Many teachers across BC are looking for ways to weave Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into their daily classroom experiences. As we design mathematics learning experiences for our students, we can draw upon an understanding of First Peoples Principles of Learning and enact these principles in the learning experiences we plan for our students. These principles can be used to inform instructional and assessment decisions throughout the school year. At other times, and during relevant units of study, we may embed authentic experiences connecting Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices to mathematics.

Please note that in the BC mathematics curriculum there are two specific learning standards that focus on Indigenous connections. These are curricular competency learning standards that develop across K-12:

• Engage in problem-solving experiences that are connected to place, story, cultural practices, and perspectives relevant to local First Peoples communities, the local community, and other cultures
• Incorporate First Peoples worldviews and perspectives to make connections to mathematical concepts

In consultation with FNESC, the curriculum writing team decided to have two curricular competency learning standards in every grade the included Indigenous connections, instead of including content standards with Indigenous connections that are contrived, forced, or inauthentic. The elaborations in the mathematics curriculum are meant as suggestions and the Indigenous connections provided often are very specific to a local context. For example, “birch bark biting” is not a cultural practice in coastal First Nations but is provided as an example. Local contexts and practices are intended to be used and many of the resources below will provide ideas for mathematics lessons and units of study with Indigenous connections.

Begin by contacting and collaborating with your school or district’s Indigenous education staff. Many schools and districts have Indigenous support workers, teachers, cultural interpreters and elders that are available for consultation and collaboration or will be able to guide you in making local connections.