Inquiry Example on Resource Development
Provocation for Inquiry: Is there such a thing as responsible resource extraction?
Over a series of lessons, expose students to Indigenous perspectives on the relationship to the land. At the same time, students can be investigating environmental issues relating to resource extraction in Canada (ie. mining, fracking, drilling for oil etc.).
Throughout their investigations, students should be encouraged to explore concepts around rights vs responsibilities. For example:
* Do we have the right to extract resources as we see fit?
* Should the environment have rights that are protected?
* Should animals, plants, water have rights?
* How can we ensure those are protected?
Throughout their investigation of an environmental issue associated with resource extraction, provide students with guiding questions that could include:
* What is the direct and potential impact on the environment?
* What is the company’s justification for the need of the resource?
* What is the company’s counter argument regarding environmental impact?
* What is the mitigation plan?
* How do they propose to clean up after they are done?
* What is the company’s corporate social responsibility policy?
* If a company violates environmental laws or causes damage, how are they held accountable?
* How are First Nations communities consulted prior to
beginning work?
* What are the federal and provincial governments involvement?
* Does this conflict with Indigenous views on land use?
* How does the resource project impact local First Nation communities?
Throughout their investigations, students should be encouraged to explore concepts around rights vs responsibilities. For example:
* Do we have the right to extract resources as we see fit?
* Should the environment have rights that are protected?
* Should animals, plants, water have rights?
* How can we ensure those are protected?
Throughout their investigation of an environmental issue associated with resource extraction, provide students with guiding questions that could include:
* What is the direct and potential impact on the environment?
* What is the company’s justification for the need of the resource?
* What is the company’s counter argument regarding environmental impact?
* What is the mitigation plan?
* How do they propose to clean up after they are done?
* What is the company’s corporate social responsibility policy?
* If a company violates environmental laws or causes damage, how are they held accountable?
* How are First Nations communities consulted prior to
beginning work?
* What are the federal and provincial governments involvement?
* Does this conflict with Indigenous views on land use?
* How does the resource project impact local First Nation communities?
Students can demonstrate their learning and present their findings using a variety of forms such as:
- Multi-media presentation (poster board, brochure, power point, interactive essay etc.)
- Awareness campaign (school level, community level, or beyond)
- Blog
Examples of environmental issues associated with resource development:
Grassy Narrows logging and mercury poisoning
Elsipogtog First Nation and fracking
Fort Nelson First Nation and fracking
Tr’ondek Hwech’in, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun and fracking
Attawapiskat First Nation and diamond mining
Serpent River First Nation and uranium mining
Nishnawbe Aski Nation and mining
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and tar sands
Poundmaker First Nation and Onion Lake Cree Nation and oil and gas
Cree Nation of Waswanipi and logging
Aamjinaang First Nation and chemical valley
Grassy Narrows logging and mercury poisoning
Elsipogtog First Nation and fracking
Fort Nelson First Nation and fracking
Tr’ondek Hwech’in, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun and fracking
Attawapiskat First Nation and diamond mining
Serpent River First Nation and uranium mining
Nishnawbe Aski Nation and mining
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and tar sands
Poundmaker First Nation and Onion Lake Cree Nation and oil and gas
Cree Nation of Waswanipi and logging
Aamjinaang First Nation and chemical valley
Examples of Indigenous Knowledge on the environment found within this website:
Inaaknigewin: An Agreement With Mother Earth
How We Conduct Ourselves
Knowing Our Responsibilities
The Great Law - Responsibilities vs Rights
Managing the Earth: Taking a Look at Our Actions
Our True Purpose on Earth
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS:
(Note: this is just to provide an example of how this particular topic can be used in any of these curricular areas. The inquiry would need to reflect the appropriate grade level in terms of content, however, the general topic can apply to any of these subject areas)
Gr 4 - 6 Social Studies, Science & Technology
Gr 7 Science & Technology
Gr 7 - 12 Geography
Gr 11 Environmental Science
Inaaknigewin: An Agreement With Mother Earth
How We Conduct Ourselves
Knowing Our Responsibilities
The Great Law - Responsibilities vs Rights
Managing the Earth: Taking a Look at Our Actions
Our True Purpose on Earth
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS:
(Note: this is just to provide an example of how this particular topic can be used in any of these curricular areas. The inquiry would need to reflect the appropriate grade level in terms of content, however, the general topic can apply to any of these subject areas)
Gr 4 - 6 Social Studies, Science & Technology
Gr 7 Science & Technology
Gr 7 - 12 Geography
Gr 11 Environmental Science
Proudly powered by Weebly