Looking for meaningful Indigenous Peoples Day activities that celebrate present-day Indigenous excellence and contributions? This Indigenous heroes research project guides students through researching a notable First Nations, Métis or Inuit person from Canada.
Students can learn about Indigenous artists, athletes, leaders, scientists, authors, educators, activists, Veterans and community advocates. A step-by-step research template, student checklist and reflection questions help students organize their learning and create a thoughtful final project.
Indigenous Heroes Research Project Includes
☀︎ Guided Indigenous heroes research project
☀︎ Step-by-step student research template
☀︎ Research planning checklist
☀︎ Student handout
☀︎ Reflection questions
☀︎ Opportunities to explore First Nations, Métis and Inuit identities
☀︎ Connections to Canadian social studies and Indigenous education
Research First Nations, Métis and Inuit People
The Canadian Constitution recognizes First Nations, Inuit and Métis as three distinct Indigenous Peoples, each with diverse histories, cultures, communities and identities.
Students select an Indigenous person to research and explore:
☀︎ Their Nation, community or Indigenous identity
☀︎ Their life and accomplishments
☀︎ Challenges they encountered
☀︎ Their contributions and lasting influence
☀︎ What students learned from their story
Encourage students to use Indigenous-created sources, official Nation or organization websites and interviews whenever possible.
An Indigenous Peoples Day Activity for Students
This project is perfect for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and National Indigenous History Month. It can also be used throughout the school year to help students recognize that Indigenous history includes present-day leadership, creativity, success and community contributions.
Perfect For
☀︎ Indigenous Peoples Day activities
☀︎ National Indigenous History Month
☀︎ Canadian social studies
☀︎ Indigenous education
☀︎ Biography research projects
☀︎ Independent or small-group research
☀︎ Presentations and classroom displays
☀︎ Year-round learning about Indigenous Peoples
This printable Indigenous heroes research project gives students a structured way to learn about First Nations, Métis and Inuit people while developing research, writing and reflection skills.
Explore More Related Resources
Continue learning about Indigenous leaders and contributions with my Terry Fox activities and lesson, which explores his Marathon of Hope and maternal Métis heritage.
For a more complete June unit, explore the Indigenous Peoples Day Activity Bundle, featuring a lesson, writing craft, Indigenous art and this Indigenous heroes research project.
You can also introduce Indigenous storytelling with my Turtle Island lesson and creative writing activity, another meaningful option for National Indigenous Peoples Day and Indigenous History Month.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The resources provided here are designed to support the teaching of Indigenous cultures, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. It is important to recognize that these communities are not monolithic; beliefs, traditions, and practices vary greatly from Nation to Nation, and even from community to community. The content shared in these materials reflects my own lived experience and understanding of Indigenous cultures, but it does not encompass the full diversity or richness of these traditions.
I encourage educators to approach these resources with respect, sensitivity, and openness to learning. When possible, please engage with local Indigenous communities or cultural experts to ensure that the information shared is accurate and culturally appropriate for the specific Nations or groups you are teaching about.
These resources are intended to foster understanding and appreciation for Indigenous people.
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