Stewards of the water

Grade 5 Science  

Big Idea

• Earth materials change as they move through the rock cycle and can be used as natural resources. 

Content

• First Peoples concepts of interconnectedness in the environment 
• The nature of sustainable practices around BC’s resources 
• First Peoples knowledge of sustainable practices 

Curricular competencies

Questioning and predicting

• Demonstrate a sustained curiosity about a scientific topic or problem of personal interest 
• Identify questions to answer or problems to solve through scientific inquiry 

Processing and analyzing data and information

• Experience and interpret the local environment 
• Identify First Peoples perspectives and knowledge as sources of information 
• Demonstrate an openness to new ideas and consideration of alternatives 

Applying and innovating

• Contribute to care for self, others, and community through personal or collaborative approaches 
• Co-operatively design projects 
• Transfer and apply learning to new situations 
• Generate and introduce new or refined ideas when problem solving 

Communicating

• Communicate ideas, explanations, and processes in a variety of ways 
• Express and reflect on personal, shared, or others’ experiences of place

Grade 6 Social Studies 

Big idea

• Economic self-interest can be a significant cause of conflict among peoples and governments.

Content

• Economic policies and resource management, including effects on indigenous peoples

Curricular competencies

• Use Social Studies inquiry processes and skills to — ask questions; gather, interpret, and analyze ideas; and communicate findings and decisions 
• Ask questions, corroborate inferences, and draw conclusions about the content and origins of a variety of sources, including mass media (evidence) 
• Take stakeholders’ perspectives on issues, developments, or events by making inferences about their beliefs, values, and motivations (perspective) 
• Make ethical judgments about events, decisions, or actions that consider the conditions of a particular time and place, and assess appropriate ways to respond (ethical judgment)

How this activity was developed

These materials were created with guidance from Indigenous educators, subject matter experts and thought leaders to help draw upon important teachings, learnings, and Indigenous perspectives.  

For centuries, the traditional western view of water has often been focused on its value as a resource. Indigenous people have a unique relationship with the waters of British Columbia. Since time immemorial, water has played a sacred role and is seen as a living entity. How water is used must be carefully considered with a view towards not just the immediate need and impact, but the needs and perspectives of generations to follow.

We are dedicated to deep listening and respectfully highlighting Indigenous ways of knowing in the materials we provide B.C. educators. If you have any feedback for us on these activities, or suggestions for others, please email schools@bchydro.com. We would love to hear from you.

About the artist

The design of the worksheets in this activity was a collaborative effort with Indigenous artist Kelli Clifton. Kelli Clifton was born and raised in Prince Rupert, British Columbia and is Gitga’at from the community of Hartley Bay. Clifton is interested in using her artwork as a form of storytelling—especially in relation to her Ts’msyen language (Sm’algyax), her coastal upbringing and her experiences as an Indigenous woman.  Clifton currently lives in her home community where she continues to practice her art and teaches Sm’algyax at a local high school. Learn more about Clifton's art on her Facebook page.

BC Hydro’s commitment to reconciliation 

BC Hydro exists to serve British Columbians by providing clean, reliable and affordable electricity. We recognize that maintaining and developing the system has impacts on the lives and interests of Indigenous Peoples. To support our move towards true and lasting reconciliation, BC Hydro will acknowledge past wrongs, listen to Indigenous perspectives and seek shared understanding with First Nations communities and governments. 

Learn more about our Statement of Indigenous Principles.

Throughout the activity, consider how well students:

• Identify different perspectives about stewardship.
• Make accurate observations from text and other sources.
• Use evidence to create definition.
• Contribute to group discussions.