Activity Cards: Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in Canada's Constitution [language learners]

Students will analyze the following pieces of information and sort them in one of the four ways to take civic action.

Join a national protestIndividuals travelled by train from Vancouver to Ottawa to protest on Parliament Hill.
Give moneyIndividuals gave money to rent two trains. The trains carried people from Vancouver to Ottawa so they could take part in a protest on Parliament Hill.
Bring foodAt stops along the way, individuals brought food and gifts for the train passengers to help them on their journey.
Bring leaders togetherHundreds of chiefs and elders held the first All Canada Chiefs Assembly. They came from all provinces and territories except Alberta. They met to work together on constitutional issues.
Set up an action committeeInuit created the Inuit Committee on National Issues. The committee was created to share Inuit views on Canada’s constitution with the government and others.
Create a new national organizationThe National Indian Brotherhood changed the way it was organized. It then became the Assembly of First Nations.
Take it to the worldFirst Nations leaders travelled to Britain and Europe. They also spoke at the United Nations Assembly. The leaders wanted to tell an international audience about their cause.
Make it visibleAbout 1,000 First Nations protesters travelled from Vancouver to Ottawa on a train called the “Constitution Express.” The trip attracted a lot of attention.
Talk to the mediaWhen the “Constitution Express” train arrived in Ottawa, First Nations activists spoke with journalists. The journalists then told the public about Aboriginal rights.
Build community awarenessThe Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs organized workshops across British Columbia. The workshops gave information about First Nations rights and treaty issues.
Make presentationsFirst Nations, Métis and Inuit groups gave presentations to the Canadian politicians who were working on the Constitution.
Meet with the Governor GeneralNoel Starblanket, National Chief of the National Indian Brotherhood, met with the Governor General of Canada.
Petition the QueenFirst Nations Chiefs took a petition to Queen Elizabeth. The petition asked Queen Elizabeth and the British government to delay patriating the Constitution.
Discuss with Canadian decision makersFirst Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders met with politicians and government officials. They met to talk about their concerns with how the Constitution was worded.