Educating About Aboriginal Involvement with Forestry:The Tsimshian Experience—Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Abstract

The development and piloting experience o f the Social Studies unit designed for theproject, Tsimshian Involvement in the Forest Sector is highlighted in this article.Extensive consultations with Tsimshian Tribal Council members and educators inPrince Rupert and Vancouver schools shaped the Indigenous knowledge andpedagogical components. The educational unit was piloted in two settings: one,within the Tsimshian Territories and the second, in a Vancouver school. Even thoughthe student responses were different, the material was very relevant and highlymotivational to students in both settings. The Forests for the Future projectprovided a unique opportunity to develop curricular materials that linked newresearch with the educational needs o f both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students.