Photo courtesy of AFN website
The Assembly of First Nations has launched a new digital resource for teachers.
The “It’s Our Time First Nations Toolkit” will be available on iTunes U for schools across the country in time for the fall.
The toolkit will be a free, downloadable package for the iPad, which will offer teachers culturally relevant and hands-on educational tools on First Nations culture and history.
There will be 21 modules available through the course to begin with. The AFN has worked with education technology company Ebou Learning to enhance each module with six interactive textbooks, which will include sections on residential schools, First Nations role models and cultural competency.
“Education is the key to reconciliation because it builds bridges of understanding and that the resource will help increase cultural competency and understanding of First Nations rights, histories and cultures, developed from First Nations perspectives,” said AFN Chief Perry Bellegarde in a statement.
Canadian Teachers’ Federation President Heather Smith calls the toolkit a must-have reference for schools and school boards across the country, which will enhance learning and understanding of First Nations people.
“I would like to commend the AFN for the production of this valuable comprehensive toolkit on First Nations,” said Smith.
The resources and learning materials can be used for all grades and all teachers, but will focus primarily on supporting Grade 7-10 students.
The AFN will continue to produce interactive digital material for the remaining modules and are looking to have over 80 modules available.
iTunes U is a part of the iTunes Store, which features free lectures, language lessons, audio books that can be viewed to on an iPod, iPhone, Mac or PC.