Lesson One: Taylar Belanger
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Lesson One: Taylar Belanger
Activity: Western Science and Traditional Ecological Knowledge
CURRICULUM
CONNECTIONS
Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut:
•Aboriginal Studies Grades 10-12
•English Language Arts Grades 10-12
•English Language Arts Grades 10, 11, 12: Uqausiliriniq Strand
•Science Grades 11-12
British Columbia and Yukon:
•Contemporary Indigenous Studies Grade 12
•Earth Sciences Grade 11
•English Language Arts Composition Grades 10, 11, 12
•English Language Arts First Peoples Grade 12
•Environmental Science Grade 12
•Explorations in Social Studies Grade 11
•Life Sciences Grade 11
•Science for Citizens Grade 11
•Social Studies Grades 10
Ontario:
•English Language Arts Grades 9-10
•English Language Arts Grades 11-12
•Environmental Science Grade 11
•First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Studies Grades 9-12
•Social Studies Grades 9-12
•Science Grades 9-10
•Science Grade 12, University/College Preparation
DURATION
1 hour
OVERVIEW
Throughout this lesson, students will learn about traditional herbalist, Taylar Belanger, while
exploring ideas about ecosystem protection, connections in nature, and the dierence between
western science and traditional Indigenous ecological knowledge. Students will consider the
roles and responsibilities that we all have when looking after Mother Earth. Students will write a
research essay analyzing the dierences and similarities between western science and traditional
ecological knowledge. Teachers may want to invite an Elder or traditional knowledge keeper to
the classroom to talk about the traditional ecological viewpoint firsthand.
MATERIALS
•Chart paper
•Markers
•"Aspects of Ecosystems Cut-Outs" handout English or Anishinaabemowin (cut and placed
into envelopes per group)
•Western Science and Traditional Knowledges Research Essay
•Western Science and Traditional Knowledges Rubric
•Indigenous Worldview and Traditional Ecological Knowledge Teacher Resource
•Computer access
Health and Science
