How does hydroelectric power impact Indigenous communities?

Grade 7 Science 

Big idea

• Earth and its climate have changed over geological time

Content

• Electricity:
  • Generated in different ways with different environmental impacts
• Evidence of climate change over geological time and the recent impacts of humans:
  • Physical records
  • Local First Peoples knowledge of climate change

Curricular competencies

Questioning and predicting

• Demonstrate a sustained intellectual curiosity about a scientific topic or problem of personal interest 
• Make observations aimed at identifying their own questions about the natural world 
• Identify a question to answer or a problem to solve through scientific inquiry 

Processing and analyzing data and information

• Apply First Peoples perspectives and knowledge, ways of knowing, and local knowledge as sources of information 
• Construct and use a range of methods to represent patterns or relationships in data, including tables, graphs, keys, models, and digital technologies as appropriate 
• Use scientific understandings to identify relationships and draw conclusions 

Evaluating

• Exercise a healthy, informed skepticism and use scientific knowledge and findings from their own investigations to evaluate claims in secondary sources 
• Consider social, cultural, ethical, and environmental implications of the findings from their own and others’ investigations 

Applying and innovating

• Contribute to care for self, others, community, and world through personal or collaborative approaches 
• Generate and introduce new or refined ideas when problem solving 

Communicating

• Communicate ideas, findings, and solutions to problems, using scientific language, representations, and digital technologies as appropriate

Assessments

Throughout the activity, consider how well students:

• Apply their understanding of the ways electricity generation can negatively impact the environment and communities.
• Recognize the benefits of hydroelectric energy as a clean energy source.
• Recognize the importance of science in adopting thoughtful and reasonable positions on environmental issues.
• Are able to self-correct and extend their thinking from the beginning of the lesson to the end.
• Pay close attention to appropriate details.
• Use relevant scientific terminology correctly to support their conclusions.

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 People. 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.