time, it is respectful to provide an honorarium and/or tobacco to acknowledge their time and energy. The honorarium for an Elder or Knowledge Keeper varies, so it is important to speak to your school administrator and to ask the Elder or Knowledge Keeper what their honorarium rate is based on their experience and teachings. Aside from an honorarium, most Elders and Knowledge Keepers will expect tobacco as an offering in exchange for your request. It is important to ask how they would like the tobacco to be presented to them, as some Elders prefer a pouch of tobacco or ceremonial tobacco in a red fabric tie.

For students approaching Elders and Knowledge Keepers, Elders Eleonore Veuillot and Dave Courchene Jr. share in their interviews on how to connect in a respectful way. In the full interview with Eleonore Veuillot, she shares the importance of building trusting and respectful relationships with others and nature. In the full interview with Dave Courchene Jr., he discusses the importance of young people seeking mentorship with Elders to explore their identity in a supported environment.