Aboriginal Leaders
Big Idea:
Subject:
Social Studies
and ELA
People share similar qualities regardless of
cultural influences.
Essential Question:
How can we recognize great leadership?
Grade: 6
(Chief Poundmaker)
Curricular Outcomes:
Social Studies:
PA 6.1 Examine the relationship between an individual’s power and authority
and the power and authority of others.
c)Determine traits common to individuals who are perceived as effective
leaders in a variety of contexts in the local, provincial, territorial, national, or
international arena.
ELA:
Outcome: Comprehend and Respond (CR)
CC 6.5 Use oral language to interact appropriately with others in pairs, and
small and large group situations (e.g., asking questions to explore others’ ideas
and viewpoints, discussing and comparing ideas and opinions, completing tasks
and contributing to group success).
Treaty Essential Learning:
TEL2 Treaty Relationship – reviews responsibilities and partners
involved in the treaty relationship.
TEL3 History – consists of the historical events in the making of the
treaty making process.
Created by:
Rhonda Simon
Living Sky
School
Division No.
202
Students will Know
Students will Do

7 traits of effective leadership

work effectively as a group

a variety of prominent
contemporary and historic First
Nations leaders from Treaty 6 and
beyond

ask questions, discuss and compare
ideas and opinions

conduct research on leaders and
analyze effectiveness

present research to the group

identify the role in community and
the power or influence of the
individual studied
Assessment:
Formative – group discussions and planning for presentations, teacher and peer feedback
on effectiveness of group work.
Summative – possible criteria for group presentations: (for example)
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Must refer to the list of 7 traits of effective leadership
Provide biographical information
Determine the role they played in their community
Identify their role in Treaty 6
Show evidence of their level of power or authority
Collect anecdotes or stories that illustrate traits of being an effective leader.
Include at least one image of the person
Lesson Plan:
Pre-assessment – Who are our influential Aboriginal leaders in Treaty 6? Who are our
famous Aboriginal leaders from history? What do you think are the qualities of an
effective leader?
Pre-Assessment:
List Aboriginal leaders you know from
history or present times.
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What makes them a good leader?
Activity:
1. Collect the pre-assessment and discuss the names listed and their ideas about
effective leaders.
2. Discuss the seven traits of an effective leader:
Seven traits of Leadership (Grade Six Social Studies Curriculum)
 Vision – has an idea or goals for what the future looks like
-believe the future can be improved and have a plan to do so.
 Passionate/Commitment – work hard, energetic, motivating
 Decisive – can make good decisions
 Collaborates with others – work well other people and share responsibility
 Respectful – listens and values other peoples’ opinions
 Good Character – honest, responsible, open-minded
 Personal Qualities – friendly, integrity (can be trusted to do the right thing for
his/her people)
Reference: Saskatchewan Social Studies 6. Pearson 2012. Pg 133 – 134.
3. Break students into groups. Assign a reader, recorder, and other roles used in
your class for collaborative assignments.
Groups will read examples of leaders from First Nations/Metis/Inuit culture and
complete group task (Appendix 2) in preparation to share their learning with the
whole group.
Group Taski.
Read the assigned text (reader) or view the video clip
ii.
Discuss and decide: What traits do/did this leader have?
iii. How can you show evidence of this trait? (Give an example of their actions)
iv.
What are the main points to share with the class about this person’s life?
What is their role in Treaty 6?
v.
Half the group will prepare to share with the class the main points about the
life of the Aboriginal leader (biographical). The other half will prepare to
share the leadership traits as demonstrated.
Resources:
Some links are listed below, as well as books your library may have.
Big Bear - http://www.virtualsk.com/current_issue/saskatchewans_own.html
http://library.usask.ca/northwest/background/bear.htm
Books- Aboriginal Leaders of Canada -
Hadubiak, Maxine. (2010). Aboriginal Leaders of Canada: Crusaders for Equality &
Treaty Rights. smartstartlearning.com
Poundmaker http://www.virtualsk.com/current_issue/saskatchewans_own.html
http://www.virtualsk.com/current_issue/poundmaker.html
http://www.virtualsk.com/current_issue/poundmaker.html
http://thegreatcanadianmag.com/2011/07/09/a-great-canadian-chiefpitikwahanapiwiyin-poundmaker/
http://www.thelemicknights.org/ootmc/poundmaker/poundmaker.html
Books- Poundmaker: The Peace Chief
http://www.goodminds.com/booksntoz/Poundmaker-Peace-Chief-paper-ed.html
SweetgrassBook: Cuthand, Doug. Askiwina: A Cree World. Regina: Coteau Books. 1997. p. 41
Joseph BrantBook- Trottier, Maxine Canadian Leaders. Scholastic 2004.
Shawn A-in-chut Atleo - National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
http://64.26.129.156/article.asp?id=487
video (first minute is intro to an interview and quick bio of his life)
http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/canada/shawn-atleo-the-complete-interview.html
4. Present findings to class as a group.
5. Post-assessment:
Exit Slip
List three Aboriginal leaders you know
from history or the present.
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
What made them a good leader?