BLOCK B
ENGLISH FIRST PEOPLES ARTICLE 1
The exploration of text and story deepens our understanding of diverse, complex ideas about identity, others, and the world.​
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Oral and other texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed​
First Peoples texts and stories provide insight into key aspects of Canada’s past, present, and future.
First Peoples voices and texts play a role within the process of Reconciliation.
English First Peoples, or also known as First Nations English, is a curriculum subject taught in Grade 12 English.
This subject is aimed to teach students to analyze the text and language that reflects the knowledge, perspective, worldviews, histories and stories of the First Peoples. Students must also apply certain strategies that would help guide them into understanding and reflecting on the texts (thinking beyond what is written, making connections with self and the real world, demonstrate understanding of the role of story and oral traditions in expressing First Peoples perspectives, values, beliefs and points of view).
Although there is a heavy association with learning about the First People's writing, the main idea of this course is for students to learn how to discern nuances in the meanings of words, also considering social, political, historical, and literary contexts, and identifying bias, contradictions, distortions, and omissions.
The overall goal of this subject is to teach students to think more critically upon the information given to them, and to contribute to reconciliation by exploring First Peoples cultures, experiences, and perspectives through authentic texts.
Some activities may include delving into the work of literature written by Indigenous groups, studying and analyzing movies or films documenting real world tragedies, or creating projects associated with the culture, history, or anything related to the subject.
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​More specifically, students are expected to understand the role and importance of an individual's story, such as how stories can record history, reflect a personal journey, or explore identity, and inspire listeners and readers.
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This subject also includes enhancing the skill of writing and design processes. For example, depending on context, these may include determining audience and purpose, generating or gathering ideas, free-writing, making notes, drafting, revising or editing, and selecting appropriate format and layout.​
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For simpler instances, students are expected to use the conventions of First Peoples and other Canadian spelling, syntax, and diction proficiently and as appropriate to the context, and transforming ideas and information to create original texts, using various genres, forms, structures, and styles.
