By Bill Zuk and Don Bergland
The Art First Nations program is an instructional resource to assist both intermediate art specialists and teachers who wish to complement their art program and incorporate Native aboriginal studies into the general curriculum. It highlights visual art that is being innovated by aboriginal artists throughout North America and focuses on ways important cultural beliefs and values are being renewed through visual expression. Through an exploration of these ideas, students will understand the ways First Nations artists share their identity, beliefs, and values in today’s world. They are encouraged to examine their own experiences and produce artwork that reflects innovation.
- Emphasis is on the artistic innovation of First Nations artists in five major geographical and cultural areas in North America: Southwest, Arctic, Eastern Woodlands, Plains and Basin, and Northwest Coast;
- Concepts of tradition and innovation are examined through a comparative picture approach;
- Uses a structure which emphasizes the skills and techniques associated to seeing and making art;
- Presents themes based on both traditional and contemporary aboriginal views, which foster positive, caring attitudes and values towards others and towards the Earth and all its creatures;
- Develops students’ abilities to work in the manner of innovative artists and explore ideas through their own personal visions and outlooks;
- Offers numerous extension activities integrating concepts and ideas beyond basic assignments.
Teacher’s Guide
The Teacher’s Guide includes step-by-step lesson plans incorporating critical inquiry, hands-on activities, vocabulary, assessment, biographical and cultural information, and numerous enrichment activities, which integrate creative writing, research, visual and performing arts, and social studies.
The set includes:
- 20 Fine Art Reproductions 18″ x 22 3/4″ (45.8 cm x 56.5 cm);
- A comprehensive Teacher’s Guide;
- A sturdy carrying case with handle.
List of reproductions you will find in your First Nations Intermediate Kit:
AFN 21 Anonymous, Hopi Dance Wand
AFN 22 Hardin, Helen, Recurrence of the Spiritual Elements
AFN 23 Anonymous, Bowl
AFN 24 House, Conrad, Layered Nights
AFN 25 Anonymous, Eskimo Mask
AFN 26 Kiokan, Edward, Loon Mask
AFN 27 Anonymous, Cluster of Faces
AFN 28 Akpaliapik, Manasie, Respecting the Circle
AFN 29 Anonymous, Ojibway Drum
AFN 30 Beardy, Jackson, Rebirth
AFN 31 Anonymous, Odawa Bag with Three Headed Bird
AFN 32 Odjig, Daphne, The Indian in Transition
AFN 33 Anonymous, Cheyenne Buffalo Robe
AFN 34 Qimmiqsak, Bosin, Blackbear, Prairie Fire
AFN 35 Anonymous, Arapaho Buffalo Skull
AFN 36 Poitras, Edward, As Snow before the Summer Sun
AFN 37 Anonymous, Tsimshian Chest
AFN 38 Vickers, Roy Henry, The Fisherman
AFN 39 Anonymous, Haida Argilite Panel Pipe
AFN 40 Reid, Haida Gold Box
