Note: We heard numerous concerns from teachers and First Nations Education Specialists regarding the appropriateness of Activity 1 of this lesson plan, which was on Regalia.
Regalia are sacred ceremonial clothing that many Indigenous people wear during ceremonies and traditional gatherings, like Pow Wows and treaty signings. This activity was intended to share with the broader community a little bit about traditional Wabanaki adornment and its importance to Wabanaki people. Historical and contemporary photographs from museums and New Brunswick Pow Wows and links to informational videos of Elders teaching about Regalia were included.
However, an activity was also created for students to recreate regalia using some of the traditionally used colours and symbols. This activity can be seen as cultural tokenism and appropriation and for this reason it has been taken down from our website.
We do apologize. Please have patience with us. This website is a living document and, as such, improvements will be made over time.
Woliwon, Welalin, Thank you, Merci to those who expressed their concerns.
