🌍 Indigenous Leaders Research Template
Unit 5: Global Indigenous Solidarity
"Ko te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata. Ko te pae tata, whakamaua kia tīna."
Seek out distant horizons and cherish those you attain. - Recognizing the global Indigenous leaders who inspire us
📋 Your Research Mission
Goal: Research a contemporary Indigenous leader from anywhere in the world and share their story of resistance, resilience, and rangatiratanga.
🇧🇷 Brazil
Chief Raoni Metuktire
Amazon rainforest defender
🇺🇸 USA
Winona LaDuke
Environmental activist
🇦🇺 Australia
Noel Pearson
Land rights advocate
🇳🇿 Aotearoa
Dame Whina Cooper
Land march leader
🇨🇦 Canada
Buffy Sainte-Marie
Musician & activist
🇵🇪 Peru
Máxima Acuña
Land defender
Or choose your own! Research any contemporary Indigenous leader who inspires you.
1️⃣ Basic Information
Leader's Name: _______________________________________________________________
Indigenous Nation/People: _______________________________________________________________
Country/Region: _______________________________________________________________
Birth Year (if known): _______________________________________________________________
2️⃣ Their Struggle & Focus Area
What issue or cause does this leader champion?
Main Issue: (e.g., land rights, language revitalization, climate justice, water protection)
Why is this issue important to their people?
3️⃣ Actions & Achievements
What has this leader done to make change?
Key Actions: (e.g., protests, legal battles, community organizing, international advocacy)
Major Achievements or Victories:
4️⃣ Challenges & Opposition
What obstacles have they faced?
Who or what opposes them? (e.g., governments, corporations, systemic racism)
Personal sacrifices or risks they've taken:
5️⃣ Global Solidarity & Connections
How does their work connect to other Indigenous movements?
Connections to Māori or other Indigenous struggles:
International support or partnerships:
6️⃣ Personal Reflection
What inspires you most about this leader?
What can we learn from their example?
How might their work influence your own actions?
🎤 Preparing Your Presentation (5 minutes)
Presentation Checklist:
- ☐ Introduce your leader and their people
- ☐ Explain the issue they're fighting for
- ☐ Share 2-3 key actions or achievements
- ☐ Describe challenges they've faced
- ☐ Make connections to other Indigenous movements
- ☐ Explain what inspires you about them
- ☐ Include images or visuals (optional)
📚 Your Sources
Where did you find your information? List at least 3 credible sources.
Source 1: _______________________________________________________________
Source 2: _______________________________________________________________
Source 3: _______________________________________________________________
👩🏫 Teacher Notes
Learning Outcomes:
- Research skills and critical source evaluation
- Understanding of global Indigenous solidarity movements
- Recognition of contemporary Indigenous leaders and their struggles
- Connections between local and global Indigenous issues
- Oral presentation skills
Extension Ideas:
- Create a class "Hall of Indigenous Heroes" wall display
- Write a letter of support to the leader or their organization
- Research how to take action on the issue locally
- Compare leadership styles across different Indigenous cultures
Curriculum Links: Social Studies (L5-6), English (research & presentation), Te Ao Māori (Indigenous connections)