This lesson idea was designed in partnership with the UBC teacher education program.
About the Book
Author(s): Roy Henry Vickers & Robert Budd
Illustrator(s): Roy Henry Vickers
Place: Tsimshian village of Kitkatla, British Columbia
Abstract: The children of the Tsimshian village of Kitkatla love to play at being hunters, eager for their turn to join the grown-ups. But when they capture and mistreat a crow, the Chief of the Heavens, angered at their disrespect, brings down a powerful storm.
The rain floods the Earth and villagers have no choice but to abandon their homes and flee to their canoes. As the seas rise, the villagers tie themselves to the top of Anchor Mountain, where they pray for days on end and promise to teach their children to value all life. The storm stops and the waters recede. From that point on, the villagers appoint a chief to perform the Peace Dance at every potlatch and, with it, pass on the story of the flood and the importance of respect.
Indigenous Connections: The author and illustrator Roy Henry Vicker is of the Eagle clan, born to a Tsimshian, Haida and Heilsuk father and settler mother.
Indigenous Storywork Ideas by Jessica DeMarzo
Indigenous Pedagogy
- Indigenous Storywork
- Respect
- First Peoples’ Perspectives of Learning
- Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story
Big Ideas
- Computational fluency and flexibility with numbers extend to operations with whole numbers and decimals.
- Properties of objects and shapes can be described, measured, and compared using volume, area, perimeter, and angles.
Content
- One-step equations with whole numbers
- Volume and capacity
- Combinations of transformations
Curricular Competencies
- Estimate reasonably
- Visualize to explore mathematical concepts
- Engage in problem-solving experiences that are connected to place, story, cultural practices, and perspectives relevant to local First Peoples communities, the local community, and other cultures
- Reflect on mathematical thinking