CBC Archives

Brainstorm with students the issues that have arisen between the First Nations and various Canadian governments. Ask: How has the presence and participation of Aboriginals in Canadian society changed since the early 1900s?

Direct students to the topic Calgary Stampede: Celebrating Canada’s Western Heritage on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Have students review Clips #1 and #4 to take notes about the historical roles for Aboriginal people in the Stampede. Using their notes, students will write an editorial expressing their views about the participation of Aboriginal people in the Stampede and what changes students believe need to be made.

Have volunteers share their editorials. Then invite students to review other clips from the Calgary Stampede topic on the CBC Archives Web site to take notes about the roles of cowboys and cowgirls at the Stampede over time. As a class, compare the participation and presentation of cowboys and cowgirls with that of aboriginal people over time.

Students can research the Calgary Stampede today to learn more about the current participation and importance of First Nations in the event.