The Teacher may wish to review relevant sections of The Indian Act pertaining to persons who are not entitled to be registered as Indian. A teacher guided discussion on gender bias will ensure student interest in the significance of the 1985 Indian Act amendment. The 1985 Indian Act amendment served to eliminate gender discrimination and provided a process for people to regain lost Indian status. Even though individuals receive legal status as Bill C-31, Band membership is not automatic. Confirm the appropriate terms in your community and ensure students understand why it is important to refer to a group of people in the way they prefer.
Aboriginal people continue to make numerous positive contributions to Canada.
A belief that all peoples have potential to make positive contributions is an essential prerequisite to this section. Teachers must seek to achieve balance in the portrayal of Aboriginal contributions to Canada, in order to acknowledge the contributions of all Canadians. It is important to provide current information to counteract potential general lack of awareness. The potential of individuals, groups, and nations who continue to make positive contributions to Canada are to be affirmed. Prior to contact, the entire continent was populated by various cultures who had developed complex societal structures.