Extended Project: Cultural Awareness Model

Overview Students plan a trip to learn more about First Nations Culture. Possible destinations could be a school on a reserve, in northern Saskatchewan, or a larger city-centre. Other cultural groups may also be an option; opportunities to learn about African culture may be available through HELP International.

Before the Excursion

Step 1

A plan is made about what students want to accomplish from the experience. What can they learn and achieve? What will come out of this? Advanced planning and thought is needed. Create a proposal that will inform not only your intended destination, but also your own school administration. Support from both ends will be needed for the excursion to be feasible.

Step 2

Research potential sites. You may know of a possible school already, but search for information to create a list of possible destinations. This may include sites that are located near by, that someone has previous contact with (a teacher or student in the school that used to go to that school), or otherwise seems to be an interesting option.

The following may be a useful start in finding nearby First Nation schools and communities, and useful contact information.

Saskatchewan First Nation Contact List ( doc | pdf | rtf ) - information current as of January 2007

Online map and contact information for Saskatchewan First Nations

Step 3

Contact the school of interest. Refer to your proposal to explain what you are trying to accomplish. Begin by explaining the basic idea, a possible itinerary, and other details. Establish a timeframe that would work for both of you.

Step 4

Obtain permission from your own school and school division. This typically needs to be done well in advance of the excursion, particularly if it involves overnight accomodation. Day trips are easier to plan and get permission for.

Step 5

It may be possible to have students communicate by email with other students or teachers at the host school in advance of the actual trip. This could involve informal friendly emails to create relationships and familiarity, surveys, or a combination.

Step 6

The original proposal, including itinerary, supplies, etc will need to be updated as needed as planning progresses. As much advanced planning should be done as possible, but details will change as the date approaches.

During the Experience

Decide ahead of time some of the information that the group wants to collect, and how to collect it. While on site, students should be prepared to record observations and thoughts at opportune times. Photography may be appropriate as well.

After the Experience

Students are to use their information processing skills to go through their information and create follow-up reports.

Download notes of an example experience in doc | pdf | rtf format