A new cache of online resource material will help teachers and students to better appreciate and understand the societal contributions of Alberta's First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) peoples.

"We are pleased to launch this valuable learning material as it adds a rich dimension to Alberta's curriculum," says Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk. "Teachers will have historically accurate and culturally authentic information which they can share with their students."

Walking Together: First Nations, Métis and Inuit Perspectives in Curriculum, was developed by education experts, elders and respected knowledge keepers from FNMI peoples within the province, including the University of Lethbridge.

Post-secondary institutions anticipate the resource will help both new and experienced teachers to impart Aboriginal content and perspectives into teaching and learning. Ramona Bighead, a contributor to the resource and an instructor at the Uof L, will be using the information in her course for first- and second-year education students.

"There are 12 topic areas. Each of my students will become experts in one of the topic areas and present their responses to the rest of the class," says Bighead. "The Observing Classroom Practice sections throughout the resource provide excellent examples of teachers who are successfully implementing and infusing FNMI ways of knowing into their current classroom practice."

Previews of the resource have received very positive reviews from FNMI contributors and community members.

"A new generation of learning will take place in our schools; students will experience the infusion of FNMI culture and perspectives into their curriculum with this new support available to their educators," says Judy Louis, a contributor to the resource and a member of the Samson Cree Nation. "For example, when teachers and students learn about and apply FNMI oral tradition concepts and skills, they become more proficient in story writing."