Search for Resources

Four Directions Teachings

Secondary

Description

Four Directions Teachings is a visually stunning, audio narrated resource for learning about indigenous knowledge and philosophy from five diverse First Nations in Canada.

Four Directions Teachings honours oral tradition by creating an environment where visitors are encouraged to listen as each elder/traditional teacher shares a teaching from their perspective on the richness and value of cultural traditions from their culture.

Teachers may select any combination of videos representing the traditions of the five First Nations and further explore their chosen focus with the help of the accompanying age-appropriate lesson plans.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

Four Directions Teaching has particular relevance for those courses that focus on Aboriginal language and culture and will help to instill cultural pride in Aboriginal communities, especially among Aboriginal youth. It also may be used to introduce a broader student audience to the Aboriginal worldview. 

Teachers have considerable flexibility in using the resource as it provides insight into particular cultural elements of five First Nations and supports the interactive video component with lesson plans. 

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

  • Step 1Select a province
  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Media Arts 10: An artist’s intention transforms media technologies into art.
        • Media Arts 10: Media arts offer unique ways of exploring our identity and sense of belonging.
        • Media Arts 10: Traditions, perspectives, worldviews, and stories can be shared through media arts.
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • English First Peoples - L
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies: First Peoples texts and stories provide insight into key aspects of Canada’s past, present, and future
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies: Self-representation through authentic First Peoples text is a means to foster justice
        • English First Peoples - New Media: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world
        • English First Peoples-Spoken language: Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed.
        • English First Peoples-Spoken language: The exploration of oral text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • English First Peoples-Spoken language: Voice is powerful and evocative.
        • English First Peoples-Writing: Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed
        • English First Peoples-Writing: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Social Studies 10 -Canada and the World: 1914 to the Present : The development of political institutions is influenced by economic, social, ideological, and geographic factors.
        • Social Studies 10 -Canada and the World: 1914 to the Present: Historical and contemporary injustices challenge the narrative and identity of Canada as an inclusive, multicultural society
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Media Arts 11: Media arts provide a unique way to represent self, identity, and culture
        • Media Arts 11: Media arts reflect the interconnectedness of the individual, community, history, and society.
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Composition 11: People understand text differently depending on their worldviews and perspectives
        • Composition 11: Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies + Writing: Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed.
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies + Writing: The exploration of text deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies +New Media: First Peoples texts and stories provide insight into key aspects of Canada’s past, present, and future
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • Literary Studies 11: Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed
        • Literary Studies 11:People understand text differently depending on their worldviews and perspectives.
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Media Arts 12: Aesthetic experiences have the power to change our perspective
        • Media Arts `12: Purposeful artistic choices enhance the depth and impact of an artistic work
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • English First Peoples 12: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • English First Peoples 12:First Peoples texts and stories provide insight into key aspects of Canada’s past, present, and future
        • English First Persons 12: Oral and other texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed.
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • B.C. First Peoples: Cultural expressions convey the richness, diversity, and resiliency of B.C. First Peoples.
        • Contemporary Indigenous Studies: The identities, worldviews, and languages of indigenous peoples are renewed, sustained, and transformed through their connection to the land.
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Indigenous Studies 120: History Culture of Wabanaki
        • Indigenous Studies 120: Worldview
  • Northwest Territories
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Media Arts 10: Traditions, perspectives, worldviews, and stories can be shared through media arts.
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies:Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, an
        • English First Peoples - New Media: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world
        • English First Peoples-Spoken language: Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed.
        • English First Peoples-Spoken language: The exploration of oral text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • English First Peoples-Spoken language: Voice is powerful and evocative.
        • English First Peoples-Writing: Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed
        • English First Peoples-Writing: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • Literary Studies 10: People understand text differently depending on their world views and perspectives
        • Literary Studies 10: Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed.
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Northern Studies 10: Module 1: Northern Identity
        • Social Studies 10 -Canada and the World: 1914 to the Present : The development of political institutions is influenced by economic, social, ideological, and geographic factors.
        • Social Studies 10 -Canada and the World: 1914 to the Present: Historical and contemporary injustices challenge the narrative and identity of Canada as an inclusive, multicultural society
  • Nova Scotia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Mi'Kmaq Studies: Culture
        • Mi’Kmaq: Spituality
  • Nunavut
  • Ontario
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Languages and Cultures
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Native Languages Level 2 (Open): Oral Communication
        • Native Languages, Level 1, (Open): Oral Communication
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Issues and Perspectives (univ./college prep.) Cultural Identity and Cultural Continuity
        • World Views and Aspirations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities in Canada ( Workplace prep.):Reclamation and Reconciliation
        • World Views and Aspirations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities in Canada (College prep.): Understanding and Respecting World Views and Cultural Diversity
        • World Views and Aspirations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities in Canada (College prep.):Reclamation and Reconciliation
        • World Views and Aspirations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities in Canada (Workplace prep.) Understanding and Respecting World Views and Cultural Diversity
      • Religious Education
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • World Religions and Belief Traditions in Daily Life (Open): Sacred Stories and Writings
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Contemporary Indigenous Issues and Perspectives in a Global Context, (Univ./College prep.): Indigenous Peoples and Perspectives
  • Prince Edward Island
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Canadian Studies 401A: Canada's Cultural Mosaic
  • Saskatchewan
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Native Studies 10: Identity and Worldviews, Aboriginal Perspectives
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Native Studies 20: Development
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Media Arts 10: An artist’s intention transforms media technologies into art.
        • Media Arts 10: Media arts offer unique ways of exploring our identity and sense of belonging.
        • Media Arts 10: Traditions, perspectives, worldviews, and stories can be shared through media arts.
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies:Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed
        • English First Peoples - New Media: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s ident
        • English First Peoples-Spoken language: Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed.
        • English First Peoples-Spoken language: The exploration of oral text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • English First Peoples-Spoken language: Voice is powerful and evocative.
        • English First Peoples-Writing: Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed
        • English First Peoples-Writing: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • Literary Studies 10: People understand text differently depending on their world views and perspectives
        • Literary Studies 10: Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed.
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Social Studies 10 -Canada and the World: 1914 to the Present : The development of political institutions is influenced by economic, social, ideological, and geographic factors.
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Media Arts 11: Media arts provide a unique way to represent self, identity, and culture
        • Media Arts 11: Media arts reflect the interconnectedness of the individual, community, history, and society.
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Composition 11: People understand text differently depending on their worldviews and perspectives
        • Composition 11: Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies + Writing: Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed.
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies + Writing: The exploration of text deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies +New Media: First Peoples texts and stories provide insight into key aspects of Canada’s past, present, and future
        • English First Peoples - Literary Studies: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • Literary Studies 11: Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed
        • Literary Studies 11:People understand text differently depending on their worldviews and perspectives.
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Media Arts 12: Aesthetic experiences have the power to change our perspective
        • Media Arts `12: Purposeful artistic choices enhance the depth and impact of an artistic work
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • English First Peoples 12: The exploration of text and story deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world.
        • English First Peoples 12:First Peoples texts and stories provide insight into key aspects of Canada’s past, present, and future
        • English First Persons 12: Oral and other texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed.
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • B.C. First Peoples: Cultural expressions convey the richness, diversity, and resiliency of B.C. First Peoples.
        • Contemporary Indigenous Studies: The identities, worldviews, and languages of indigenous peoples are renewed, sustained, and transformed through their connection to the land.

Themes Addressed

Indigenous Knowledge (2)

  • Rituals, Spirituality and Worldviews
  • TEK -- Traditional Ecological Knowledge

A project of LSF Newsletter Sign-up