Big Ideas

• A reciprocal relationship exists between the tools and implements and the natural materials they are made from and the Indigenous communities that utilize them. 
• Local Indigenous groups have many culturally significant tools and implements.  
• Natural materials, impacted by invasive species, are used to construct these culturally significant tools and implements. 
• Conservation and awareness raising work can be done to protect these important materials and associated ways of knowing and being.   

Big ideas were developed out of conversation with the following local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers:

We appreciate the wisdom and assistance of the late Joe Brown, a Kanyen’kehá:ka, Turtle Clan Knowledge Keeper from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory who contributed to the creation of the QUILLS Learning Bundles and passed away on February 9^th, 2022.

• Carrie Hill is a Haudenosaunee Black Ash and Sweetgrass basket weaver from Akwesasne Mohawk Territory.
• Abraham Francis is a Haudenosaunee Knowledge Keeper from Akwesasne Mohawk Territory.
• Kahehtok:tha Knowledge Keeper Janice Brant sits with the Bear Clan in the Kanyen’kehá:ka Mohawk Nation of the Rotinonhsyon:ni Six Nations.
• Lindsay Brant is a Kanyen’kehá:ka Knowledge Keeper from Kenhtéke Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
• Sylvia Plain from Aamjiwnaang First Nation is a community ambassador; knowledge keeper and founder of the Great Lakes Canoe Journey Education Program.
• Joe Pitawanakwat is an Anishinaabe Knowledge Keeper from Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Territory on Manitoulin Island.
• Danka Brewer is an Anishinaabe Knowledge Keeper from Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation.
• Candace Lloyd is a Métis Knowledge Keeper whose family is from Cross Lake Island, Saskatchewan and Sault St. Marie, Ontario currently residing in Napanee, Ontario.

Inquiry Questions and Activities:

Inquiry questions providing structure to this Learning Bundle were developed out of the Big Ideas listed above.

Please note that there are more activities in this Learning Bundle than one class will likely get through. Teachers should choose activities that align with the interests and learner profiles of their students. Teachers should also modify the activities and resources included to meet the learning needs of their students. Complete the Minds On Activity as formative assessment before completing the bundle.

Minds On Activity

• Seeing the World Through the Lens of Gratitude

Inquiry Question 1: What are some culturally significant tools and technologies?

• Activity 1: Weaving- The Gifts of Cattails
• Activity 2: Haudenosaunee Basket Weaving 
• Activity 3: Food Production- The Grinding Stone
• Activity 4: Rope Making
• Activity 5: Shelter- Wigwams
• Activity 6: Transportation- Snowshoes

Inquiry Question 2: What is the reciprocal relationship that exists between Indigenous community members and the tools and technologies they utilize?

• Activity 7: A Spirited Epistemology
• Activity 8: Interacting with Reciprocity with our Plant Relatives

Inquiry Question 3: What are some threats to the plant species used to construct these tools and technologies?

• Activity 9: Invasive Species
• Activity 10: Tracking Invasives 
• Activity 11: Phragmites: A Threat to Cattails 
• Activity 12: Dutch Elm Disease: A Threat to Longhouses and other Building Materials
• Activity 13: Emerald Ash Borer: A Threat to Basket Weaving 

Inquiry Question 4: What can be done to protect these plant species? 

• Activity 14: Factors Enabling Invasive Species to Establish and to Thrive
• Activity 15: Community Efforts to Curb the Spread of Invasives
• Activity 16: Using Fire to Curb the Spread of Invasives
• Activity 17: Using Technology to Curb the Spread of Invasives

Inquiry Question 5: Why is it important that these tools and technologies continue to be used in Indigenous communities? 

• Activity 18: Indigenous Resurgence

Culminating Activity:

• Spreading the Word about Invasives