Science 7 -- Informed Decision Making (Indigenous Knowledge Lesson Plan)

• Main Author: Karsgaard, Carrie; Mackay, Mackenzie; Catholique, Alexandria
• Other Authors: Parlee, Brenda
• Format: Course Material
• Language: English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: edu; socio; Mackenzie River; Mackenzie river
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-293e-v003; https://era.library.ualberta.ca/items/b60bbc31-a761-4140-b8cb-969c75d33b01

This lesson meets cross-curricular outcomes for Science 7 and Social Studies 7. Students will learn the contributions of Indigenous knowledge to decision-making about current events/issues in the Mackenzie River Basin, which is within the circumpolar region. Due to human activities such as development, climate change, hydro damming, and others, the Mackenzie River Basin is facing many problems. Managing these issues is important in ensuring that the health of the river is protected and people’s livelihoods are supported. Students will learn the significant relationship between humans and the ecosystems of which they are part. This lesson introduces students to the importance of using all knowledge available (traditional, local, and scientific) in making decisions about current and future problems, using case studies about important environmental issues.