If you’re a non-Indigenous educator who wants to begin teaching Indigenous content, you’re not alone. Many teachers I’ve connected with over the years have shared the same uncertainty. It’s not because they don’t care. Usually, it’s because they care a lot. They want to teach respectfully, avoid getting something wrong, and make sure the learning they bring into their classroom is meaningful.
The good news is that teaching Indigenous content does not require you to become an expert first.
It does require you to be thoughtful about where your information comes from, whose perspectives you are sharing, and how Indigenous Peoples are represented in your classroom.
So if you’ve been wondering where to start, here are five practical ways to begin.
Why Teaching Indigenous Content Matters
Indigenous education should not be something students encounter only around September 30 or during National Indigenous History Month.
Indigenous histories, cultures, knowledge and perspectives are part of the story of the lands we live and learn on today. Students also need opportunities to see Indigenous Peoples represented as present-day communities, artists, authors, scientists, leaders, educators and knowledge holders.
For educators, teaching Indigenous content is an opportunity to help students develop a fuller understanding of history, relationships, land and the communities around them.
It also means Indigenous students should not have to wait for one special day on the school calendar to see themselves reflected in classroom learning.
What Holds Teachers Back?
One of the biggest barriers I hear from educators is fear.
You might be thinking:
- What if I say something wrong?
- What if I don’t know enough?
- What if I accidentally teach something that isn’t appropriate?
- What if I’m not the right person to teach this?
Those are reasonable questions.
But uncertainty does not have to mean avoiding Indigenous education altogether.
Instead of asking, “Do I know enough to teach this perfectly?” try asking:
“What can I do to make sure I am learning from good sources and teaching this with care?”
That shift makes a big difference.
5 Ways to Start Teaching Indigenous Content
1. Start With Indigenous Voices
Before deciding how you are going to teach a topic, look at who is already doing the teaching.
Seek out books, videos, articles, artwork and educational resources created by Indigenous authors, artists, educators, Knowledge Keepers, scientists and organizations.
Whenever possible, allow students to encounter Indigenous Peoples through their own words and work rather than having every perspective filtered through a non-Indigenous source.
This is one of the simplest ways to make teaching Indigenous content more respectful and accurate.
And remember that no single Indigenous person can speak for all Indigenous Peoples. First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples are incredibly diverse, and perspectives vary between Nations, communities and individuals.
2. Start Local
One of the best places to begin is with the Indigenous Nations whose lands you live and teach on.
Learn the names of the Nation or Nations in your area. Visit their official websites. Look for local language, education, cultural or Tribal Council resources.
This doesn’t mean you can only teach local content.
It means that broad Indigenous learning should not replace opportunities for students to understand the people and communities connected to the place where they actually live.
You might begin by finding out:
- Which Nation or Nations are connected to your area?
- What names do those Nations use for themselves?
- Are there official education or cultural resources available?
- Are there local Indigenous authors, artists or organizations whose work you can learn from?
Being more specific helps students understand that there is no single Indigenous culture.
3. Look at What You Already Teach
You don’t necessarily need to create a giant new “Indigenous unit.”
Instead, look at the curriculum and topics already happening in your classroom.
Teaching animals in science? Include Indigenous-created sources or local knowledge where appropriate.
Studying Canadian history? Make sure Indigenous Peoples are part of the story rather than appearing only when colonization begins.
Learning about government? Explore treaties, the Indian Act or the 94 Calls to Action at an age-appropriate level.
Teaching art? Learn about a specific Indigenous artist, Nation or art form before students begin creating.
Doing outdoor education? Explore relationships with land, local plants, animals and place.
Teaching Indigenous content becomes much more sustainable when it is woven naturally into the learning already happening throughout the year.
You do not have to overhaul everything at once.
Start somewhere, learn from it, and keep building.
4. Be Specific
One of the most important changes educators can make is moving away from pan-Indigenous language.
Instead of:
“Indigenous Peoples lived in longhouses.”
You might say:
“Some Indigenous Nations of the Northwest Coast built longhouses or plank houses using cedar.”
Instead of:
“Indigenous people believe…”
Ask yourself:
Which Nation? Which community? Which teaching? Which source?
First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples do not share one culture, language, history or worldview. Specificity helps students understand that diversity. It also gives you a useful question to ask whenever you’re evaluating a classroom resource:
Does this resource tell me whose knowledge, culture or perspective I am teaching?
If it doesn’t, that is a good reason to look a little closer.
5. Include Indigenous Peoples in the Present Day
A lot of classroom Indigenous education still focuses heavily on the past. Students might learn about traditional homes, residential schools, treaties or historical events without learning much about Indigenous Peoples living today.
History matters. So does the present. Look for opportunities to introduce students to contemporary Indigenous authors, artists, athletes, scientists, entrepreneurs, filmmakers, leaders and educators.
Use books written by Indigenous authors. Follow Indigenous organizations. Talk about language revitalization, conservation projects, land stewardship, contemporary art and community initiatives.
Students should leave school understanding that Indigenous Peoples are not simply part of Canadian history. They are part of Canada.
Choosing Indigenous Education Resources
Resources can make teaching Indigenous content easier, but it is still important to look closely at what you are using.
Before bringing a resource into your classroom, ask:
- Who created it?
- Does it identify the Nation or community when appropriate?
- Does it include Indigenous voices?
- Does it represent Indigenous Peoples in the present as well as the past?
- Is there context before students complete an activity?
- Could this reinforce stereotypes or treat Indigenous Peoples as one culture?
- Is the activity actually connected to the learning?
Whenever possible, I encourage teachers to use resources created by Indigenous educators and creators.
I’ve created a collection of Indigenous education resources for teachers designed to give educators a supported place to start.
You can also explore:
- Medicine Wheel activities for the classroom
- Orange Shirt Day activities and lessons
- Turtle Island lesson and activities
The goal is not simply to find an activity that looks engaging. Start with what you want students to understand, then choose a resource that supports that learning.
Ready to Start?
If you’re looking for ready-to-use resources to support teaching Indigenous content in your classroom, you can explore my full collection of Indigenous education resources.
👉 Browse Indigenous Resources in USD (TPT)
👉 Browse Indigenous Resources in Canadian dollars (my website)
The resources are designed to help educators bring more Indigenous learning into their classrooms with greater confidence, context and care.