Sara Florence Davidson

Robert Davidson

In 1884, the Canadian government enacted a ban on the potlatch, the foundational ceremony of the Haida people. The tradition, which determined social structure, transmitted cultural knowledge, and redistributed wealth, was seen as a cultural impediment to the government's aim of assimilation. The tradition did not die, however; the knowledge of the ceremony was kept alive by the Elders through other events until the ban was lifted. In 1969, a potlatch was held. The occasion: the raising of a totem pole carved by Robert Davidson, the first the community had seen in close to 80 years. From then on, the community publicly reclaimed, from the Elders who remained to share it, the knowledge that has almost been lost. Sara Florence Davidson, Robert's daughter, would become an educator. Over the course of her own education, she came to see how the traditions of the Haida practiced by her father--holistic, built on relationships, practical, and continuous--could be integrated into contemporary educational practices. From this realization came the roots for this book.

Learning Through Ceremony

Potlatch as Pedagogy

David A. Robertson

Nicola I. Campbell

Sonya Ballantyne

Charlene Bearhead

Wilson Bearhead

Rita Bouvier

Louise B. Halfe

Lucy Hemphill

Wanda John-Kehewin

Victoria McIntosh

Reanna Merasty

Russell Wallace

This collection of contemporary Indigenous poetry, art, and narrative guides teachers in bridging K-12 curricula with Indigenous voices and pedagogies. Experienced educators M'Lot and Adamov Ferguson support readers in discovering Indigenous voices and perspectives, using Indigenous works in their classrooms, and creating equitable teaching practices.

Connecting Indigenous Narratives and Cultural Expressions with the K-12 Classroom

Resurgence

Lisa Boivin

KC Adams

Elizabeth LaPensee

Christina Lavalley Ruddy

Resurgence is an inspiring collection of contemporary Indigenous poetry, art, and narratives that guides teachers in bridging existing K–12 curricula with Indigenous voices and pedagogies. In this first book in the Footbridge Series, we invite you to walk with us as we seek to: connect peoples and places link truth and reconciliation as ongoing processes symbolize the risk and urgency of this work for both Indigenous and settler educators engage tensions highlight the importance of balance, both of ideas and within ourselves Through critical engagement with the texts, experienced educators Christine M’Lot and Katya Adamov Ferguson support readers in connecting with Indigenous narratives and perspectives, bringing Indigenous works in their classrooms, and creating more equitable and sustainable teaching practices. In this resource, you will find diverse Indigenous voices, perspectives, and art forms from a variety of nations and locations valuable concepts and methods that can be applied to the classroom and beyond practical action steps and resources for educators, parents, librarians, and administrators Use this book as a springboard for your own learning journey or as a lively prompt for dialogue within your professional learning community.

Engaging With Indigenous Narratives and Cultural Expressions In and Beyond the Classroom

Katya Adamov Ferguson

From the creators of Potlatch as Pedagogy: Learning Through Ceremony, the Sḵ'ad'a Stories series brings intergenerational learning to life. Haida children learn important life lessons from their Elders through real-life situations, cultural traditions, and experiences out on the land. Written by Sḵ'ad'a Stories author Sara Florence Davidson and educator Katya Adamov Ferguson, the Teacher Guide for the Sḵ'ad'a Stories helps teachers engage their students through the lens of intergenerational learning and authentic experiences. This guide outlines the Sḵ'ad'a principles found in the stories shows how to use the Sḵ'ad'a principles in your classroom provides the behind-the-scenes thinking of the authors and illustrator explains the significance of this series as part of Haida cultural resurgence and preservation provides critical perspectives on the impact of colonialism on Haida knowledges includes resources and inspirations for educators This teacher guide is appropriate for all grade levels.

Intergenerational Learning and Storytelling in the Classroom

Teacher Guide for the Sk'ad'a Stories Series

Based on Haida artist Robert Davidson's own experiences with Tsinii (his grandfather), this tender story highlights intergenerational knowledge and authentic learning experiences. Off the northern tip of Haida Gwaii, a boy goes fishing with Tsinii, his grandfather. As they watch the weather, jig for halibut, and row with the tides, the boy realizes there’s more to learn from Tsinii than how to catch a fish. Written by the creators of Potlatch as Pedagogy, this book brings the Sk'ad'a Principles to life through the art of Janine Gibbons.

Jigging for Halibut With Tsinii

Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson

Based on ancient Haida narratives, this vibrantly illustrated children's book empowers young people and teaches them to live in harmony with nature. Haida Gwaii is home to a rich and vibrant culture whose origins date back thousands of years. Today, the Haida People are known throughout Canada and the world for their artistic achievements, their commitment to social justice and environmental protection, and their deep connection to the natural world. Embedded in Haida culture and drawn from ancient oral narratives are a number of Supernatural Beings, many of them female, who embody these connections to the land, the sea, and the sky. Magical Beings of Haida Gwaiifeatures ten of these ancient figures and presents them to children as visually engaging, empowering, and meaningful examples of living in balance with nature. Developed by renowned Haida activist, lawyer, performer, and artist Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson and Haida educator Sara Florence Davidson, this book challenges stereotypes, helps advance reconciliation, and celebrates Indigenous identity and culture.

Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii

Sara Florence Davidson

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