B1. Diversity and Identity
Specific Expectations
B1.1
analyse ways in which Indigenous identity and diversity may be defined, affirmed, or denied, drawing on evidence from a variety of cultures to support their conclusions (e.g., with reference to citizenship or membership in an Indigenous community; Indigenous ways of life; rights to traditional territories and natural resources; internationally and legally sanctioned definitions; efforts to increase visibility and representation through non-governmental organizations and/or at international forums)
- Why hasn’t the United Nations adopted an official definition of Indigenous peoples? What criteria for understanding the diversity of the world’s Indigenous peoples are outlined in the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989?
- Why do some Indigenous individuals and communities prefer the term ‘ethnic group’ or ‘nation’ instead of ‘tribe’?
- What terms do the Indigenous peoples of Nepal use to refer to their nationalities? Why is it important for these peoples to be recognized as distinct in international treaties and conventions?
- Drawing on your knowledge of various ways in which Indigenous identity been legislated, such as by registered status or blood quantum, do you think that legal definitions support or undermine Indigenous identity? What evidence has influenced your opinion?
B1.2
identify a range of Indigenous peoples around the world (e.g., Sami in northern Europe; Karen in Thailand; Māori in Aotearoa [New Zealand]; Enawene Nawe in Brazil; Madhesi in Nepal; Yurakaré in Bolivia; Inuit in the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska; Yupik in Alaska and Siberia; Ainu in Japan; Aymara in various regions of South America), and analyse some historical, social, and/or political factors to determine how they have shaped and continue to shape the identities of these diverse populations
- After researching Aymara communities in several countries, do you think there is a cohesive Aymara culture or several diverse Aymara cultures? What evidence can you give? In what ways has European colonization affected Aymara identity or identities?
- How has the adoption by the Japanese parliament of a resolution to officially recognize Ainu as Indigenous people ‘who have their own language, religion, and culture’ shaped national understanding of historical discrimination against the Ainu? What current social factors help or obstruct efforts to keep Ainu culture and traditions alive?
B1.3
compare the sociocultural/socio-political practices of Indigenous peoples in several different regions of the world to identify similarities and differences in the world views that these practices reflect and express (e.g., with reference to the transmission of cultural heritage, social relations and observances, economic organization and practices, political structures and governance approaches, relationships with the environment, approaches to health and wellness)
- What are some similarities and differences between Māori health practices in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Polynesian health practices in Hawai’i? What do you think these similarities and differences reveal about the world views of these peoples? In what ways do you think colonial experiences have shaped the differences?
- How do the political structures of the Indigenous peoples of mainland Australia compare with those of Torres Strait Islanders? What connections can you make between these approaches to governance and world view?
